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Helicopter Firefighting Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Act as PIC or Co-pilot of S-70 (UH-60L) Black Hawk helicopter in firefighting operations both day and night and other missions as required by the company. * Conduct aerial work operations such as ...

Blackhawk Pilot

Mcminnville, OR · On-site

$108K - $162K/yr

Act as PIC or Co-pilot of S-70 (UH-60L) Black Hawk helicopter in firefighting operations both day and night and other missions as required by the company. * Conduct aerial work operations such as ...

Blackhawk Mechanic

Mcminnville, OR · On-site

$90K - $135K/yr

Formal 15T UH 60 Utility Helicopter Repairer training * Experience supporting utility, firefighting, or company aviation operations * FAA Inspection Authorization (IA) * Experience supporting ...

... firefighting or utility helicopter experience - Experience supervising crew and copilots Work Environment - Field-based operations in dynamic and remote environments - Exposure to noise, dust, fumes ...

CH47 Flight Mechanic

Portland, OR · On-site

$30.50 - $40/hr

Operate helicopter role equipment, including external rescue hoists, mapping tools, cameras, and aerial firefighting systems such as fixed water tanks, hydraulic snorkels, buckets, and sling loads.

B205A1++ Fire/Utility Pilot

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$21.75 - $29.75/hr

About Hillsboro Aviation Founded in 1980, Hillsboro Aviation offers complete helicopter and ... aerial firefighting, natural resource surveys, film/photo/news, and heli-skiing. Our fleet is ...

Fleet Aircraft Mechanic

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$26.50 - $33.75/hr

... aerial firefighting, natural resource surveys, film/photo/news, and heli-skiing. Our fleet is ... Inspection and repair of helicopter and components according to the highest standards of the FAR ...

Helicopter Firefighting information

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 are popular job titles related to Helicopter Firefighting jobs in Oregon? For Helicopter Firefighting jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Helicopter Firefighting jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Helicopter Firefighting jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Helicopter Firefighting jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Helicopter Firefighting job openings:
Infographic showing various Helicopter Firefighting job openings in Oregon as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Blackhawk Pilot

$108K - $162K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Weyerhaeuser rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 18 rated forestry and logging companies


Job description

Weyerhaeuser is seeking a Blackhawk pilot based out of McMinnville, Oregon providing helicopter services to Weyerhaeuser Timberlands in Oregon and Washington. Some operations require travel away from McMinnville, travel expenses provided. Most operations are conducted locally. Schedule is balanced to meet customer demand and personal needs. We manage our flight hours per year, with safety and work life balance in mind, to allow for paid time in accordance with company policies.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Act as PIC or Co-pilot of S-70 (UH-60L) Black Hawk helicopter in firefighting operations both day and night and other missions as required by the company.

  • Conduct aerial work operations such as Aerial Fire Suppression, Dispensing operations, External load, Reconnaissance.

  • Be able to work on a roster away from home base for extended periods at a time at short notice.

  •  Willing to fly other aircraft types if qualified and as required by the company.

  • Devote time to group or self-study of aircraft systems, EP's, etc. and be available for training and check-flights as required by FAA/USFS and Weyerhaeuser.

  • Maintain written and computerized flight logs and records.

  • Ensure all flights, operations and other work follow FAA Regulations, Company Manuals, policies and Weyerhaeuser SOP's and are achieved safely, effectively and efficiently.

  • Maintains state of readiness for dispatch to emergency and non-emergency operations; or to any other assigned locations as required by the company at short notice.

  • Perform any other duties during scheduled shift as requested by Aviation Operations Manager (aka Director of Operations) or Chief Pilot (aka Head of flying Operations).

  • Relocate to Northwest Oregon area with the ability to report to the McMinnville Oregon base (approximately within ~60 minutes) for daily duties.
  • Commercial Rotorcraft Pilot Certificate with Instrument (Helicopter) rating
  • 3,000 total rotarywing flight hours
  • 1,000 hours Part 133 sling load / external load operations
  • Minimum 3 years / 500 hours in aerial work operations, including firefighting
  • Class II FAA Medical Certificate
  • Crew Resource Management (CRM) training
  • Ability to obtain USDA Firefighting Carding for the S70
  • Willingness to fly other aircraft types if qualified and required
  • Ability to relocate to Northwest Oregon and report to the McMinnville base within ~60 minutes

Desirable Qualifications/Experience:

  • UH60/ S70 Blackhawk Type rating or current CFR 61.58

  • 100 hours UH60/ S70 Blackhawk

  • Aerial Firefighting experience in Type II (Bell 212)

What We Offer: 

Compensation: This role is eligible for our annual merit-increase program, and we are targeting a salary range of $108,521 - $162,782 based on your level of skills, qualifications and experience. You will also be eligible for our Annual Incentive Program, which offers a cash bonus targeting 15% of base pay. Potential plan funding may range from zero to two times that target.

Benefits: When you join our team, you and your dependents will be offered coverage under our comprehensive employee benefits plan, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, and life insurance.  We offer a pre-tax Health Savings Account option which includes a company contribution.  Other benefit options are also available such as voluntary Long-Term Care and Employee Assistance Programs. We also support personal volunteerism, sponsor a host of diversity networks, promote mentoring, and provide training and development opportunities to help you chart your path to a fulfilling career. 

Retirement: Employees are able to enroll in our company's 401k plan, which includes a paid company match in addition to our contribution equal to 5% of your eligible pay. 

Paid Time Off or Vacation: We provide eligible employees who are scheduled to work 25 hours or more per week with 3-weeks of paid vacation to use during your first year of employment. We also recognize eleven paid holidays per year, providing a total of 88 holiday hours and paid parental leave for all full-time employees.

About Weyerhaeuser 

We sustainably manage forests and manufacture products that make the world a better place. We're serious about safety, driven to achieve excellence, and proud of what we do. With multiple business lines in locations across North America, we offer a range of exciting career opportunities for smart, talented people who are passionate about making a difference. 

We know you have a choice in your career. We want you to choose us. 

About Timberlands

We believe trees are a remarkable resource that can and should be managed responsibly to make a range of products that meet human needs, while also providing recreation, wildlife habitat, and other important ecosystem benefits.

For more than a century, we've been taking care of forests to make life better.

Weyerhaeuser is an equal opportunity employer. Inclusion is one of our five core values and we strive to maintain a culture where all our people feel a sense of belonging, opportunity and shared purpose. We are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce and supporting an equitable and inclusive environment that inspires people of all backgrounds to join, stay and thrive with our team.


What Weyerhaeuser employees say

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About Weyerhaeuser

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Weyerhaeuser is a leading international forest products company based in Seattle, WA, US. Established in 1900, the company has grown to become one of the largest timberland owners in the world. Weyerhaeuser is deeply rooted in the forestry industry and excels in timberland management, as well as the manufacture and distribution of a diverse range of forest products. The product slate encompasses lumber, plywood, wood chips, and other wood-derived materials predominantly used in construction, cellulose fiber production, and bioenergy.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US

Year founded

1900

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