1

Seasonal Helicopter Firefighting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... helicopter fueling, aircraft fueling, fuel truck operations, fuel quality assurance, vessel fuel ... Creates daily and seasonal schedules for Fuels Department personnel. Plan, manage, and evaluate the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Seasonal Helicopter Firefighting information

See salary details

$59.5K

$96.4K

$102.5K

How much do seasonal helicopter firefighting jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for seasonal helicopter firefighting in the United States is $96,397.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Seasonal Helicopter Firefighting vs Fixed-Wing Firefighting Pilot?

AspectSeasonal Helicopter FirefightingFixed-Wing Firefighting Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), rotorcraft ratings, firefighting-specific trainingCommercial Pilot License (CPL), fixed-wing ratings, firefighting-specific training
Work EnvironmentHelicopter operations in rugged, remote areas during fire seasonFixed-wing aircraft in larger airfields or remote areas during fire season
Industry UsagePrimarily used for aerial suppression, water drops, and access in difficult terrainUsed for large-scale fire suppression, long-distance water drops, and monitoring

Seasonal Helicopter Firefighting involves piloting rotorcraft to combat wildfires in challenging terrains, requiring specific certifications and training. Fixed-Wing Firefighting Pilots operate larger aircraft for extensive fire suppression efforts. Both roles are vital in wildfire management but differ mainly in aircraft type, work environment, and operational scope.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Seasonal Helicopter Firefighter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Seasonal Helicopter Firefighter, you need strong physical fitness, wildfire suppression knowledge, and qualifications such as basic wildland firefighter certification (e.g., NWCG FFT2) and helicopter safety training. Familiarity with radio communication systems, GPS navigation, and personal protective equipment (PPE) is typically required. Exceptional teamwork, quick decision-making, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies are vital for ensuring personal safety, effective firefighting operations, and seamless coordination during high-risk, rapidly evolving wildfire situations.

What are some typical challenges faced by seasonal helicopter firefighting crews, and how are they addressed on the job?

Seasonal helicopter firefighting crews often face unpredictable working conditions, including rapidly changing weather, difficult terrain, and long hours during peak wildfire season. Effective communication and teamwork are essential to ensure safety and coordinate complex aerial operations with ground crews. Continuous training, adherence to safety protocols, and regular briefings help crews adapt quickly to evolving fire situations and mitigate risks. The dynamic nature of the role requires flexibility, resilience, and a strong commitment to safety.

What is seasonal helicopter firefighting?

Seasonal helicopter firefighting involves working as part of a team that uses helicopters to combat wildfires during peak fire seasons, typically in the summer months. These firefighters are responsible for flying in helicopters to perform tasks such as dropping water or fire retardant, transporting personnel and equipment, and conducting reconnaissance missions. The job is physically demanding and often requires long hours in challenging and hazardous conditions. Most positions are temporary and support government agencies or private contractors during high wildfire activity. Specialized training and certifications are typically required to ensure safety and effectiveness.
More about Seasonal Helicopter Firefighting jobs
What cities are hiring for Seasonal Helicopter Firefighting jobs? Cities with the most Seasonal Helicopter Firefighting job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Helicopter Firefighting jobs? The most popular types of Helicopter Firefighting jobs are:
What states have the most Seasonal Helicopter Firefighting jobs? States with the most job openings for Seasonal Helicopter Firefighting jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Seasonal Helicopter Firefighting jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Seasonal Helicopter Firefighting jobs are:
Infographic showing various Seasonal Helicopter Firefighting job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Temporary. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,397 per year, or $46.3 per hour.
Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Wildland Fire Operations Technician)

Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Wildland Fire Operations Technician)

US Department of the Interior

Doyle, CA

$78K/yr

Other

Posted 29 days ago


U.S. Department Of The Interior rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

299th of 646 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

This is a Direct-Hire advertisement. Veterans preference is not applicable to this advertisement. Learn more about this authority at: Direct Hire Authority

This Supervisory Wildland Firefighter position is with the US Wildland Fire Service, GW-0456-10 working in the following location(s):

  • Alturas, California
  • Cedarville, California
  • Doyle, California
  • Susanville, California
Qualifications:

Selective Placement Factor(s): This position requires a special qualification that has been determined to be essential to perform the duties and will be used as a screen out element. Those who do not provide evidence they possess the following selective factor(s) will be rated not qualified.
Prior on-the-line firefighting: This experience must be clearly documented in your resume with specific to and from dates, description of work performed, and hours worked per week in order to be considered. This is an administrative position in an organization having a firefighting mission and is in an established career path. Prior firefighting experience, as gained by substantial service in a primary firefighter position or equivalent experience outside the Federal Government is a MANDATORY PREREQUISITE for incumbents of this position.
Candidates must possess substantial wildland firefighting experience, gained through fire line work in containment, control, suppression or use of wildland fire. Substantial experience is considered one fire season, which is typically 90 days in duration. The Department of the Interior defines wildland firefighting experience as any non-structure fire that occurs in the wildland. Wildland firefighting experience is gained through work on the fire line in containment, control, suppression or use of wildland fire. This experience can be met by serving in a temporary, seasonal, or equivalent private sector fire position. Wildland fires are categorized into two distinct types: (1) Wildfires - Unplanned ignitions or prescribed fires that are declared wildfires; and (2) Prescribed Fires - Planned ignitions. This description includes only fireline experience on a Prescribed Fire; it does not include experience in the planning stages. Prescribed fire experience must be supplemented by fire suppression experience in order to be creditable as previous wildland firefighting experience.

This position has been identified as one of the key fire management positions under the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Standard. This position has been categorized as a (Wildland Fire Operations Technician - High Complexity) and requires selectee to meet the minimum qualification standards for IFPM prior to being placed into the position. Detailed information regarding IFPM positions can be found here: Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM). To meet IFPM requirements, you must have possessed all of the following National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) incident management qualifications and training requirements to be considered eligible for this position (currency not required at time of referral, but may be required to obtain and maintain currency if selected):

  • Pathways #1: Division/Group Supervisor (DIVS) and Incident Commander Type 3 (ICT3) or Prescribed Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2)
  • Pathways #2: Air Support Group Supervisor (ASGS) and Incident Commander Type 3 (ICT3)

Minimum Qualification
If you are a current or former federal employee who served in a competitive or excepted appointment, your resume must show that you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-08 grade level equivalent in difficulty and complexity as indicated by the following examples:
Leading a wildland fire module in the suppression of wildland fire incidents, such as: Handcrew: locating fireline and directing fireline construction, backfiring and burnout operations, engine and pump operations, brush clearing, tree falling and holding/patrol/mop up operations; Prescribed Fire: monitoring fire behavior, fire effects, and fire weather; collecting fire data such as fuel loading, tree stand density, fuel moisture, map projects, weather, and records maintenance; Engine: operating a wildland fire engine directing the correct positioning, starting, priming, and adjusting pump valves, hose, nozzles and adjusting additives; Helitack: directing the loading of helicopter, flight manifests, preparing and hooking long line loads.
If you have never been or are NOT a current federal employee who served in a competitive or excepted appointment, your resume must show that you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in difficulty and complexity as indicated by the following examples: Assisting in the supervision of a wildland fire module described above, assisting in the day to-day planning of work assignments and distribution of work, determining preparedness and suppression needs, facilitating procurement, formulating and preparing project plans for the module; managing inventory and assigning property; ensuring safe operation of tools and equipment; determining training needs; determining best tactical method of fire suppression, tools and methods to use; maintaining records and reports on crew hours and movements and history of action taken on fires; determining probable causes of fire and preserves evidence.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Secondary Firefighter Retirement Coverage - Applicants for this secondary administrative fire fighter position under the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8336 (c) (CSRS) and 5 U.S.C. 8412 (d), must possess knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of wildland firefighting as demonstrated by direct wildland firefighting experience. In order to receive credit, you must provide a written description of your experience in wildland firefighting. Education without hands-on wildland firefighting experience does not meet this requirement. Periods of wildland firefighting experience, gained through militia and rural fire departments, can also be credited. Wildland fire is defined as any non-structure fire that occurs in the wildland. Two distinct types of wildland fire have been defined and include wildfire and prescribed fires as follows: Wildfire: Unplanned ignitions or prescribed fires that are declared wildfires. Prescribed Fires: Planned ignitions. This description includes only fire line experience on a Prescribed Fire; it does not include experience in the planning stages. Prescribed fire experience must be supplemented by fire suppression experience in order to be creditable as previous wildland firefighting experience.

Physical Demands: Arduous exertion for protracted periods of time such as, but not limited to, extensive running, walking, climbing, kneeling, stooping, pulling hoses, jumping and twisting, prolonged standing, walking over uneven ground, and recurring bending, reaching, lifting and carrying of items weighing over 50 pounds and shared lifting and carrying of heavier items, and similar activities requiring at least average agility and dexterity.
Working Conditions: Forest, range, and desert environments in steep terrain where surfaces may be extremely uneven, rocky, covered with thick tangled vegetation, smoky conditions, etc. Temperatures commonly exceed 100 degrees F and may fall below freezing. Risks include smoke inhalation, fire entrapment, snake or insect bites and stings, exposure to excessive machinery noise, and falling and rolling material. Employee must adjust and cope with exposure to weather elements, dust and smoke, poor bivouac and eating situations under an unpredictable set of circumstances. Firefighters may be required to live in backcountry camps for extended periods of time. The hazardous nature of the work requires that personal protective equipment be worn (e.g., boots, hard hat, gloves, flame resistant clothing). Work may require travel by fixed-wing or rotor-wing aircraft.

Education:Education may not be used to qualify for this position.Employment Type: OTHER

What U.S. Department Of The Interior employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom