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Seasonal Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$100 - $125/hr

... CAL FIRE) is California's fire department and resource management agency. The organization is comprised of nearly 14,000 permanent and seasonal employees. The mission of the Department is to serve ...

Fire Pilot

Irvine, CA

$122K - $164K/yr

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS The Fire Pilot is the first level in a two level helicopter pilot series. Incumbents serve as Pilot in Command (PlC) during a full range of helicopter missions ...

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Seasonal Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot information

See salary details

$71.5K

$100.2K

$123.5K

How much do seasonal cal fire helicopter pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for seasonal cal fire helicopter pilot in the United States is $100,249.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,000.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Seasonal Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot?

Seasonal Cal Fire Helicopter Pilots are trained aviation professionals employed by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) during peak wildfire seasons. Their primary responsibility is to operate helicopters for firefighting missions, including water drops, transporting firefighters, and conducting search and rescue operations. These pilots are hired on a seasonal basis, usually from spring through late fall, when wildfire risk is highest. They must have specialized training in helicopter flight and wildfire operations, as well as hold required certifications and licenses. Their work is critical for rapid response and effective suppression of wildfires across California.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Seasonal Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot?

To thrive as a Seasonal Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot, you need an FAA commercial helicopter pilot certificate, extensive flight hours (often 1,000+), and specialized training in firefighting aviation. Familiarity with GPS navigation, radio communication systems, and wildfire suppression tools like Bambi buckets is essential. Strong decision-making, teamwork, and stress management skills help pilots excel in high-pressure, rapidly changing emergency environments. These competencies are crucial for ensuring effective wildfire response, crew safety, and protecting lives and property during fire seasons.

What are some common challenges faced by a Seasonal Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot during fire season?

As a Seasonal Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot, one of the primary challenges is operating in rapidly changing and high-pressure environments, often with limited visibility due to smoke. Pilots must coordinate closely with ground crews and air attack supervisors to ensure safe and effective water or personnel drops. Fatigue can also be a factor, as fire activity can require long shifts and quick deployments. Additionally, pilots must maintain strict adherence to safety protocols while adapting to unpredictable weather and fire behavior.

What is the difference between Seasonal Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot vs Firefighting Pilot?

AspectSeasonal Cal Fire Helicopter PilotFirefighting Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License, rotorcraft ratings, firefighting trainingCommercial Pilot License, rotorcraft ratings, firefighting training
Work EnvironmentSeasonal firefighting missions, aerial suppression, rescue operationsSeasonal or temporary firefighting missions, aerial suppression
Employer & IndustryCalifornia Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), government agencyState or federal agencies, firefighting organizations

Both roles involve piloting helicopters for firefighting, requiring similar certifications and working in seasonal, high-risk environments. The main difference lies in the specific agency and job title, with 'Seasonal Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot' being specific to Cal Fire's operations, while 'Firefighting Pilot' is a broader term used across various agencies.

Is there a demand for seasonal Cal Fire helicopter pilots?

There is consistent demand for seasonal Cal Fire helicopter pilots due to ongoing wildfire suppression needs and the seasonal nature of fire seasons. Pilots with certifications such as a commercial pilot license and experience in aerial firefighting are often sought after during peak fire seasons. Employment opportunities typically increase during dry months when wildfire activity is highest.
More about Seasonal Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot jobs

What cities are hiring for Seasonal Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Seasonal Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot jobs?

The most popular types of Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot jobs are:

What states have the most Seasonal Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Seasonal Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot jobs include:

Infographic showing various Seasonal Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,249 per year, or $48.2 per hour.

Helicopter Fire Pilot - California

Heli Preflight

On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Forestry Fire Pilot

Company: California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE)

Location: Santa Clara County, CA

Posted: 5 days ago

Description

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug‑free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Job Code #:

JC-527899

Position #(s):

542-116-1046-VAR

Working Title:

Forestry Fire Pilot

Classification:

FORESTRY FIRE PILOT

$7,948.00 – $10,488.00

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions:

Multiple

Work Location:

Telework:

In Office

Job Type:

Permanent, Full Time

Facility:

Department Information

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is California’s fire department and resource management agency. The organization is comprised of nearly 14,000 permanent and seasonal employees. The mission of the Department is to serve and safeguard the people and protect the property and resources of California.

When you join CAL FIRE, you join a family of employees that function as a team. You will build trust and friendship with your co‑workers, as together you respond to emergencies and challenging situations. CAL FIRE provides employees with a variety of career choices and opportunities. We hope that you will consider a rewarding and challenging career with CAL FIRE!

For questions related to the duties of the positions, please contact [Removed. See source link below. /Admin] .

These positions will be located at the Alma Helitack Base in Los Gatos , CA.

Eligibility Information

  • Candidates with SROA/Surplus eligibility will be given priority, if any. If none, then;
  • Candidate must have taken and passed the examination for this classification and be active on a current certified eligibility list; or,
  • Candidate must be eligible to transfer; or,
  • Candidate must be eligible to reinstate.

To obtain list eligibility, candidates must take and pass an examination for the classification of interest. The examination for this classification is currently posted and can be accessed by following the link below:

Forestry Fire Pilot

Applicants that successfully complete and pass the examination will be placed on an eligibility list. Obtaining list eligibility does not guarantee employment. Those interested in obtaining employment as a list eligible candidate must apply to the job control of the position in which you are interested and compete through the state recruitment process. The score and rank you achieve on your examination will not be considered during the rating portion of the hiring process; evaluation will be based on separate, predetermined criteria that evaluate your knowledge, specialized skills, and abilities in relation to specific program needs.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Special Requirements

  • Incumbent must possess a valid Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) Commercial Airman Certificate with rotorcraft-helicopter rating or a valid FAA issued Airline Transport Pilot’s Certificate with rotorcraft-helicopter rating.
  • Incumbent must possess a valid and current Class II Airman’s Medical Certificate issued by an FAA authorized medical examiner.
  • Incumbent must possess a valid driver’s license of the appropriate class issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
  • Applicants must have logged at least 2,000 hours of pilot-in-command time flying helicopters. Of these, candidates must have all of the required flight hours in qualifying conditions or assignments as listed in the class specifications.

CAL FIRE pilots must have the ability to work any required shift and remain on duty 24 hours a day with regulated maximum flight time and mandated uninterrupted sleep cycles per 24-hour period.

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

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