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Hourly Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$89 - $117/hr

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Location : Santa Clara County, CA Posted : 5 days ago Description Equal Opportunity Employer The State of California is an equal ...

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Helicopter Pilot

Cody, WY · On-site

$127 - $140/hr

Helicopter Pilot, Reach $225,000 Total Potential. 7/7. Missions that matter. Pilot Incentives - This is pilot life at Global Medical Response: * Potential to earn up to $85,000 bonus * Up to half the ...

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Helicopter Pilot

Modesto, CA · On-site

$142 - $156/hr

Helicopter Pilot, Reach $240,000 Total Potential. 7/7. Missions that matter. Pilot Incentives - This is pilot life at Global Medical Response: * Potential to earn up to $85,000 bonus * Up to half the ...

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Helicopter Pilot

Elko, NV · On-site

$148 - $270/hr

Helicopter Pilot, Reach $270,000 Total Potential. 7/7. Missions that matter. Pilot Incentives - This is pilot life at Global Medical Response: * Potential to earn up to $110,000 bonus * Up to half ...

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Fire Pilot

Irvine, CA · On-site

$122K - $164K/yr

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS The Fire Pilot is the first level in a two level helicopter pilot series. Incumbents serve as Pilot in Command (PlC) during a full range of helicopter missions ...

Helicopter Pilot - HAA

Dunn, NC · On-site

$97.64 - $107.40/hr

On Duty Housing * 7/7 Schedule If your passion is flying and you want to work in an environment where every second counts, contact us today! We're hiring a Helicopter Pilot to provide medical air ...

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Hourly Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot information

See salary details

$71.5K

$100.2K

$123.5K

How much do hourly cal fire helicopter pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for hourly cal fire helicopter pilot in the United States is $100,249.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,000.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an hourly Cal Fire helicopter pilot?

Hourly Cal Fire Helicopter Pilots are skilled aviators employed by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) on an hourly basis. Their primary role is to operate helicopters for wildfire suppression, search and rescue missions, and emergency response. These pilots are responsible for safely transporting crews, deploying water or fire retardant, and supporting ground operations during fire emergencies. They must undergo rigorous training, maintain strict safety standards, and are often called upon during peak fire seasons or emergencies.

What are some common challenges faced by hourly Cal Fire helicopter pilots during wildfire season?

Hourly Cal Fire helicopter pilots often encounter demanding conditions during wildfire season, including rapidly changing weather, limited visibility due to smoke, and the need for precise coordination with ground crews and other aircraft. Pilots must quickly adapt to dynamic fire behavior and make critical decisions under pressure to ensure both mission success and crew safety. Additionally, irregular hours and extended shifts are common, requiring strong stamina and adaptability. Teamwork, clear communication, and ongoing training are essential for overcoming these challenges and maintaining high operational standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an hourly Cal Fire helicopter pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Hourly Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot, you need a commercial pilot license with helicopter rating, significant flight hours (often 1,000+), and specialized wildfire or utility flying experience. Familiarity with aviation safety systems, GPS navigation, radio communication tools, and ongoing FAA certifications is essential. Strong decision-making, situational awareness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are outstanding soft skills for this high-risk role. These competencies are crucial to ensuring safe, effective aerial firefighting operations, crew safety, and mission success in challenging environments.

What is the difference between Hourly Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot vs Hourly Firefighting Aircraft Pilot?

AspectHourly Cal Fire Helicopter PilotHourly Firefighting Aircraft Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License, rotorcraft ratings, firefighting trainingCommercial Pilot License, fixed-wing or rotorcraft ratings, firefighting training
Work EnvironmentCal Fire helicopters during wildfire suppressionVarious firefighting aircraft, including fixed-wing planes and helicopters
Employer & IndustryCalifornia Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire)State agencies, federal agencies, or private firefighting contractors

Hourly Cal Fire Helicopter Pilots operate rotorcraft specifically for wildfire suppression within Cal Fire, focusing on helicopter-based firefighting. Hourly Firefighting Aircraft Pilots may operate both fixed-wing and rotorcraft aircraft for firefighting efforts across different agencies. While both roles require similar certifications and involve firefighting in similar environments, the main difference lies in the type of aircraft operated and the specific agency or employer.

What cities are hiring for Hourly Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Hourly Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot jobs?

The most popular types of Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot jobs are:

What states have the most Hourly Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Hourly Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot jobs include:

Helicopter Fire Pilot - California

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On-site

$89 - $117/hr

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Job description

Forestry Fire Pilot

Company: California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE)

Location: Santa Clara County, CA

Posted: 5 days ago

Description

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug‑free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Job Code #:

JC-527899

Position #(s):

542-116-1046-VAR

Working Title:

Forestry Fire Pilot

Classification:

FORESTRY FIRE PILOT

$7,948.00 – $10,488.00

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions:

Multiple

Work Location:

Telework:

In Office

Job Type:

Permanent, Full Time

Facility:

Department Information

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is California’s fire department and resource management agency. The organization is comprised of nearly 14,000 permanent and seasonal employees. The mission of the Department is to serve and safeguard the people and protect the property and resources of California.

When you join CAL FIRE, you join a family of employees that function as a team. You will build trust and friendship with your co‑workers, as together you respond to emergencies and challenging situations. CAL FIRE provides employees with a variety of career choices and opportunities. We hope that you will consider a rewarding and challenging career with CAL FIRE!

For questions related to the duties of the positions, please contact [Removed. See source link below. /Admin] .

These positions will be located at the Alma Helitack Base in Los Gatos , CA.

Eligibility Information

  • Candidates with SROA/Surplus eligibility will be given priority, if any. If none, then;
  • Candidate must have taken and passed the examination for this classification and be active on a current certified eligibility list; or,
  • Candidate must be eligible to transfer; or,
  • Candidate must be eligible to reinstate.

To obtain list eligibility, candidates must take and pass an examination for the classification of interest. The examination for this classification is currently posted and can be accessed by following the link below:

Forestry Fire Pilot

Applicants that successfully complete and pass the examination will be placed on an eligibility list. Obtaining list eligibility does not guarantee employment. Those interested in obtaining employment as a list eligible candidate must apply to the job control of the position in which you are interested and compete through the state recruitment process. The score and rank you achieve on your examination will not be considered during the rating portion of the hiring process; evaluation will be based on separate, predetermined criteria that evaluate your knowledge, specialized skills, and abilities in relation to specific program needs.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Special Requirements

  • Incumbent must possess a valid Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) Commercial Airman Certificate with rotorcraft-helicopter rating or a valid FAA issued Airline Transport Pilot’s Certificate with rotorcraft-helicopter rating.
  • Incumbent must possess a valid and current Class II Airman’s Medical Certificate issued by an FAA authorized medical examiner.
  • Incumbent must possess a valid driver’s license of the appropriate class issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
  • Applicants must have logged at least 2,000 hours of pilot-in-command time flying helicopters. Of these, candidates must have all of the required flight hours in qualifying conditions or assignments as listed in the class specifications.

CAL FIRE pilots must have the ability to work any required shift and remain on duty 24 hours a day with regulated maximum flight time and mandated uninterrupted sleep cycles per 24-hour period.

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

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