1

Internship Aerial Firefighting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Internship Aerial Firefighting information

See salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do internship aerial firefighting jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship aerial firefighting in the United States is $15.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What kinds of hands-on experiences can I expect during an Internship in Aerial Firefighting?

As an intern in aerial firefighting, you can expect to support experienced crews with ground operations, assist in aircraft preparation and maintenance, and observe aerial drops from a safe vantage point. You'll likely be involved in logistics, equipment setup, and communication support during active fire responses. While direct flight or fire suppression duties are typically reserved for certified professionals, interns gain valuable exposure to teamwork, emergency response protocols, and the fast-paced, safety-focused environment that characterizes aerial firefighting operations. This experience provides a solid foundation for future roles in wildfire management or aviation.

What is an Internship in Aerial Firefighting?

An internship in aerial firefighting is a hands-on learning experience where students or recent graduates work with organizations that use aircraft to combat wildfires. Interns may assist with tasks such as helping ground crews, learning about aerial operations, supporting logistics, maintaining equipment, and observing or participating in aerial suppression missions under supervision. This role provides valuable exposure to wildfire management, aviation safety, and the coordination involved in aerial firefighting. It is ideal for those interested in emergency response, aviation, or environmental science careers.

What is the difference between Internship Aerial Firefighting vs Junior Aerial Firefighting?

AspectInternship Aerial FirefightingJunior Aerial Firefighting
CredentialsTypically requires enrollment in relevant training or certification programsRequires basic firefighting certifications and some flight experience
Work EnvironmentSupervised, training-focused, often part-time or seasonalOperational, involves active firefighting missions in aircraft
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by training programs, government agencies for training purposesEmployed by firefighting agencies, forestry services, or private contractors

Internship Aerial Firefighting is a training position designed for learning and gaining experience, while Junior Aerial Firefighting involves active participation in firefighting operations. The internship focuses on education, whereas the junior role emphasizes practical firefighting duties with some certification requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Internship Aerial Firefighting, and why are they important?

To excel in an Internship Aerial Firefighting role, you typically need a background in aviation, fire science, or emergency management, often supported by relevant coursework or training. Familiarity with aerial mapping software, radio communications systems, and safety equipment is crucial for operational efficiency. Strong teamwork, situational awareness, and stress management skills help interns adapt to dynamic and high-risk environments. These competencies are vital to ensure safety, effective coordination, and mission success during wildfire response operations.
More about Internship Aerial Firefighting jobs
What cities are hiring for Internship Aerial Firefighting jobs? Cities with the most Internship Aerial Firefighting job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Aerial Firefighting jobs? The most popular types of Aerial Firefighting jobs are:
What states have the most Internship Aerial Firefighting jobs? States with the most job openings for Internship Aerial Firefighting jobs include:
Infographic showing various Internship Aerial Firefighting job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Internship, 45% Full Time, 43% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,333 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

$88K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

STARTING SALARY (as of 7/1/25):$69,198 per year
SALARY AFTER 48 MONTHS:$88,953 per year
Lateral transfer pay (effective July 1, 2024):

  • New hire candidates with greater than 2 years of full-time fire department experience will start at Step 2 ($72,872)
  • New hire candidates with greater than 3 years of full-time fire department experience will start at Step 3 ($76,535)
  • New hire candidates with greater than 4 years of full-time fire department experience will start at Step 4 ($80,200)


QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Mustbe a licensed Paramedic in the State of Michigan or scheduled to take the exam.
  • State of Michigan Firefighter I and II certifications required.
  • Valid Michigan driver license, with a good driving record.
  • U. S. Citizen
  • Graduation from an accredited high school or G.E.D. equivalent.

All entry-level criteria must be met, and copies of certifications and transcriptsmust be attached to online application.Current City of Dearborn fire interns are eligible to apply if they are within one year of completion of all minimum qualifications noted above. However, all qualifications must be completed prior to being placed on the eligible list.
POST-OFFER REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must pass a psychological evaluation, pre-employment physical, drug screen, criminal history check and background investigation.

SPECIAL NOTE:

  • All persons appointed to the position of Firefighter I must serve a 12-month probationary period. This working test period is considered a part of the examination process.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF WORK:
This is firefighting and emergency rescue work. Responsibilities include the protection of life and property by combating, extinguishing and preventing fires and by providing emergency assistance as a state certified Paramedic. Firefighting duties may be performed under emergency conditions involving personal hazard. Specific orders and directions are given by superior officers but the work requires a thorough understanding of firefighting methods which is gained by training and experience. Work is performed in accordance with well established procedures and under general supervision.
Employee interacts in a consistently pleasant and helpful manner to fellow employees, visitors, and citizens of the City of Dearborn and demonstrates the highest standards of internal and external customer service.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Essential Job Functions(Functions essential to attaining job objectives):

  • Performs and administers first aid and emergency treatment in the performance of firefighter related duties.
  • Performs manual lifting and carrying using backboards, K.E.D. and "stokes litter" in the evacuation of victims.
  • Operates and connects hose lines to standpipes, sprinkler systems, hydrants, and auxiliary appliances in the performance of the work.
  • Carries, raises, climbs and lowers straight, roof, attic, footing and extension ladders in the performance of related duties.
  • Performs forcible entry and extrication through the use of digging, striking, battering, prying and cutting tools.
  • Prepares and maintains various types of hose, nozzles, valves and fittings; rolls, folds, carries, reels, unreels and stows such fire apparatus.
  • Operates, maintains and inspects self-contained breathing apparatus, ice/water rescue equipment and hazardous material detection devices.
  • Determines horizontal and vertical range, safe working pressures as related to nozzle size, angle of penetration, and the maximum height a nozzle can be set for safe operation.
  • Determines the effect of water on fires involving chemicals, steel, concrete, brick and heavy timber related to fire suppression.
  • Performs firefighter work in a variety of weather and environmental conditions, including rain, snow, ice, extreme cold and heat, dust, dirt, smoke and chemicals.
  • Identifies the fundamentals of pressure, vacuum, flow, head, suction, displacement, friction loss, back pressure, hydrant pressure, engine pressure, capacity, and nozzle pressure.
  • Attends in service training sessions in firefighting methods, equipment operation, first aid and emergency treatment, street locations, hydrant locations and other related matters.
  • Operates power take-off, aerial ladders and elevated platforms in the performance of the work.
  • Identifies mechanical defects, loose parts, unusual noises and the effects of abrasive material on related equipment.
  • Operates and maintains pressure and pump type extinguishers in the performance of the work.
  • Identifies the fundamentals of Type I, II, III, IV and V construction; purposes of smoke towers, monitors, fire escapes, roof ventilators, skylights, dumb waiters and elevators; their advantages and disadvantages to fire control.
  • Studies modern methods of fire prevention and protection reviewing media such as magazines, books, news- letters and records of fires and their causes.
  • Monitors and determines flow when friction loss is known.
  • Identifies the fundamentals of fuses, circuit breakers, lighting arresters, grounding devices, and related electrical components.
  • Transmits and receives still, special, greater and telephone alarms.
  • Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance.

Marginal Job Functions(Peripheral or incidental to primary job functions):

  • Performs housekeeping and grounds maintenance duties at a fire station such as making beds, cooking, cleaning windows, floors, walls and woodwork, and mowing lawns.
  • Prepares manuscripts, reports, specifications, requisitions, and department forms, per department rules and regulations.
  • Participates in special details and/or assemblies in the promotion of positive public relations.
  • Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Considerable knowledge of first aid and emergency treatment methods.
  • Some knowledge of modern firefighting methods.
  • Ability to read and comprehend job related materials such as manuals, codes, directives, general orders, textbooks and professional literature.
  • Ability to understand and apply mechanical principles to the operation of all equipment and firefighting methods and procedures.
  • Ability to recognize and diagnose mechanical problems and to take effective corrective action to remedy such problems.
  • Ability to communicate with others in a clear, concise, calm manner, supplying correct information in a manner in which the receiver understands it.
  • Ability to work effectively with others as a member of a team; to accept supervision in a positive manner; to display tact and concern for the feelings of others: and to be fair in dealing with all coworkers as well as the public.
  • Ability to evaluate a situation and decide what action should be taken in given circumstances. Included is the ability to identify the source of a problem, evaluate its seriousness, solve problems quickly in emotionally charged situations and decide which action or method is best to use, given available options.
  • Ability to perform tasks which require strength, stamina, speed, coordination, balance, dexterity and, in general, a high level of physical fitness.
  • Ability to apply basic mathematical skills, to understand formulas, equations, mathematical principles, and other quantitative or numerical subject matter.
  • Ability to interpret and apply technical subject matter such as: tables, graphs, data, monographs, technical specifications and charts.
  • Ability to perform light to heavy lifting, carrying, loading and unloading of victims and equipment averaging 150 pounds.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING / LICENSING REQUIREMENTS:

  • Graduation from an accredited high school or G.E.D. equivalent.

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Must possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license issued by the State of Michigan and have a satisfactory driving record.
  • Must have completed Paramedic training and possess a valid State of Michigan Paramedic license as required to perform this work.
  • Applicants must have completed and passed the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) through Schoolcraft College.
  • State of Michigan Firefighter I and II certification required.
  • All required certifications and licenses must be attached to the application at the time of submission.

POST-OFFER REQUIREMENTS:

Satisfactory completion of a criminal history check (including sex offender registry, if applicable) and a drug screen that tests for illegal drugs as defined by the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act, excluding substances legalized under Michigan law.