1

Per Diem Firefighting Pilot Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SIC Pilot

Red Bluff, CA · On-site

$32/hr

Call when needed pilots will have an opportunity to participate in Fire Suppression, Utility and ... Per diem, lodging, and work-related travel to be provided by PJ Helicopters. * Our benefits package ...

SIC Pilot

Red Bluff, CA · On-site

$120 - $150/hr

Call when needed pilots will have an opportunity to participate in Fire Suppression, Utility and ... Per diem, lodging, and work-related travel to be provided by PJ Helicopters. * Our benefits package ...

SIC Pilot

Red Bluff, CA · On-site

$32 - $36/hr

Call when needed pilots will have an opportunity to participate in Fire Suppression, Utility and ... Per diem, lodging, and work-related travel to be provided by PJ Helicopters. * Our benefits package ...

SIC Pilot

Red Bluff, CA · On-site

$32 - $36/hr

Call when needed pilots will have an opportunity to participate in Fire Suppression, Utility and ... Per diem, lodging, and work-related travel to be provided by PJ Helicopters. * Our benefits package ...

BLS Instructor, 25% Per Diem

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$33.09 - $65.77/hr

Per Diem Duration Indefinite Job # 31883 Primary Duties and Responsibilities Press space or enter ... Completion of NAEMSE/NHTSA EMS educator course, Firefighter 1A/1B, or American Heart Association ...

BLS Instructor, 25% Per Diem

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$33.09 - $65.77/hr

Per Diem Duration Indefinite Job # 31884 Primary Duties and Responsibilities Press space or enter ... Completion of NAEMSE/NHTSA EMS educator course, Firefighter 1A/1B, or American Heart Association ...

BLS Instructor, 25% Per Diem

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$33.09 - $65.77/hr

Per Diem Duration Indefinite Job # 32197 Primary Duties and Responsibilities Press space or enter ... Completion of NAEMSE/NHTSA EMS educator course, Firefighter 1A/1B, or American Heart Association ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Per Diem Firefighting Pilot information

What is a per diem firefighting pilot?

A per diem firefighting pilot is a professional pilot who is hired on a temporary, as-needed basis to operate aircraft during wildfire suppression operations. These pilots typically fly planes or helicopters equipped to drop water or fire retardant over wildfires. Their schedules are not fixed, and they are compensated based on the number of days worked, rather than a regular salary. Per diem firefighting pilots play a crucial role in augmenting full-time firefighting crews during peak wildfire seasons or emergencies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a per diem firefighting pilot?

To excel as a Per Diem Firefighting Pilot, you need a commercial pilot's license, extensive flight hours (often in low-level and challenging environments), and specialized training in aerial firefighting. Familiarity with aircraft such as air tankers or helicopters, GPS navigation systems, and firefighting-specific certifications like Interagency Airtanker Board (IAB) approval are typically required. Strong decision-making, situational awareness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills. These qualifications ensure safe and effective aerial firefighting operations, protecting both ground crews and communities at risk.

What are some unique challenges faced by per diem firefighting pilots compared to full-time pilots?

Per diem firefighting pilots often face the challenge of quickly adapting to different crews, aircraft, and operating environments since they may be called in on short notice and work irregular schedules. Building rapport with new teams and staying updated on varying local protocols can be demanding. Additionally, per diem pilots must maintain a high level of readiness and flexibility, as wildfire conditions and deployment locations can change rapidly, requiring swift decision-making and adaptability.

What is the difference between Per Diem Firefighting Pilot vs Wildland Firefighter?

AspectPer Diem Firefighting PilotWildland Firefighter
Required CertificationsFAA pilot certifications, firefighting aviation trainingFirefighter certification, basic wildland training
Work EnvironmentAircraft, aerial firefighting operationsGround, forested areas, wildfire suppression
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, firefighting aviation servicesFederal, state, or local fire departments

Per Diem Firefighting Pilots operate aircraft to combat wildfires, requiring specialized pilot certifications and aviation training. Wildland Firefighters work on the ground in forested areas, focusing on direct fire suppression. Both roles are essential in wildfire management but differ significantly in work environment and required skills.

What cities in California are hiring for Per Diem Firefighting Pilot jobs?

Cities in California with the most Per Diem Firefighting Pilot job openings:

Infographic showing various Per Diem Firefighting Pilot job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Fire Department Nurse Educator, Per Diem - Emergency Medicine

UCLA Health

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$33.96 - $69.54/hr

Full-time, Per diem

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


UCLA Health rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 137 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Description

Drive excellence in emergency medical services. Play an essential role in a world-class academic center. Take your professional expertise to the next level. The Fire Department & Law Enforcement Continuing Education and Quality Improvement Division is looking to fill a per-diem Fire Department Nurse Educator position. The division is affiliated with over 24 state agencies in the Los Angeles County. Nurse Educators work in affiliated fire departments and law enforcement agencies, providing continuing education, quality improvement, and coordinating ride-a-longs to maintain the certification and licensure of EMTs and paramedics, ensure compliance with the LA County Department of Health Services, conduct pilot studies, and promote best practices. As a vital member of the Fire Department & Law Enforcement Continuing Education and Quality Improvement Division within the UCLA Center for Prehospital Care at the David Geffen School of Medicine, you will support all aspects of this vital program.

This is a 10% per diem position, may convert to career. 

Salary Range: $33.96 - $69.54 hourly

Qualifications

Required: 

  • Current certification as a Registered Nurse and Mobile Intensive Care Nurse or Licensed Paramedic.
  • Five (5) years’ experience in a critical care setting.
  • Two (2) years’ experience as a Mobile Intensive Care Nurse.
  • Previous Prehospital Care Coordinator for a base hospital (preferred).
  • Baccalaureate degree in health related field, nursing, health care administration, health care education, emergency medical services or a related field (preferred).
  • Minimum of one (1) year teaching experience in emergency medical services or equivalent health care setting.
  • Previous experience coordinating education course or time management and organizational skills.
  • Current provider certification in BLS and ACLS from the American Heart Association.
  • Current instructor certification from the American Heart Association in BLS, ACLS and PALS (preferred).
  • Completion of NAEMSE/NHTSA EMS educator course, Firefighter 1A/1B, or American Heart Association “Core” instructor course.
  • Detailed knowledge in the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective objectives required for EMTs and Paramedics.
  • Detailed knowledge and experience in the application and techniques of clinical equipment and supplies.
  • Working knowledge of the different scopes of practices for EMTs, paramedics, registered nurses, and physicians.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills.
  • Ability to translate complex concepts into understandable parts.
  • Available to work evenings, holidays, and/or weekends.
  • Ability to foster a stimulating classroom environment.
  • Skill in working independently and following through with minimal direction.
  • Skill in working as part of a team collaborating with colleagues.
  • Ability to provide service oriented customer assistance in a professional and courteous manner.
  • Interpersonal skills to excel in relations with supervisor, staff, students, and the public.

What UCLA Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


UCLA Health logo

About UCLA Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

UCLA Health, operating within the healthcare industry, is significantly recognized for its commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of people through the integration of patient care, research, and education. Located in Los Angeles, California, UCLA Health was founded and associated with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1955, entrenching its roots in quality healthcare service provision. Through a broad range of medical services, UCLA Health significantly stands as a cornerstone for comprehensive outpatient, inpatient, and emergency care services, specialized treatments, and wellness checks. Notable for pioneering an integrated, comprehensive medical approach, UCLA Health is consistently ranked among the top health systems in the US and world.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

1955