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Helicopter Firefighting Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

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Helicopter Firefighting information

See Florida salary details

$44.5K

$72K

$76.6K

How much do helicopter firefighting jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for helicopter firefighting in Florida is $72,037.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,600.00 and $73,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying helicopter job?

The highest paying helicopter firefighting jobs are typically with government agencies or private companies involved in aerial firefighting operations, especially those requiring advanced pilot certifications and experience. Senior pilots or those in supervisory roles can earn significantly higher salaries, often exceeding $100,000 annually depending on the region and employer.

Is 30 too old to be a fireman?

For helicopter firefighting roles, age limits vary by agency but many accept applicants up to their mid-30s or early 40s if they meet physical fitness and experience requirements. Physical endurance, firefighting certifications, and medical evaluations are essential, and older applicants often bring valuable experience. Age alone is not typically a disqualifier if the candidate maintains the necessary fitness and skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Helicopter Firefighting position, and why are they important?

To excel in Helicopter Firefighting, you need a strong background in aviation, emergency response, and firefighting procedures, often requiring a commercial pilot’s license and specialized fire suppression training. Familiarity with helicopter avionics, water-dropping systems, and safety protocols is crucial, along with certifications such as FAA ratings and wildfire firefighting courses. Superior teamwork, situational awareness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential soft skills in this demanding field. These qualifications ensure operational safety, effective fire suppression, and the ability to respond rapidly to changing wildfire conditions.

What is a Helicopter Firefighting job?

A helicopter firefighting job involves piloting or assisting in aerial operations to combat wildfires and other large-scale fires. These professionals use helicopters to drop water or fire retardant, transport firefighters and equipment, and conduct reconnaissance of fire-prone areas. Pilots and crew members must have specialized training in wildfire behavior, aviation safety, and emergency response. The job requires physical endurance, quick decision-making, and adherence to strict safety protocols. Helicopter firefighting is a critical part of wildfire management and often demands long hours in challenging conditions.

What are the typical challenges faced by helicopter firefighting crews?

Helicopter firefighting crews often work in rapidly changing and hazardous environments, facing challenges such as unpredictable weather, limited visibility due to smoke, and difficult terrain for navigation. Team members must coordinate closely with ground firefighting teams and follow precise communication protocols for safety and mission success. Long shifts, physical demands, and heightened stress levels during active wildfire seasons are also common. However, many find the role deeply rewarding due to its critical impact on protecting communities and natural resources.

Is 28 too late to be a firefighter?

For helicopter firefighting roles, being 28 is generally not too late to start a career, as many firefighters and specialized pilots begin training in their late 20s or later. Physical fitness, relevant certifications, and experience are important factors, and age requirements vary by agency. Candidates should check specific agency policies and focus on obtaining necessary training such as firefighting and aviation certifications.

What is the highest paying firefighting job?

In firefighting, helicopter firefighting roles such as helicopter pilots or aerial firefighting supervisors tend to be among the highest paid positions due to specialized skills and certifications required. These roles often offer higher salaries compared to ground firefighting positions, especially in regions with frequent large-scale wildfires or where aerial suppression is heavily utilized.
What job categories do people searching Helicopter Firefighting jobs in Florida look for? The top searched job categories for Helicopter Firefighting jobs in Florida are:
Air Rescue Helicopter Pilot

$181K/yr

Other

Posted 19 days ago


Broward County Sheriff's Office rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 34 rated police


Job description

Minimum Requirements The base salary for this position is $110,717.00. The $181,999.00 salary listed above includes applicable supplemental compensation, including EMT Certification pay (5%), Special Operations pay (5.5%), and Fire Rescue Aviation supplemental pay. ***** The earning potential for this position, depending on qualifications, certifications, and assignment, is up to $181,999.00 within the first year of employment

***** This gross total does not include educational incentive pay for which an incumbent may be eligible. High school diploma or equivalent Possession of a Rotorcraft-Helicopter Commercial and Instrument rated license Possession of an FAA First or Second Class Medical certificate 2500 total flight hours with a minimum of 2000 hours in category 1500 hours Pilot-In-Command (PIC) in category 1000 hours rotorcraft turbine time of which 500 is twin engine time 500 hours cross-country flight time, at least 50 hours of which were at night 200 hours unaided night as PIC (100 hours of unaided can be substituted for by NVG, but cannot be reduced below 100 hours of unaided time) 75 hours of actual or simulated instrument time in flight category (simulator time only counts if it is a certified Level D FSTD) Possession and maintenance of a valid Florida driver's license throughout employment without restrictions that may affect job performance. Maintain a State of Florida or National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) license.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE >3500 total rotorcraft-helicopter flight hours >2000 total PIC in category 500 hours NVG experience 14CFR 135 Helicopter Air Ambulance experience Certified Flight Instructor and Certified Flight Instructor Instrument Certificate Airline Transport Pilot Certificate EC135/EC145 experience Nature of Work Under administrative direction, the purpose of the position is to perform flight operations within the Aviation Division of the Sheriff's Office Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services. Employees in this classification are certified public safety employees. Position operates as the pilot in command for multi engine helicopters in response to a variety of emergency and fire rescue missions.

Position provides assistance with on-the-scene emergency medical care. Work involves an element of personal danger and employees must be able to act without direct supervision, utilizing initiative, and discretion in response to emergency circumstances. Performs related work as directed.

Essential Functions/Physical Requirements The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

As the pilot in command, operates rotary-wing aircraft in response to fire rescue scene calls, inter-facility transports and search and rescue missions and/or assist people in distress. Complies with Federal Aviation Regulations and Air Traffic Control procedures. Conducts all flight operations in compliance with the FARs, the aircraft flight manual, BSO General Operations Manual, Operations Specifications, and BSOFR policies/procedures.

Transports victims, patients, equipment, and medical personnel; ensures that the aircraft and weather conditions are flightworthy to transport medical crew and patients to and from medical facilities. Performs aerial firefighting operations. Conducts Rescue Hoist operations.

Ensures full and proper completion of all flight/maintenance logs, load manifest forms, Record of Airman Flight and Duty Time Sheets, Risk Assessments, and the securing of the aircraft at the completion of the flight. Ensures proper briefing of passengers per 14 CFR 135.117. Passenger briefings Performs all pre-flight, in-flight and post flight checks in accordance with federal, state, and local laws

Conducts detailed flight plans with little notice; ensures proper fueling and operations readiness of aircraft at all times. Performs aircraft cleaning; keeps the aircraft exterior clean and assists in keeping the base of operations presentable. Cockpit cleanliness and organization are the sole responsibility of the pilot.

Will facilitate washes and rinse of aircraft when required as per pilot maintenance procedures described here in BSO General Operations Manual. Performs station duties as assigned by the Chief Pilot. Completes all training and qualification events required to maintain currency as dictated in 14 CFR Part 135.

Conduct training flights to enhance air operations, safety, efficiency, and coordination with other units, when assigned performs flight instructor training and safety duties. Maintains current knowledge of local geography and roadway networks. Ensures that a shift change briefing is conducted with the pilot going off duty, with medical personnel, and with the communications center.

These briefings will include, but are not limited to; aircraft status, interrupted flights, hazards map updates, forecast and current weather, medical interior issues, pending missions (PR's, training, medical), ride along, sterile cockpit, and any other pertinent information as appropriate. Completes all flight assignments in a safe and professional manner. The Pilot in Command is responsible for assuring that all crewmembers assigned to their aircraft make safety the number one priority in all activities.

Actively participates in the continuous improvement phase of BSOFRs Safety Management System (SMS). Submits 'Hazard/Incident Report' to Chief Pilot and Director of Operations. Report submission criteria include but are not limited to, diverting for weather, bird strikes, mechanical discrepancies, CRM conflicts, and all events regarding safety of flight.

Maintains positive customer relations. Performs basic life support first aid emergencies. Assists paramedics in patient care as directed.

Responsible for maintaining their qualifications in keeping with the requirements outlined in the FARs, the BSOFR Training Manual, and this General Operations Manual for their assigned position. To include but not limited to night currency IAW FAR 135.247 Performs related duties as directed, Aviation Life Support Equipment Officer, Safety Officer, Instructor Pilot, Check Airman, Chief Pilot, Director of Operations. Tasks involve the intermittent performance of moderately physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling, or crouching, and that may involve the lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (20-50 pounds)

May require occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of heavier objects. Most tasks are performed in flight where proper provisions are in place in terms of employee security and protection. Due to the nature of aerial operations, tasks include potential for intermittent exposure to disagreeable elements consistent with inclement weather, high wind speeds, and equipment stress.

Due to rotorcraft weight limitations, employee must not exceed a 220 pound weight limit with flight suit and boots. Some tasks include working around moving parts, light to moderate weight motor equipment, and materials handling where physical risks are predictable and/or controllable by observance of standard safety precautions. Broward Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Broward Sheriff's Office will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Recruitment Information Applicants who qualify will be subject to an extensive selection process and screening program, which may include, but not be limited to evaluation of training and experience; written test; computer based test; interview; polygraph examination; psychological evaluation; employment record, fingerprint and background check; medical examination; and drug screen. The expected duration of the selection process varies by position and could last 10 to 12 weeks.

Reapplication will be determined on a case-by-case basis. BSO is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, citizenship status, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. Veterans' preference per Florida law.

If you encounter issues with your application and need technical assistance, please contact Applicant Support (GovernmentJobs.com) from 9 am to 9 pm EST, Monday - Friday. You can reach them by phone at 855-524-5627 or email support@governmentjobs.com. Once you successfully submit your application, you will receive a confirmation e-mail

If you do not receive this e-mail, please contact Applicant Support for any inquiries.