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Internship 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 ...

New

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 ...

New

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 ...

New

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 ...

New

Fire Pilot

Irvine, CA

$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 ...

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Internship Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot information

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How much do internship cal fire helicopter pilot jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship cal fire helicopter pilot in the United States is $17.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an internship Cal Fire helicopter pilot?

An Internship Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot is a student or entry-level trainee who works alongside experienced Cal Fire helicopter pilots to gain hands-on experience in aerial firefighting, rescue operations, and aviation safety. Interns typically assist with pre-flight checks, maintenance, and support roles during fire emergencies, while learning about the operational procedures unique to Cal Fire. This position provides valuable exposure to the skills and responsibilities required for a career as a professional helicopter pilot in wildfire management and emergency response.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an internship Cal Fire helicopter pilot?

To thrive as an Internship Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot, you need a solid foundation in aviation knowledge, helicopter flight training, and a commercial pilot’s license with a rotorcraft category rating. Familiarity with flight management systems, GPS navigation, radio communication equipment, and wildfire response protocols is essential. Excellent situational awareness, decision-making under pressure, and strong teamwork skills help interns excel in dynamic and high-risk environments. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure safety, effective emergency response, and successful collaboration with firefighting teams during wildfire operations.

What types of hands-on experience can I expect during a Cal Fire helicopter pilot internship?

As an intern with Cal Fire's helicopter operations, you will gain valuable exposure to wildfire response, aerial firefighting tactics, and the maintenance protocols for firefighting aircraft. You'll likely shadow experienced pilots, assist ground crews with pre- and post-flight checks, and participate in safety briefings and mission planning. While interns typically do not operate helicopters directly, this role offers a unique opportunity to observe real-time emergency operations, learn about aviation safety standards, and understand the teamwork required between pilots, crew, and ground personnel.

What is the difference between Internship Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot vs Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot?

AspectInternship Cal Fire Helicopter PilotCal Fire Helicopter Pilot
Required CredentialsStudent pilot license, basic flight trainingCommercial pilot license, advanced flight hours
Work EnvironmentTraining setting, supervised operationsOperational firefighting missions, independent flying
Employer & Industry UsageTraining program within Cal Fire, entry-levelFull-time firefighting role within Cal Fire

The Internship Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot is a training position designed for students gaining flight experience, while the Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot is a full-time professional responsible for firefighting operations. The internship focuses on learning and skill development, whereas the full pilot role involves operational duties and independent decision-making.

How to become a firefighting Cal Fire helicopter pilot?

To become a Cal Fire helicopter pilot, candidates typically need a commercial helicopter pilot license, relevant flight experience, and specialized training in aerial firefighting operations. Applicants must also meet medical and background requirements and often undergo agency-specific training and certification programs.

Is there a demand for internship Cal Fire helicopter pilots?

There is consistent demand for helicopter pilots in firefighting agencies like Cal Fire, especially for internships that provide hands-on experience with aerial firefighting, rescue operations, and aircraft maintenance. These internships often require relevant certifications such as a commercial pilot license and specialized training in firefighting tactics, making them competitive but valuable for career development.

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

Cities with the most Internship 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 Internship Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot jobs?

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

Helicopter Fire Pilot - California

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$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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