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Helitack Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Helitack information

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$8

$26

$61

How much do helitack jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for helitack in the United States is $26.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $30.77 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.
More about Helitack jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Helitack jobs?

The most popular types of Helitack jobs are:

What states have the most Helitack jobs?

States with the most job openings for Helitack jobs include:

Infographic showing various Helitack job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 94% Physical, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,791 per year, or $26.3 per hour.

$25.37/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 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