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Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

$131K/yr

This is an Air Reserve Technician (ART) Officer position located at 943 RESCUE GP with the military ... The qualifications of Airplane/Helicopter Pilots or Airplane/Helicopter Flight Instructors in an ...

US Department of the Air Force

$131K/yr

This is an Air Reserve Technician (ART) Officer position located at 943 RESCUE GP with the military ... The qualifications of Airplane/Helicopter Pilots or Airplane/Helicopter Flight Instructors in an ...

USAJOBS

$131K/yr

This is an Air Reserve Technician (ART) Officer position located at 943 RESCUE GP with the military ... The qualifications of Airplane/Helicopter Pilots or Airplane/Helicopter Flight Instructors in an ...

U.S. Navy

Aviation Officer

Flagstaff, AZ · On-site

HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...

U.S. Navy

Aviation Officer

Scottsdale, AZ

HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...

U.S. Navy

Aviation Officer

Glendale, AZ · On-site

HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...

U.S. Navy

Aviation Officer

Tucson, AZ

HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...

U.S. Navy

Aviation Officer

Chandler, AZ

HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...

U.S. Navy

Aviation Officer

Chandler, AZ · On-site

HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...

U.S. Navy

Aviation Officer

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...

U.S. Navy

Aviation Officer

Flagstaff, AZ

HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...

U.S. Navy

Aviation Officer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...

U.S. Navy

Aviation Officer

Phoenix, AZ

HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...

U.S. Navy

Aviation Officer

Mesa, AZ · On-site

HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...

U.S. Navy

Aviation Officer

Mesa, AZ

HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...

U.S. Navy

Aviation Officer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...

U.S. Navy

Aviation Officer

Glendale, AZ

HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...

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All JobsSearch Rescue Helicopter Pilot JobsSearch Rescue Helicopter Pilot Jobs in Arizona

Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot information

See Arizona salary details

$66.6K

$93.4K

$115.1K

How much do search rescue helicopter pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for search rescue helicopter pilot in Arizona is $93,421.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,900.00 and $104,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a search rescue helicopter pilot?

A Search and Rescue (SAR) Helicopter Pilot operates helicopters to locate and assist individuals in distress, often in remote or hazardous environments. Their duties include flying in various weather conditions, coordinating with rescue teams, and performing emergency evacuations. They work for military, government, or private organizations, responding to emergencies such as natural disasters, lost hikers, or maritime incidents. Extensive training, flight experience, and certifications are required to ensure safety during high-risk operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a search rescue helicopter pilot?

To thrive as a Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot, you need advanced piloting skills, a thorough knowledge of aeronautical navigation and meteorology, and a commercial or air transport pilot license with specialized search and rescue (SAR) training. Proficiency with GPS navigation systems, night vision equipment, hoist operations, and radio communications is essential. Strong decision-making abilities, teamwork, and calmness under pressure are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe and effective mission execution in challenging and often life-threatening situations.

What are the typical working hours and conditions for a search rescue helicopter pilot?

Search Rescue Helicopter Pilots often work irregular hours, including weekends, nights, and holidays, as emergencies can occur at any time. The role can involve long shifts and rapid response to urgent calls, with time spent both in-flight and on standby at a base. Pilots typically operate as part of a highly coordinated team, collaborating closely with crew members, paramedics, and ground rescue personnel. Work conditions can be physically and mentally demanding, especially in adverse weather or challenging terrain, but the position is rewarding for those who are passionate about saving lives and making a tangible impact.

What are the most commonly searched types of Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot jobs in Arizona?

The most popular types of Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot jobs in Arizona are:

What are popular job titles related to Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot jobs in Arizona?

For Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot jobs in Arizona look for?

The top searched job categories for Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot jobs in Arizona are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot job openings:

Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,421 per year, or $44.9 per hour.

HELICOPTER PILOT

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

$131K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 539 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 49 rated military and defense

Job description

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.
Air Reserve Technicians are full-time civilian employees who are also members of the Air Force Reserve unit in which they are employed. In addition to their civilian assignments, they are assigned to equivalent positions in the Reserve organization with a Reserve military rank or grade. Appointee's civilian assignments will consist of the following duties.Qualifications:THIS IS AN AIR RESERVE TECHNICIAN OFFICER POSITION.
This is an Air Reserve Technician (ART) Officer position located at 943 RESCUE GP with the military rank of LT COL/O-5, AFSC: 011H3E. For questions concerning military eligibility please contact the Air Force Reserve Qualification Center at 1-800-257-1212.
SPECIAL EXPERIENCE: No specific length of experience required. The qualifications of Airplane/Helicopter Pilots or Airplane/Helicopter Flight Instructors in an Air Force active duty and Reserve force are directly related to the completion of prerequisite training and number of flying hours rather than years of experience.
FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENTS FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Applicants must have served at least 52 weeks at the next lower grade level or higher grade (or equivalent in an alternate pay system) within the Federal Civil Service to be considered for referral. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks.
GS-13: Must have been awarded or qualify for a USAF Pilot rating and hold a valid aviation service aeronautical order. Minimum of 1,000 Total Military Flight Time in MDS. Must be instructor qualified in unit aircraft. (Note: For position requiring the piloting of fighter jet aircraft (e.g., F-16, A-10, F-15, F-22), each hours as First Pilot and/or Instructor Pilot in a fighter jet aircraft may be counted as two hours of flying time when determining total hours of pilot time or primary and/or instructor pilot time. Training aircraft (T-37/T-38) should be considered when giving double credit but only for those hours in which candidates logged either instructor/evaluator pilot or primary pilot time. Flying hours logged as a student pilot will be credited one-for-one when calculating total time.) NOTE: You must submit an AFTAR 209 or any official flying hour report and any official document that shows date received aviation service aeronautical order. Please upload your documents in the supporting documents section under Other. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN AN INELIGBILE RATING.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
  1. Knowledge of and skill in the application of rated aviator expertise as a pilot.
  2. Knowledge of and ability to formulate plans and courses pertaining to flying operations and unit flying training activities.
  3. Knowledge of the capabilities, limitations, and techniques for employment of unit-assigned aircraft.
  4. Knowledge of flying operations and the unit mission. Knowledge of the relationship of the various Air Force Reserve entities, other MAJCOMs and Air Force in overall planning and execution of military operations and evaluations.
  5. Ability to resolve complex issues and maintain good working relations.
  6. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Other significant facts pertaining to this position are:
  1. This is an Air Reserve Technician (ART) officer position. The incumbent is required to meet and maintain Air Force Reserve requirements. Work schedule will be aligned to allow the incumbent to fully participate in unit training assemblies. The incumbent's regular assignments are primarily ART duties; however, the incumbent may also be assigned non-ART duties, generally not to exceed 30 percent of total responsibilities.
  2. This is an AFRC key management position, in which, the incumbent is required to formulate, determine, and/or influence policies. Must be highly knowledgeable of the AFRC mission and responsibilities. As a designated key position, the term "key" as it is used here relates to the ART program that defines the position as critical to mobilization capability (i.e., formulates, determines or influences policies of the unit to which assigned), and has no relationship to the term "key" as defined in AFI 36-507.
  3. This position is designated as a mobility position. Incumbent must be willing to move/transfer to another unit/location on a lateral or promotion basis as directed by HQ AFRC. AFRC command-wide geographic mobility is a condition of employment for all ART Officer positions. The employee must sign a mobility agreement.
  4. The incumbent must possess demonstrated leadership and managerial abilities essential to successful accomplishment of responsibilities inherent in this position.
  5. The incumbent must obtain and retain the appropriate security clearance level designated for the position, Top Secret.
  6. This is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The employee is subject to random drug testing. The incumbent is subject to pre-employment drug testing and participation in random drug testing as a condition of employment. Drug Test requirement was modified with AFI 90-508, Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program, 28 August 2014; Certified Current 18 December 2015 which supersedes AFI 44-107, 7 April 2010. Positions covered by this SPD must be reviewed for proper "Testing Designated Position (TDP)" coding to comply with the AF Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program (AFI 90-508). Drug testing is a condition of employment.
  7. This position is covered by the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment (30 Sep 96) of the Gun Control Act (Lautenberg Amendment) of 1968. An individual convicted of a qualifying crime of domestic violence may not perform the duties of this position.
  8. Aircrew and management duties include stress (both mental and physical), exposures to extreme hot and cold temperatures, gravity forces three in non-fighters and seven in fighters, and short notification for accomplishment of immediate action items directed by unit supervisors/higher headquarters that must be completed before the duty day ends.
  9. Periodically, as prescribed by regulations, must take and pass standardization/evaluation examinations which consist both of written tests and actual flight performance to demonstrate flight knowledge and abilities required of the position.
  10. The incumbent of the position must become instructor qualified within two years from the date of appointment to the position. This is a condition of employment.
  11. The incumbent may be required to fly in military and/or commercial aircraft to perform temporary duty assignments (TDY) away from the normal duty station.
  12. The incumbent may be required to work overtime to meet workload demands.
  13. Performs other duties as assigned.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
RETIRED MILITARY ARE USUALLY INELIGIBLE FOR MEMBERSHIP IN THE AIR FORCE RESERVE. RETIRED MILITARY PERSONNEL WHO HAVE ACTIVE AIR FORCE RESERVE ASSIGNMENTS MAY APPLY PROVIDED THEY SHOW ASSIGNMENT (POSITION AND UNIT) ON THEIR APPLICATION.Employment Type: OTHER

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