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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 ...

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Seasonal Helicopter Firefighting information

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$59.5K

$96.4K

$102.5K

How much do seasonal helicopter firefighting jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 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?

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $96,397 per year, or $46.3 per hour.

Temporary

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Position:         Fuels Foreman                

Location:        McMurdo Station, South Pole or Palmer Station

Type:               Full-Time, Contract,

Duration:        Approx. 5 months

Note: US Citizenship is required for facility credentials/authorization at this work location

Directs the daily operation of a stations fuels distribution system to include the bulk tank farms, fuel transfers, helicopter fueling, aircraft fueling, fuel truck operations, fuel quality assurance, vessel fuel offloading/loading operations, and maintenance of fuel distribution system & facilities, and fuel requirements for science projects. 

Supervises and provides work direction for the department. 

Ensure fuel quality assurance meeting fuel standards set by MIL-STD-3004-1B and MIL-STD-1518E. 

Creates daily and seasonal schedules for Fuels Department personnel. 

Plan, manage, and evaluate the work of the crew. 

Track departments inventory supplies. Work with Fuels Supervisor to procure inventory. 

Track stations fuel movement issue, transfers, and receives. 

Report stations fuel data to Fuels Supervisor and ASC leadership. 

Ensures the department completes training modules for Fuels tasking and equipment use. 

Confers with other leadership to coordinate operations and activities within or between departments. 

Confers with management and subordinates to resolve problems and complaints. 

Works in the Fuels Office, assisting with radio communications, work direction, and interdepartmental communications with the Fuels Coordinator. 

Helps Fuels Supervisor with writing/revising/editing Fuels Department documents, including Standard Operating Procedures, Training Documents, and Job Hazard Assessments. 

Complete and submit daily, weekly, monthly, and annual reports.  

Maintains workplace safety program and ensures safety is the highest priority in the workplace. 

Works outside on various job sites in extreme cold weather conditions as required.   

Performs other duties as required. 

Required Education, Experience, Certificates, and Licenses: 

High School Diploma or GED 

A minimum of three years combined experience working with the following is required: fuels, plumbing, pumps, hoses, and valves. Mechanical or technical experience related to minor engine repair, auto or equipment repair, wildland firefighting, irrigation, farming work, marine, golf course maintenance, or any discipline in engineering can also be considered qualifying. 

Minimum of Two years of experience in a first line leadership or supervisory position. 

Expected Skills and Competencies: 

Intermediate experience using Word and Excel is required. 

Ability to set direction, make decisions and oversee a station with little direct supervision. 

Ability to seek a team approach. 

Ability to bring ideas and solutions to issues raised. 

Strong analytical and communication skills. 

Preferred: 

Previous experience with remote fuel operations is preferred. 

Radio operations and communications experience. 

A College degree is preferred. 

Physical and/or Other Requirements: 

Willingness and ability to deploy to Antarctica for extended periods 

Successful completion of Medical and Dental examinations required by the NSF for deployment to Antarctica 

Successful completion of drug screening and background check required by employer 

Successful completion of Federal Background Check required by the NSF 

Must be willing and able to lift and move items, parts, assemblies, and equipment up to the safety regulation maximum as required by the position. 

Must be willing and able to perform physical activities including heavy lifting, climbing in and out of equipment, crawling, and working outdoors in extreme cold as required by the position. 

Must participate in community programs, such as "house-mouse" (chores),"daisy-picking" (cleaning-up around the station), recycling efforts & safety objectives. 

Valid Driver's License issued in the United States 

Must be able to obtain and maintain facility credentials/authorization.

Employment Type: Temporary"