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Helicopter Firefighting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 crews Work Environment - Field-based operations in dynamic and remote environments - Exposure to noise, dust, fumes, and varying ...

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

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Helicopter Firefighting information

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$59.5K

$96.4K

$102.5K

How much do helicopter firefighting jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for helicopter firefighting in the United States is $96,397.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,500.00 and $98,500.00 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.
More about Helicopter Firefighting jobs
What cities are hiring for Helicopter Firefighting jobs? Cities with the most Helicopter Firefighting job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Helicopter Firefighting jobs? The most popular types of Helicopter Firefighting jobs are:
What states have the most Helicopter Firefighting jobs? States with the most job openings for Helicopter Firefighting jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Helicopter Firefighting jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Helicopter Firefighting jobs are:
Infographic showing various Helicopter Firefighting job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,397 per year, or $46.3 per hour.
Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Wildland Fire Operations Technician)

Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Wildland Fire Operations Technician)

US Department of the Interior

Cedarville, CA • On-site

$78K/yr

Other

Posted 13 days ago


U.S. Department Of The Interior rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

305th of 660 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

This is a Direct-Hire advertisement. Veterans preference is not applicable to this advertisement. Learn more about this authority at: Direct Hire Authority

This Supervisory Wildland Firefighter position is with the US Wildland Fire Service, GW-0456-10 working in the following location(s):

  • Alturas, California
  • Cedarville, California
  • Doyle, California
  • Susanville, California
Qualifications:

Selective Placement Factor(s): This position requires a special qualification that has been determined to be essential to perform the duties and will be used as a screen out element. Those who do not provide evidence they possess the following selective factor(s) will be rated not qualified.
Prior on-the-line firefighting: This experience must be clearly documented in your resume with specific to and from dates, description of work performed, and hours worked per week in order to be considered. This is an administrative position in an organization having a firefighting mission and is in an established career path. Prior firefighting experience, as gained by substantial service in a primary firefighter position or equivalent experience outside the Federal Government is a MANDATORY PREREQUISITE for incumbents of this position.
Candidates must possess substantial wildland firefighting experience, gained through fire line work in containment, control, suppression or use of wildland fire. Substantial experience is considered one fire season, which is typically 90 days in duration. The Department of the Interior defines wildland firefighting experience as any non-structure fire that occurs in the wildland. Wildland firefighting experience is gained through work on the fire line in containment, control, suppression or use of wildland fire. This experience can be met by serving in a temporary, seasonal, or equivalent private sector fire position. Wildland fires are categorized into two distinct types: (1) Wildfires - Unplanned ignitions or prescribed fires that are declared wildfires; and (2) Prescribed Fires - Planned ignitions. This description includes only fireline experience on a Prescribed Fire; it does not include experience in the planning stages. Prescribed fire experience must be supplemented by fire suppression experience in order to be creditable as previous wildland firefighting experience.

This position has been identified as one of the key fire management positions under the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Standard. This position has been categorized as a (Wildland Fire Operations Technician - High Complexity) and requires selectee to meet the minimum qualification standards for IFPM prior to being placed into the position. Detailed information regarding IFPM positions can be found here: Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM). To meet IFPM requirements, you must have possessed all of the following National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) incident management qualifications and training requirements to be considered eligible for this position (currency not required at time of referral, but may be required to obtain and maintain currency if selected):

  • Pathways #1: Division/Group Supervisor (DIVS) and Incident Commander Type 3 (ICT3) or Prescribed Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2)
  • Pathways #2: Air Support Group Supervisor (ASGS) and Incident Commander Type 3 (ICT3)

Minimum Qualification
If you are a current or former federal employee who served in a competitive or excepted appointment, your resume must show that you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-08 grade level equivalent in difficulty and complexity as indicated by the following examples:
Leading a wildland fire module in the suppression of wildland fire incidents, such as: Handcrew: locating fireline and directing fireline construction, backfiring and burnout operations, engine and pump operations, brush clearing, tree falling and holding/patrol/mop up operations; Prescribed Fire: monitoring fire behavior, fire effects, and fire weather; collecting fire data such as fuel loading, tree stand density, fuel moisture, map projects, weather, and records maintenance; Engine: operating a wildland fire engine directing the correct positioning, starting, priming, and adjusting pump valves, hose, nozzles and adjusting additives; Helitack: directing the loading of helicopter, flight manifests, preparing and hooking long line loads.
If you have never been or are NOT a current federal employee who served in a competitive or excepted appointment, your resume must show that you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in difficulty and complexity as indicated by the following examples: Assisting in the supervision of a wildland fire module described above, assisting in the day to-day planning of work assignments and distribution of work, determining preparedness and suppression needs, facilitating procurement, formulating and preparing project plans for the module; managing inventory and assigning property; ensuring safe operation of tools and equipment; determining training needs; determining best tactical method of fire suppression, tools and methods to use; maintaining records and reports on crew hours and movements and history of action taken on fires; determining probable causes of fire and preserves evidence.

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.

Secondary Firefighter Retirement Coverage - Applicants for this secondary administrative fire fighter position under the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8336 (c) (CSRS) and 5 U.S.C. 8412 (d), must possess knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of wildland firefighting as demonstrated by direct wildland firefighting experience. In order to receive credit, you must provide a written description of your experience in wildland firefighting. Education without hands-on wildland firefighting experience does not meet this requirement. Periods of wildland firefighting experience, gained through militia and rural fire departments, can also be credited. Wildland fire is defined as any non-structure fire that occurs in the wildland. Two distinct types of wildland fire have been defined and include wildfire and prescribed fires as follows: Wildfire: Unplanned ignitions or prescribed fires that are declared wildfires. Prescribed Fires: Planned ignitions. This description includes only fire line experience on a Prescribed Fire; it does not include experience in the planning stages. Prescribed fire experience must be supplemented by fire suppression experience in order to be creditable as previous wildland firefighting experience.

Physical Demands: Arduous exertion for protracted periods of time such as, but not limited to, extensive running, walking, climbing, kneeling, stooping, pulling hoses, jumping and twisting, prolonged standing, walking over uneven ground, and recurring bending, reaching, lifting and carrying of items weighing over 50 pounds and shared lifting and carrying of heavier items, and similar activities requiring at least average agility and dexterity.
Working Conditions: Forest, range, and desert environments in steep terrain where surfaces may be extremely uneven, rocky, covered with thick tangled vegetation, smoky conditions, etc. Temperatures commonly exceed 100 degrees F and may fall below freezing. Risks include smoke inhalation, fire entrapment, snake or insect bites and stings, exposure to excessive machinery noise, and falling and rolling material. Employee must adjust and cope with exposure to weather elements, dust and smoke, poor bivouac and eating situations under an unpredictable set of circumstances. Firefighters may be required to live in backcountry camps for extended periods of time. The hazardous nature of the work requires that personal protective equipment be worn (e.g., boots, hard hat, gloves, flame resistant clothing). Work may require travel by fixed-wing or rotor-wing aircraft.

Education:Education may not be used to qualify for this position.Employment Type: OTHER

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