... airborne law enforcement agencies, firefighters, military, television stations, and ... Excellent verbal and written communication skills--you'll be talking directly to pilots, law ...
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... airborne law enforcement agencies, firefighters, military, television stations, and ... Excellent verbal and written communication skills--you'll be talking directly to pilots, law ...
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?
| Aspect | Per Diem Firefighting Pilot | Wildland Firefighter |
|---|---|---|
| Required Certifications | FAA pilot certifications, firefighting aviation training | Firefighter certification, basic wildland training |
| Work Environment | Aircraft, aerial firefighting operations | Ground, forested areas, wildfire suppression |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Government agencies, firefighting aviation services | Federal, 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.
Full-time
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO
Posted 8 days ago
Job description
Who We Are:
SHOTOVER Systems is located in beautiful Boulder, CO and designs and builds high-end gyro-stabilized airborne camera systems and augmented reality software used by airborne law enforcement agencies, firefighters, military, television stations, and cinematographers around the world. With additional locations in New Zealand, Canada, Switzerland and the UK, we offer a seamless end-to-end solution of software and hardware solutions while delivering an unprecedented level of control, versatility and ease-of-use in a compact package backed by world-class service and support.
Who You Are:
We’re looking for a tech-savvy technical support specialist who enjoys solving complex problems, working across both hardware and software, and helping customers get the most out of cutting-edge technology.
Whether you’re a self-taught software enthusiast, a computer hardware tinkerer, or someone with a background in customer tech support (like Apple Genius Bar, Geek Squad, IT helpdesks, or computer repair), what matters most to us are your diagnostic instincts, practical problem-solving skills, and customer-first attitude.
In this role, you’ll help bring our mission-critical systems to life on real aircraft. You’ll provide ongoing customer technical support—split between day-to-day phone and remote troubleshooting from our Boulder office and on-site field visits to integrate equipment, troubleshoot issues, and train operators in high-stakes environments.
What You’ll Do:
Serve as the primary point of contact for customers calling in for help with software, networking, and system configurations. Travel domestically and internationally up to 25% of the time to customer sites (hangars, airfields, law enforcement/military bases) to configure equipment, perform light integrations on aircraft, and conduct end-user training.
Responsibilities:
Prepare data, test hardware, and load final software configurations on systems before they ship to clients.
Diagnose challenging hardware, software, and networking issues in Windows environments.
Log customer tickets accurately, track issues through resolution, and document troubleshooting steps for internal staff.
Required Skills & Experience
Computer Science or other related engineering degrees are welcome but not required — we value practical, hands-on experience, technical curiosity, and proven troubleshooting skills.
Experience in customer-facing technical support (IT helpdesk, tech retail repair, field service, or customer support).
Strong PC literacy and comfort troubleshooting software and hardware in a Windows environment.
Basic understanding of networking concepts and configurations (IP addresses, subnets, routers).
Excellent verbal and written communication skills—you’ll be talking directly to pilots, law enforcement officers, and field technicians.
A great “can-do” attitude with a focus on ownership and customer satisfaction.
Desired Skills:
Familiarity with wiring diagrams, low-voltage cabling, or basic electronics.
Basic scripting experience (Python, Batch scripts, PowerShell, etc.).
Hands-on hardware experience (soldering, crimping, or re-pinning cables).
Schedule & Travel Requirements
Generally Monday – Friday in-person at our Boulder office
On-call rotation for after-hours customer emergencies
Regular domestic and international travel (typically 1–2 short trips per month for customer integrations, site support, and training).
Work Authorization: U. S. Citizenship, Permanent Residency, or other protected status under 8 U. S. C. 1324b(a)(3) is required for this position.
A background check is required as part of our hiring process.
Benefits: Health/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance, 401k, and Paid Time Off
About SHOTOVER Systems
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Aerospace product and parts manufacturing
Company size
51 - 200 Employees
Headquarters location
Boulder, CO, US
Year founded
2009