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Helicopter Firefighting Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

$126K/yr

OR rotorcraft helicopter and instrument. Appropriate U.S. military ratings may be substituted ... law enforcement or firefighting position, or equivalent experience outside of the Federal ...

$126K/yr

OR rotorcraft helicopter and instrument. Appropriate U.S. military ratings may be substituted ... law enforcement or firefighting position, or equivalent experience outside of the Federal ...

Helicopter Firefighting information

See Georgia salary details

$50.2K

$81.4K

$86.5K

How much do helicopter firefighting jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for helicopter firefighting in Georgia is $81,396.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,200.00 and $83,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

What job categories do people searching Helicopter Firefighting jobs in Georgia look for? The top searched job categories for Helicopter Firefighting jobs in Georgia are:
What cities in Georgia are hiring for Helicopter Firefighting jobs? Cities in Georgia with the most Helicopter Firefighting job openings:
Infographic showing various Helicopter Firefighting job openings in Georgia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,396 per year, or $39.1 per hour.
Air Interdiction Agent (CDI)

$126K/yr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New


U.S. Customs and Border Protection rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

121st of 693 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Training and Development, Air and Marine Operations Academy located in Glynco, GA.
Additional selections may be made to include other organizational divisions and/or units within the duty location(s) listed above.Qualifications:Basic Qualification Requirements:
  1. A current FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with the following ratings: airplane, single engine and multi-engine land and instrument; OR rotorcraft helicopter and instrument. Appropriate U.S. military ratings may be substituted. Other certificates that meet or exceed the requirements of the Commercial Pilot Certificate are also acceptable (e.g., an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate).
  2. A current FAA Class II Medical Certificate is acceptable for applicants who currently occupy Customs and Border Protection Air Interdiction Agent positions. For initial entry or re-entry into the occupation, a current FAA Class II Medical Certificate is acceptable for application purposes; however you MUST have a Class I by the time of your interview.
  3. A documented log reflecting a minimum of 1500 hours total flight time, 75 hours instrument, 75 hours night, and 250 hours pilot-in-command.
AND
You qualify for the GS-13 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:
  • Conducting air patrol/ surveillance and pursuit activities related to the interdiction of contraband
  • Performing enforcement operations from aircraft including sign cutting and international boundary security operations
  • Developing a strategy to affect a successful interdiction of conveyances particularly aircraft, vessels and people.
  • Developing aviation policies and programs.
NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional resume requirements.
Secondary LEO Covered Position: This position meets the eligibility criteria for law enforcement officer (LEO) retirement under both the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS). To qualify for secondary retirement coverage, you must move directly from a primary/rigorous position to a secondary LEO position (without a break in service exceeding three days) and have completed three years of service in a primary/rigorous position, and, if applicable, have been continuously employed in a secondary position(s) since moving from a primary/rigorous position, without a break in service exceeding three days.
Mandatory Prerequisite for Secondary Administrative LEO Retirement Covered Position: This position has been identified as Administrative, that is, an executive, managerial, technical, semiprofessional, or professional position for which experience in a primary/rigorous law enforcement or firefighting position, or equivalent experience outside of the Federal government is a mandatory prerequisite,

as defined by 5 CFR 831.902 (CSRS) and 5 CFR 842.802 (FERS).

Note: if you currently serve in a permanent Secondary LEO Retirement covered position, you are exempt from this mandatory prerequisite
Firearms Requirement: This position requires that the incumbent meet initial and continuing qualifications in the use of firearms as outlined in the Gun Control Act of 1968, amended by the Lautenberg Amendment of 1996. An applicant whose background includes any of the following will be ineligible for consideration: 1) convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year; 2) has any outstanding warrants or is a fugitive from justice; 3) unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance; 4) adjudicated as a mental defective or has been committed to a mental institution; 5) illegally or unlawfully in the United States; 6) renounced U. S. citizenship; 7) subject to a court-ordered restraining (protection) order from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner (spouse, former spouse, parent of applicant's child, individual who cohabitates or has cohabitated with the applicant), or child; or 8) convicted under Federal, State, or Tribal Court of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence against an intimate partner or child.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
You must:
  • Meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process; and
  • Meet all applicable Time in Grade requirements (current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band in the federal service) by 07/23/2026.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
Background Investigation: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment in order to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity. During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges, the use of illegal drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy), and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances including any experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances. For additional information on the preemployment process, review the following link: Applicant Resources | CBP Careers
Polygraph Examination: CBP has the authority to conduct a polygraph for the Air Interdiction Agent (CDI) position, however, at this time a polygraph is not a pre-employment requirement. If CBP decides to implement the polygraph as a pre-employment requirement while you are in the hiring process, CBP will notify you and provide additional information.
Polygraph Examination: The Air Interdiction Agent (CDI) position is a polygraph-required position. If you are not a current CBP employee in a law enforcement position, you may be required to take a polygraph exam and have favorable results in order to continue in the pre-employment process. Please see Polygraph Examination.
Polygraph Reciprocity: CBP may accept the results of a prior federal polygraph exam in lieu of a CBP polygraph exam. You will receive information to request reciprocity in your Background Investigation Package.
Polygraph Waiver: Certain veterans may be eligible to obtain a polygraph waiver. You will receive information to request a waiver in your Background Investigation Package.Education:
Employment Type: OTHER

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About U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

U.S. Customs and Border Protection serves and protects America with a workforce of more than 60,000 law enforcement and support professionals. We're united by our mission to guard our borders from threats and illicit activities while facilitating legitimate trade and travel.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Year founded

2003