ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Per Diem Firefighting Pilot Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

UCLA Health

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 ...

UCLA Health

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 ...

UCLA Health

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 ...

UCLA Health

BLS Instructor, 25% Per Diem

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$33.09 - $65.77/hr

This is a 25% per diem position, may convert to career. Salary:$33.09 - $65.77 hourly ... Completion of NAEMSE/NHTSA EMS educator course, Firefighter 1A/1B, or American Heart Association ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPer Diem Firefighting Pilot JobsPer Diem Firefighting Pilot Jobs in California

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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Firefighting Pilot jobs in California?

The most popular types of Firefighting Pilot jobs in California are:

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

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

Per Diem Firefighting Pilot jobs near you
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.

BLS Instructor, 25% Per Diem

UCLA Health

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$33.09 - $65.77/hr

Full-time, Per diem

Posted 25 days ago

UCLA Health rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 137 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

General Information
Press space or enter keys to toggle section visibility
Work Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA
Onsite or Remote
Fully On-Site
Work Schedule
varies depending on departmental needs
Posted Date
07/17/2026
Salary Range: $32.09 - 63.86 Hourly
Employment Type
6 - Staff: Per Diem
Duration
Indefinite
Job #
31883
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Press space or enter keys to toggle section visibility
The UCLA Center for Prehospital Care, one of only four academic prehospital care centers in the nation, is a national leader in EMS education, training, and certification.
The BLS Instructor provides high-quality classroom and skills-based instruction in accordance with American Heart Association Community Training Center standards for UCLA Health and the broader healthcare community. Responsibilities include delivering lectures and hands-on training, fostering an engaging learning environment, monitoring learner progress and attendance, ensuring course objectives are met, and supporting program quality and student success.
This is a 25% per diem position, may convert to career.
Salary: $33.09 - $65.77 hourly
Job Qualifications
Press space or enter keys to toggle section visibility
Required:
  • AHS BLS Provider & Instructor
  • Current certification as an EMT or EMT-Intermediate, or current licensure as a Paramedic.
  • Baccalaureate degree in health related field, nursing, health care administration, health care education, emergency medical services or a related field (preferred).
  • Minimum of one (1-2) years work experience on an ambulance or in a hospital emergency department.
  • Previous experience coordinating education course or time management and organizational skills.
  • Current provider certification in BLS from the American Heart Association.
  • Current instructor certification from the American Heart Association in BLS.
  • Completion of NAEMSE/NHTSA EMS educator course, Firefighter 1A/1B, or American Heart Association "Core" instructor course (preferred).
  • Detailed knowledge in the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective objectives for the course.
  • 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 meet scheduling requirements to include 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 supervisor, staff, students, and the public.
  • Must be able to frequently sit, walk, stand, lift, carry, and balance at times in excess of 125 pounds. Hand-Eye and motor coordination is necessary. The work may involve light lifting (from 10 to 20 pounds maximum) to very heavy lifting (50 pounds occasionally, no maximum) and can involve climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, handling, fingering, feeling, talking, hearing, and seeing (including the ability to perceive differences in colors, shades, or harmonious combinations or to match colors is required).

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.
Current/former UC employees are subject to a personnel file review.

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

View All UCLA Health Jobs

Apply