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Helitack Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

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Helitack information

See Colorado salary details

$8

$24

$58

How much do helitack jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for helitack in Colorado is $24.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.26 and $28.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a helitack?

A Helitack job involves fighting wildfires using helicopters for rapid deployment, suppression, and support. Helitack crews are specially trained to rappel from helicopters, transport personnel and equipment, and conduct water or retardant drops. They play a critical role in accessing remote fire locations quickly and effectively. These firefighters must be physically fit, capable of working in extreme conditions, and skilled in aviation safety procedures.

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

To thrive as a Helitack, you need strong physical fitness, firefighting knowledge, and the ability to work safely around helicopters, typically supported by wildfire training and certifications such as S-130/S-190 (Basic Wildland Firefighting) and Helicopter Crew Member training. Familiarity with specialized equipment like chainsaws, radios, fire shelters, and helicopter safety protocols is essential. Teamwork, adaptability, and sound judgment under pressure are crucial soft skills for success in the field. These abilities ensure the safety and effectiveness of wildfire suppression operations in often hazardous and rapidly changing environments.

What is a typical work environment like for helitack crew members?

Helitack crew members often work in challenging outdoor environments, responding to wildland fires in remote and rugged locations that are accessed primarily by helicopter. The job requires long shifts, variable hours, and adaptability to rapidly changing fire conditions, sometimes involving extended stays in field camps or mobile bases. Team members collaborate closely, relying on strong communication and trust to safely conduct aerial insertions, manage firelines, and execute emergency evacuations. Due to the dynamic nature of wildfire incidents, the role is highly team-oriented and demands both individual initiative and strict adherence to safety protocols at all times. This experience can lead to opportunities for advancement into specialized leadership or aviation roles within wildland firefighting.

How much do helitack crew members make?

Helitack crew members typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and agency. Salaries can range from around $30,000 to over $60,000 annually, with additional benefits such as overtime pay and seasonal bonuses. Physical fitness, firefighting certifications, and helicopter operation skills are often required for the role.

How to get on a helitack crew?

To join a helitack crew, applicants typically need to have firefighting experience, obtain relevant certifications such as S-130 and S-190, and pass physical fitness tests. Many crews prefer candidates with experience in wildland firefighting and the ability to work in remote, high-pressure environments.

What does a helitack crew do?

A helitack crew is a team responsible for wildfire suppression using helicopters to access remote or difficult terrain. They perform tasks such as initial attack, fireline construction, and transportation of personnel and equipment, often requiring specialized training and safety protocols. The job involves working in challenging environments and coordinating closely with firefighting agencies.
Infographic showing various Helitack job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,577 per year, or $24.8 per hour.

Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Helitack)

Recruitment and Hiring | US Forest Service

Broomfield, CO

$72K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 13 days ago


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