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Helitack Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Unit Fire Chief

Moab, UT · On-site

$112K/yr

At least one full fire season working in a primary wildland firefighting role (e.g., Engine Crew, Fire Effects Crew, Prescribed Fire/Fuels Crew, Hand Crew, Helitack Crew, Hotshot Crew, Smokejumper ...

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Helitack information

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How much do helitack jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for helitack in the United States is $26.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a typical work environment like for Helitack crew members?

Helitack crew members often work in challenging outdoor environments, responding to wildland fires in remote and rugged locations that are accessed primarily by helicopter. The job requires long shifts, variable hours, and adaptability to rapidly changing fire conditions, sometimes involving extended stays in field camps or mobile bases. Team members collaborate closely, relying on strong communication and trust to safely conduct aerial insertions, manage firelines, and execute emergency evacuations. Due to the dynamic nature of wildfire incidents, the role is highly team-oriented and demands both individual initiative and strict adherence to safety protocols at all times. This experience can lead to opportunities for advancement into specialized leadership or aviation roles within wildland firefighting.

What is a Helitack job?

A Helitack job involves fighting wildfires using helicopters for rapid deployment, suppression, and support. Helitack crews are specially trained to rappel from helicopters, transport personnel and equipment, and conduct water or retardant drops. They play a critical role in accessing remote fire locations quickly and effectively. These firefighters must be physically fit, capable of working in extreme conditions, and skilled in aviation safety procedures.

How to become a helitack firefighter?

To become a helitack firefighter, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, and firefighting experience or training such as completing a wildland fire training program. Certification in first aid, CPR, and specialized helicopter safety is often required, along with the ability to work in remote and challenging environments. Applying through federal or state firefighting agencies and gaining experience in wildland firefighting can improve chances of selection.

How much does a helitack crew make?

A helitack crew member's salary typically ranges from $15 to $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and agency. Firefighters in these crews often require specialized training and certifications, and may work long shifts during wildfire seasons.

What do helitack crews do?

Helitack crews are specialized firefighting teams that deploy from helicopters to suppress wildfires. They perform tasks such as initial attack, fireline construction, and providing logistical support, often working in remote or difficult terrain. Crew members typically have training in firefighting, safety protocols, and may operate tools like chainsaws and pumps.

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

To thrive as a Helitack, you need strong physical fitness, firefighting knowledge, and the ability to work safely around helicopters, typically supported by wildfire training and certifications such as S-130/S-190 (Basic Wildland Firefighting) and Helicopter Crew Member training. Familiarity with specialized equipment like chainsaws, radios, fire shelters, and helicopter safety protocols is essential. Teamwork, adaptability, and sound judgment under pressure are crucial soft skills for success in the field. These abilities ensure the safety and effectiveness of wildfire suppression operations in often hazardous and rapidly changing environments.

Is 30 too old to be a fireman?

Helitack firefighters, like other fire service roles, typically have age limits that vary by department but often accept applicants up to their 30s or 40s if they meet physical and certification requirements. Age is less restrictive than physical fitness, training, and experience, so being 30 is generally not too old to pursue a firefighting career. Candidates should check specific department policies and obtain necessary certifications such as EMT or firefighter training.
More about Helitack jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Helitack jobs? The most popular types of Helitack jobs are:
What states have the most Helitack jobs? States with the most job openings for Helitack jobs include:
Infographic showing various Helitack job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $54,791 per year, or $26.3 per hour.
Fire Operations Specialist-Aviation 2026-01817

Fire Operations Specialist-Aviation 2026-01817

State of Wyoming

Cheyenne, WY • On-site

$32.33/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


State Of Wyoming rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 50 rated states


Job description

Description and Functions Open Until Filled GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Office of State Lands and Investments, Wyoming State Forestry Division (WSFD), is seeking a Fire Operations Specialist - Aviation, to provide direct management of an exclusive use helitack program and personnel/firefighters that provides fast initial attack and large fire support, on wildland fires, and other incidents via helicopter; manages permanent and temporary helibases; provides contract administration; plans and directs helicopter operations in support of fire suppression, emergency incidents, natural disasters and resource management projects. Directs and manages crew and contract personnel on daily operations, coordinates/prioritizes training, physical fitness program, and project work on state trust land. The duty station is at the Wyoming State Forestry Division's permanent helibase located at Duncan Ranch, which is approximately six miles southeast of Glenrock, WY, an equal distance between Douglas and Casper, WY.

The ranch is comprised of a contiguous block of 6,439 acres of deeded State land with some BLM, private inholding, and Converse County Park lands. This is a working cattle ranch which lies within two mountain valleys on the northern flank of the Laramie Range. Wyoming is one of only seven states with no state income tax.

Working for the State of Wyoming offers more than a paycheck. Our total compensation package includes: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance Paid vacation, sick leave, FMLA, and holidays Retirement - Pension and 457B plans that help you build a secure future Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities and MUCH MORE. Click here for detailed information, or you can watch this short video to learn about our benefit package.

Want to see the full value of your compensation beyond salary. ?. Explore our Total Compensation Calculator: https://compensationcalculator.wyo.gov Human Resource Contact: Ryan Scheer / 307-777-8570 / ryan.scheer2@wyo.gov ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function which may be performed in the job level

Plans, coordinates, and directs helicopter support to execute wildfire, emergency response, and resource management missions. Serves as a project inspector (PI) and is designated as the field Project Inspector for the helicopter service contract assigned to the State. Performs as a helicopter specialist for the State, providing technical expertise for helicopter projects.

During initial attack, ongoing fires, other natural disasters, search and rescue, and other emergencies, may serve in the capacity of incident commander, helicopter manager, or other positions as needed or assigned. Coordinates and serves as an instructor for Wyoming State Helitack and other cooperating agency personnel in helicopter operations, wildland fire, and other related subject areas Plans work to be accomplished by subordinates, sets and adjusts short-term priorities, prepares schedules for completion of work, and approves leave. Ensures daily staffing is appropriate to ensure the highest level of response and safety.

Qualifications PREFERENCES: Preference will be given to applicants that possess a current Red Card with qualifications as a Helicopter Manager (HMGB) or Helicopter Manager trainee HMGB(T), Helibase Manager HEBM or Helibase Manager trainee with Incident Commander Type IV (ICT4) per NWCG 310-1, June 2013 minimum standard. KNOWLEDGE: Knowledge of complex wildland firefighting techniques, fire equipment, fire behavior, fuel models, and the Incident Command System. Knowledge of fire behavior including causes of wildland fire, the influence of temperature, humidity, wind, topography, slope, and fuel moisture conditions, and fuels to know where to attack the fire, build fire line, where to be positioned to manage wildland fire and to identify hazards.

Knowledge of air operations, helicopter capabilities and limitations, helicopter contracts, load balance and capacity, load calculating, and personnel and equipment manifests. Knowledge of accepted fire safety practices and procedures to prevent injury and loss of life. Knowledge of fire terminology to communicate with other crewmembers.

Knowledge of work procedures and practices in working with helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. Skills in written and oral communication to effectively interact with people at all levels, internal and external to the organization, including the public. Ability to communicate policies, procedures, and methods to crewmembers.

Skills in creating educational and informational materials for displays, print, speeches, and training courses. Skills in communicating and presenting to diverse groups. Skills in the use of Microsoft software, including Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.

Ability to exercise independent judgment and function with minimal supervision. The Applicant must meet the firefighter physical fitness qualifications at the level III "Arduous" level. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education: Bachelor's Degree (typically in Forestry) Experience: 0-2 years of progressive work experience (typically in Forestry) Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Possesses and maintains a valid driver's license OR Education & Experience Substitution: 3-5 years of progressive work experience (typically in Forestry) Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Possesses and maintains a valid driver's license Necessary Special Requirements PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS: Many of the duties performed on these jobs require considerable physical exertion, working outdoors in all terrain and weather conditions, working long hours, and extended periods of time away from home.

Duties include, but may not be limited to, the ability to carry up to 45 pounds, run, bend, twist, walk, and/or climb. A work capacity test or "pack" test that measures candidates' physical fitness is administered as part of the selection process. Candidates are required to pass at the "Arduous" level for a firefighter crewmember.

NOTES: FLSA: Non-Exempt Supplemental Information 060-Office of State Lands and Investments - Forestry Division Wyoming State Forestry Website - http://wsfd.wyo.gov/ Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure. URL: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities. Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.


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About State of Wyoming

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

State of Wyoming is not a company, but the government administration of the U.S. state named Wyoming, with headquarters in the capital city, Cheyenne. Its website, wyo.gov, serves as the official online portal for the state government, providing a diverse range of services focused on improving the lives of its residents. The government's mission encompasses various sectors including education, healthcare, transport, justice, and financial services.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Cheyenne, WY, US

Year founded

1890

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