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Helitack Firefighter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Forest Service

Wildland Firefighter

Camp Verde, AZ · On-site +1

$25.37/hr

Serves as a senior firefighter on a helitack crew. Loads helicopter cargo considering methods, weight distribution, necessity for securing, total weight, etc. * Completes manifests of personnel and ...

Forest Service

Wildland Firefighter

Blacksburg, VA · On-site +1

$25.37/hr

Serves as a senior firefighter on a helitack crew. * Loads helicopter cargo considering methods, weight distribution, necessity for securing, total weight, etc., and completes manifests of personnel ...

Forest Service

Wildland Firefighter

Ava, MO · On-site +1

$25.37/hr

Serves as a senior firefighter on a helitack crew. Loads helicopter cargo considering methods, weight distribution, necessity for securing, total weight, etc. * Completes manifests of personnel and ...

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Helitack Firefighter information

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$28.5K

$59.6K

$100K

How much do helitack firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for helitack firefighter in the United States is $59,606.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,500.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Helitack Firefighter job?

A Helitack Firefighter is a specially trained wildland firefighter who uses helicopters for rapid deployment to fires, initial attack operations, and logistical support. They may rappel from helicopters, coordinate aerial water drops, and assist with ground firefighting efforts. Their role is critical in suppressing fires in remote or difficult-to-access areas.

What does a typical workday look like for a Helitack Firefighter during peak fire season?

During peak fire season, a Helitack Firefighter’s day often begins with briefings, equipment checks, and readiness drills before receiving deployment orders. You may spend hours on standby, ready to be rapidly mobilized by helicopter to remote or inaccessible fire locations. Once deployed, duties include constructing fire lines, performing direct attack operations, supporting ground crews, and assisting with water drops or helicopter logistics. Teamwork is essential, as you’ll collaborate closely with pilots, other Helitack members, and ground-based firefighters. The work is physically demanding and unpredictable, but it offers the excitement of varied tasks and the reward of making a direct impact on wildfire containment.

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

Helitack Firefighters require excellent physical fitness, wildfire suppression knowledge, and experience with aerial firefighting operations, often backed by completion of wildland fire training courses like S-130/S-190. Certifications in helicopter safety, chainsaw operation, and first aid/CPR, as well as proficiency in using fireline tools and radio communications, are typically expected. Teamwork, resilience under pressure, and quick decision-making are vital soft skills in this fast-paced field. Together, these qualifications ensure safety, effective wildfire response, and efficient coordination in challenging environments.

More about Helitack Firefighter jobs
What states have the most Helitack Firefighter jobs? States with the most job openings for Helitack Firefighter jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Helitack Firefighter jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Helitack Firefighter jobs are:
Helitack Firefighter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Helitack Firefighter job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,606 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Wildland Firefighter

Recruitment and Hiring | US Forest Service

Edinburg, VA • On-site

$25.37/hr

Other

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

This position is located within a National Forest. The position is located on a fire crew as a crewmember within the fire management organization.
The purpose of the position is wildland fire suppression/management/control, as a firefighter on an engine, hotshot, helitack or hand crew.

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. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.
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.
GW-05: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GW-04 grade level in federal service or equivalent; OR successful completion of a 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university with major study in Fire Science, Fire Training, Fire Technology or other related fields of study; OR a combination of education and experience.
Examples of specialized experience include: Patrolling areas of controlled fires to mop-up by searching out and extinguishing any remaining burning material. Serving on a specialty crew (hotshot, helitack, engines, etc.) to suppress the full range of difficult and complex fires. Operating specialized fire suppression equipment such as portable pumps or drip torches.
Selective Placement Factors
  • Successfully completed the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) -AND-
  • Successfully completed the Secondary NWCG Core Requirement of Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (S-290).

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.
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, which means you must maintain the required level of physical fitness in order to remain in the position. The Arduous fitness (Pack) Test requires completing a three (3) mile hike within forty-five (45) minutes, while carrying a forty-five (45) pound pack. You are strongly encouraged to consult with your physician and begin training immediately if applying for this position. This announcement constitutes the required 30 days advanced notice for testing requirements.
In accordance with USDA Department Regulation 4430-792-2, this position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the USDA Drug Free Workplace Program and subject to pre-employment drug testing. All applicants selected for this position will be required to submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Incumbents of this position will be required to submit to a urinalysis on an ongoing random basis, after appointment as directed.
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:Employment Type: OTHER

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