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Helitack Firefighter Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

$72K/yr

The incumbent serves as a 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 ...

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Helitack Firefighter information

See California salary details

$28.1K

$58.8K

$98.7K

How much do helitack firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for helitack firefighter in California is $58,826.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,900.00 and $68,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a helitack firefighter?

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 helitack firefighter do?

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 as a helitack firefighter?

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.

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. Many agencies require certification such as Wildland Firefighter or Basic Firefighter, and some prefer experience with aerial firefighting equipment or working at heights. Applying through federal or state fire agencies and completing their selection and training processes is essential.

What are popular job titles related to Helitack Firefighter jobs in California?

For Helitack Firefighter jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Helitack Firefighter jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Helitack Firefighter jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Helitack Firefighter job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,826 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Helitack)

Recruitment and Hiring | US Forest Service

Yreka, CA • On-site

$72K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

These positions are located on a USDA Forest Service Unit.
The incumbent serves as a 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. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
GW-09: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GW-08) in the Federal Service. Examples of specialized experience may include: Oversaw helicopter service contract and enforced contract provisions; Provided detailed instructions on incident objectives, situations, and tactics to pilots, crews, and dispatchers; Planned and coordinated complex air operations using numerous helicopter models, capabilities and limitations, including remote, isolated work locations; Developed specific aerial ignition plans for burning projects after analyzing conditions.
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.
Selective Placement Factors
Successfully completed the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of Helibase Manager (HEBM) -AND- Successfully completed the Secondary NWCG Core Requirement of Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4).
Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) 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) and is subject to selective placement factor requirements contained in the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Standard and Guide when filling this vacancy. IFPM 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.
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, MODERATE, or LIGHT 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