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Per Diem Firefighting Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Blackhawk Pilot

Mcminnville, OR · On-site

$108K - $162K/yr

We manage our flight hours per year, with safety and work life balance in mind, to allow for paid ... Act as PIC or Co-pilot of S-70 (UH-60L) Black Hawk helicopter in firefighting operations both day ...

Blackhawk Pilot

Mcminnville, OR · On-site

$108K - $162K/yr

We manage our flight hours per year, with safety and work life balance in mind, to allow for paid ... Act as PIC or Co-pilot of S-70 (UH-60L) Black Hawk helicopter in firefighting operations both day ...

We manage our flight hours per year, with safety and work life balance in mind, to allow for paid ... Act as PIC or Co-pilot of S-70 (UH-60L) Black Hawk helicopter in firefighting operations both day ...

Helicopter Pilot

Eureka Springs, AR · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Mileage/per-diem/travel pay for work over shifts * $15,000 lump sum pilot referral bonus, subject to program criteria * Local Area Stipend- $15,000 (Residence within 60 miles of base) * Mileage ...

Helicopter Pilot

Altus, OK · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Mileage/per-diem/travel pay for work over shifts * $15,000 lump sum pilot referral bonus, subject to program criteria * Local Area Stipend- $15,000 (Residence within 60 miles of base) * Mileage ...

Apply Early

Mileage/per-diem/travel pay for work over shifts * $15,000 lump sum pilot referral bonus, subject to program criteria * Local Area Stipend- $15,000 (Residence within 60 miles of base) * Mileage ...

... hiring a Helicopter Pilot to provide medical air transportation services Air Evac Lifeteam ... 50.00/Day Per Diem and paid travel/accommodations while on shift Retention Bonus plans ($40,000 ...

Helicopter Pilot

El Dorado, AR · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Mileage/per-diem/travel pay for work over shifts * $15,000 lump sum pilot referral bonus, subject to program criteria * Local Area Stipend- $15,000 (Residence within 60 miles of base) * Mileage ...

Helicopter Pilot

Alva, OK · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Mileage/per-diem/travel pay for work over shifts * $15,000 lump sum pilot referral bonus, subject to program criteria * Local Area Stipend- $15,000 (Residence within 60 miles of base) * Mileage ...

Mileage/per-diem/travel pay for work over shifts * $15,000 lump sum pilot referral bonus, subject to program criteria * Local Area Stipend- $15,000 (Residence within 60 miles of base) * Mileage ...

Helicopter Pilot

Eureka Springs, AR · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Mileage/per-diem/travel pay for work over shifts * * $15,000 lump sum pilot referral bonus, subject to program criteria * * Local Area Stipend- $15,000 (Residence within 60 miles of base) * * Mileage ...

Apply Early

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Showing results 1-20

Per Diem Firefighting Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do per diem firefighting pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for per diem firefighting pilot in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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, and why are they important?

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 cities are hiring for Per Diem Firefighting Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Per Diem Firefighting Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Firefighting Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Firefighting Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Per Diem Firefighting Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Per Diem Firefighting Pilot jobs include:
Blackhawk Pilot

Blackhawk Pilot

Weyerhaeuser Company

Mcminnville, OR • On-site

$108K - $162K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Weyerhaeuser rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 18 rated forestry and logging companies


Job description

Weyerhaeuser is seeking a Blackhawk pilot based out of McMinnville, Oregon providing helicopter services to Weyerhaeuser Timberlands in Oregon and Washington. Some operations require travel away from McMinnville, travel expenses provided. Most operations are conducted locally. Schedule is balanced to meet customer demand and personal needs. We manage our flight hours per year, with safety and work life balance in mind, to allow for paid time in accordance with company policies.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Act as PIC or Co-pilot of S-70 (UH-60L) Black Hawk helicopter in firefighting operations both day and night and other missions as required by the company.

  • Conduct aerial work operations such as Aerial Fire Suppression, Dispensing operations, External load, Reconnaissance.

  • Be able to work on a roster away from home base for extended periods at a time at short notice.

  •  Willing to fly other aircraft types if qualified and as required by the company.

  • Devote time to group or self-study of aircraft systems, EP's, etc. and be available for training and check-flights as required by FAA/USFS and Weyerhaeuser.

  • Maintain written and computerized flight logs and records.

  • Ensure all flights, operations and other work follow FAA Regulations, Company Manuals, policies and Weyerhaeuser SOP's and are achieved safely, effectively and efficiently.

  • Maintains state of readiness for dispatch to emergency and non-emergency operations; or to any other assigned locations as required by the company at short notice.

  • Perform any other duties during scheduled shift as requested by Aviation Operations Manager (aka Director of Operations) or Chief Pilot (aka Head of flying Operations).

  • Relocate to Northwest Oregon area with the ability to report to the McMinnville Oregon base (approximately within ~60 minutes) for daily duties.
  • Commercial Rotorcraft Pilot Certificate with Instrument (Helicopter) rating
  • 3,000 total rotarywing flight hours
  • 1,000 hours Part 133 sling load / external load operations
  • Minimum 3 years / 500 hours in aerial work operations, including firefighting
  • Class II FAA Medical Certificate
  • Crew Resource Management (CRM) training
  • Ability to obtain USDA Firefighting Carding for the S70
  • Willingness to fly other aircraft types if qualified and required
  • Ability to relocate to Northwest Oregon and report to the McMinnville base within ~60 minutes

Desirable Qualifications/Experience:

  • UH60/ S70 Blackhawk Type rating or current CFR 61.58

  • 100 hours UH60/ S70 Blackhawk

  • Aerial Firefighting experience in Type II (Bell 212)

What We Offer: 

Compensation: This role is eligible for our annual merit-increase program, and we are targeting a salary range of $108,521 - $162,782 based on your level of skills, qualifications and experience. You will also be eligible for our Annual Incentive Program, which offers a cash bonus targeting 15% of base pay. Potential plan funding may range from zero to two times that target.

Benefits: When you join our team, you and your dependents will be offered coverage under our comprehensive employee benefits plan, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, and life insurance.  We offer a pre-tax Health Savings Account option which includes a company contribution.  Other benefit options are also available such as voluntary Long-Term Care and Employee Assistance Programs. We also support personal volunteerism, sponsor a host of diversity networks, promote mentoring, and provide training and development opportunities to help you chart your path to a fulfilling career. 

Retirement: Employees are able to enroll in our company's 401k plan, which includes a paid company match in addition to our contribution equal to 5% of your eligible pay. 

Paid Time Off or Vacation: We provide eligible employees who are scheduled to work 25 hours or more per week with 3-weeks of paid vacation to use during your first year of employment. We also recognize eleven paid holidays per year, providing a total of 88 holiday hours and paid parental leave for all full-time employees.

About Weyerhaeuser 

We sustainably manage forests and manufacture products that make the world a better place. We're serious about safety, driven to achieve excellence, and proud of what we do. With multiple business lines in locations across North America, we offer a range of exciting career opportunities for smart, talented people who are passionate about making a difference. 

We know you have a choice in your career. We want you to choose us. 

About Timberlands

We believe trees are a remarkable resource that can and should be managed responsibly to make a range of products that meet human needs, while also providing recreation, wildlife habitat, and other important ecosystem benefits.

For more than a century, we've been taking care of forests to make life better.

Weyerhaeuser is an equal opportunity employer. Inclusion is one of our five core values and we strive to maintain a culture where all our people feel a sense of belonging, opportunity and shared purpose. We are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce and supporting an equitable and inclusive environment that inspires people of all backgrounds to join, stay and thrive with our team.


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About Weyerhaeuser

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Weyerhaeuser is a leading international forest products company based in Seattle, WA, US. Established in 1900, the company has grown to become one of the largest timberland owners in the world. Weyerhaeuser is deeply rooted in the forestry industry and excels in timberland management, as well as the manufacture and distribution of a diverse range of forest products. The product slate encompasses lumber, plywood, wood chips, and other wood-derived materials predominantly used in construction, cellulose fiber production, and bioenergy.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US

Year founded

1900

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