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Helitack Crew Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Helitack Crew information

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$10

$21

$32

How much do helitack crew jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for helitack crew in the United States is $21.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Helitack Crew member, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Helitack Crew member, you need strong physical fitness, wildfire suppression knowledge, and specialized wildland firefighting training, often supported by certifications like S-130/S-190. Familiarity with helicopters, personal protective equipment (PPE), and fire communication systems is crucial. Teamwork, situational awareness, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are vital soft skills. These skills ensure safe, efficient wildfire response and the ability to adapt quickly to dynamic, high-risk environments.

What are some common challenges faced by helitack crew members during wildfire response operations?

Helitack crew members often face challenges such as rapidly changing fire conditions, working in remote and rugged terrain, and coordinating closely with air and ground teams under stressful circumstances. The job requires quick decision-making, physical endurance, and adaptability, as plans may change at a moment’s notice due to weather or fire behavior. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as crews must work safely and efficiently alongside pilots, ground firefighters, and incident command staff.

What are helitack crews?

Helitack crews are specialized teams of wildland firefighters who are deployed to fight fires using helicopters. Their primary role is to respond quickly to wildfires in remote or hard-to-reach areas by being transported via helicopter, often rappelling down or landing near the fire. Once on the ground, helitack crews suppress fires by constructing fire lines, clearing vegetation, and sometimes coordinating aerial water drops. They are highly trained in both firefighting and helicopter operations, ensuring efficient and rapid wildfire response. Helitack crews play a crucial role in the early stages of wildfire suppression and in preventing small fires from becoming large, destructive events.

What is the difference between Helitack Crew vs Firefighter?

AspectHelitack CrewFirefighter
CertificationsWildland Firefighter Type 2, Helicopter SafetyFirefighter I & II, EMT
Work EnvironmentHelicopter-based, remote wildland areasUrban, suburban, wildland
Employer & IndustryFederal, state agencies, forestry servicesFire departments, emergency services

Helitack Crews specialize in rapid response using helicopters to access wildland fires, often working in remote areas. Firefighters work in various environments, including urban and wildland settings, with broader emergency response roles. While both roles require wildland firefighting certifications, Helitack Crews focus on aerial operations, whereas firefighters may work on ground-based fire suppression.

More about Helitack Crew jobs
Infographic showing various Helitack Crew job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,261 per year, or $21.3 per hour.
Seasonal Lead Helicopter Crewmember 2026-01270

Seasonal Lead Helicopter Crewmember 2026-01270

State of Wyoming

Glenrock, WY

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


State Of Wyoming rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 50 rated states


Job description

The Office of State Lands and Investments, Wyoming State Forestry Division (WSFD) seeks a Lead Helicopter crew member to lead the helitack crew and perform wildland firefighting, management, and control as a specialized firefighter. The helitack crew Lead, Seasonal, Crew, Crew Member, Firefighter, Operations, Business Services


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State of Wyoming logo

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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