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Helitack Crew Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NM · On-site

... helitack operations and hover hookups. * Serves as a skilled firefighter and working crew leader on ... an organized crew during prescribed burns, monitoring and controlling the fire, and collecting data ...

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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 28, 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.

Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Helitack)

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Broomfield, CO • On-site

$62.57K/yr

Other

Retirement

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

These positions are located at a USDA Forest Service Unit.
The incumbent serves as first line supervisor of a crew of helitack personnel/firefighters that are established to provide fast initial attack, and large fire support and utilizes helicopters in support of all types of incidents.
See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION for Regional contacts.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GW-07: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GW-06) in the Federal Service. Examples of specialized experience may include: Oversaw helicopter service contract and enforced contract provisions; Conducted training in the techniques of aviation, fire suppression, prescribed burning and fuels reduction methods; Performed many technical specializations such as helicopter rappelling, long line, felling, saw repair or water handling used in fire suppression and prescribed burning independently; Communicated critical information pertaining to incident objectives, situations and tactics to pilot(s), crews and dispatchers.
For the GW-08: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GW-07) in the Federal Service. Examples of specialized experience may include: Planned and coordinated complex fire and aviation operations at a temporary or fixed base work location; determined helicopter load limits, takeoff and landing sites, and estimated time requirements; analyzed fire conditions and determined attack methods and resources required; conducted hands-on training pertaining to program and personnel needs related to fire and aviation.
Selective Placement Factors:
Successful completion of the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of Helicopter Manager, Single Resource (HMGB) and Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4). Successful completion of the Secondary NWCG Core Requirements of Helibase Manager Trainee (HEBM(t)).
Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) and Forest Service - Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) qualifications must be met by the time of selection. Most recent IQCS master record and/or signed Agency Certified task book must be attached to your application. If you are selected, you may be required to submit an updated IQCS master record or signed Agency Certified task book as proof of attainment of IFPM requirements prior to a final verbal offer.
In order to be considered for this position, copies of your Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record (or equivalent training documents) which contain documented proof of the certification or attainment of the IFPM Selective Placement Factor for this position MUST be attached to your application. Red cards are not acceptable documentation. Currency Requirement: Required to maintain currency once hired into the position. Currency of NWCG qualifications is not required for selection. If not currently qualified, the applicant must provide documented evidence that they have been fully qualified in the past, and are able to regain currency within one year of being hired. Failure to provide this documentation will result in disqualification.
Primary firefighter positions include the following age requirements: Under age 37 -OR- less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service worked in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position -OR- a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and is requesting a waiver to the maximum age requirement -OR-currently occupy a permanent position with primary fire fighter retirement coverage.
For those who do not currently occupy a permanent Federal position covered under primary fire fighter retirement, you must be under age 37; less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position; or a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and requesting a waiver to the requirement.
This position has been identified under the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) or Forest Service Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) and is subject to selective placement factor requirements contained in the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Standard and Guide when filling this vacancy. IFPM or FS-FPM selective placement factors are made up of a primary and secondary National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) core Incident Management Qualifications and Required Training. The applicant must possess these qualifications at the applicable complexity level to be considered eligible for this position.
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.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a primary/rigorous position covered under the special retirement provisions of 5 USC 8336(c) for the Civil Service Retirement System and of 5 USC 8412(d) for the Federal Employees Retirement System.
WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the ARDUOUS level is a condition of employment.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.Education:There is no substitution of education for specialized experience.Employment Type: OTHER