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Helitack Firefighter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Assistant Fuels Management Lead/Firefighter is primarily responsible for the supervision ... But may also serve on an engine, hand crew, or helitack module. The incumbent performs assignments ...

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Assistant Fuels Management Lead

Pawhuska, OK · On-site

$35K - $45K/yr

The Assistant Fuels Management Lead/Firefighter is primarily responsible for the supervision ... But may also serve on an engine, hand crew, or helitack module. The incumbent performs assignments ...

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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 Jun 18, 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:
Infographic showing various Helitack Firefighter job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,606 per year, or $28.7 per hour.
Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Assistant Fire Management Officer) - Direct Hire Authority

Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Assistant Fire Management Officer) - Direct Hire Authority

US Department of the Interior

Fairbanks, AK

$94K/yr

Other

Posted 13 days ago


U.S. Department Of The Interior rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

303rd of 654 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

This is a Direct-Hire advertisement. Veterans preference is not applicable to this advertisement. Learn more about this authority at: Direct Hire Authority

This Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Assistant Fire Management Officer) position is with the US Wildland Fire Service, GW-0456-11 working in the following location(s):

  • Fairbanks, Alaska
Qualifications:

In order to qualify for this position you must possess the Minimum Qualification requirements listed below.

Selective Placement Factor(s): This position requires a special qualification that has been determined to be essential to perform the duties and will be used as a screen out element. Those who do not provide evidence they possess the following selective factor(s) will be rated not qualified.

1.) Prior Primary Wildland Firefighting Experience: Applicants must have documented prior primary firefighting experience, with substantial service defined as either:

  • 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, Wildland Fire Modules or Fire Suppression Crews, etc.) with a federal, state, tribal, local, or private-sector organization;
- OR -
  • At least 14-days of on-the-ground fireline experience (cumulative or consecutive).

Prior primary wildland fire experience must be clearly documented in your resume. Note: an IQCS Master Record or equivalent document will not be used to determine or calculate prior primary wildland fire experience eligibility for this requirement.

2.) This position has been identified as one of the key fire management positions under the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Standard. This position has been categorized as a Unit Fire Program Manager - HIGH Complexity and requires selectee to meet the minimum qualification standards for IFPM prior to being placed into the position. Detailed information regarding IFPM positions can be found here: Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM). To meet IFPM requirements, you must have possessed all of the following National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) incident management qualifications and training requirements to be considered eligible for this position (currency not required at time of referral, but may be required to obtain and maintain currency if selected):
Pathway 1:
A.) Division Group Supervisor (DIVS); AND
B.) Incident Commander, Type 3 (ICT3) OR Prescribed Fire Burn Boss, Type 2 (RXB2)
-OR-
Pathway 2:
A.) Air Support Group Supervisor (ASGS); AND
B.)Incident Commander Type 3 (ICT3)
To meet additional IFPM training requirements, as a "condition of employment", you must complete the following withinone year of the entry on duty date:

  • Fire Program Management (M-581)


Minimum Qualification

For the GW-11 level:

At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GW-09 level, or higher, in the Federal service, or equivalent, which includes all of the following: Examples of specialized experience include, but not limited to: assist with developing, reviewing and evaluating fire management plans for ecological soundness and consistency with land management goals and objectives; analyzing fuel loadings and determining appropriate fuel treatment methods; performing land use planning and environmental coordination to determine if resource objectives were achieved; assist with analyzing the ecological role of fire and its use and/or exclusion, and smoke management.

-OR-

At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GW-10 level, or higher, outside of the Federal service; Examples of specialized experience include, but not limited to: developing, reviewing and evaluating fire management plans for ecological soundness and consistency with land management goals and objectives; analyzing fuel loadings and determining appropriate fuel treatment methods; performing land use planning and environmental coordination to determine if resource objectives were achieved; analyzing the ecological role of fire and its use and/or exclusion, and smoke management.

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.
Substitution of Education for Experience:
There is no substitution of education for experience at the GS-11 grade level.

*Applicants must meet all minimum qualification requirements for the position of interest by the closing date of the Job Announcement.

Secondary Firefighter Retirement Coverage - Applicants for this secondary administrative fire fighter position under the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8336 (c) (CSRS) and 5 U.S.C. 8412 (d), must possess knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of wildland firefighting as demonstrated by direct wildland firefighting experience. In order to receive credit, you must provide a written description of your experience in wildland firefighting. Education without hands-on wildland firefighting experience does not meet this requirement. Periods of wildland firefighting experience, gained through militia and rural fire departments, can also be credited. Wildland fire is defined as any non-structure fire that occurs in the wildland. Two distinct types of wildland fire have been defined and include wildfire and prescribed fires as follows: Wildfire: Unplanned ignitions or prescribed fires that are declared wildfires. Prescribed Fires: Planned ignitions. This description includes only fire line experience on a Prescribed Fire; it does not include experience in the planning stages. Prescribed fire experience must be supplemented by fire suppression experience in order to be creditable as previous wildland firefighting experience.

Physical Demands: The work is normally sedentary but often requires physical exertion while overseeing fire suppression activities including walking over rough, steep, uneven terrain in all types of weather.
Working Conditions: Although work is generally performed in an office setting. Field work involves exposure to temperature extremes, both from weather and fire conditions where falling trees and the presence of smoke and/or dust create hazardous conditions.

Education:PROOF OF EDUCATION: All applicants who are using education or a combination of education and experience to qualify must submit copies of official or unofficial transcripts which include grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, institution name, and student name. If any required coursework is not easily recognizable on transcripts, or if you believe a portion of a particular course can be credited toward meeting an educational requirement, you must also provide a memorandum on letterhead from the institution's registrar, dean, or other appropriate official stating the percentage of the course that should be considered to meet the requirement and the equivalent number of units. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable; however, if you are selected for the position, you will be required to produce the original official transcripts.
PASS/FAIL COURSES: If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail basis, your claim of superior academic achievement must be based upon class standing or membership in an honor society.
GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov).Employment Type: OTHER

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