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Seasonal Single Engine Air Tanker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Air Methods

Helicopter Pilot

Sayre, PA · On-site

$95K - $119K/yr

Overview Rotor Wing Pilot - Guthrie Air Sayre, PA EMS Air Medical Aircraft: EC135 IFR $20,000 ... Commercial single engine land is required for single engine aircraft * First OR Second Class FAA ...

Air Methods

Helicopter Pilot

Sayre, PA · On-site

$95K - $119K/yr

Commercial single engine land is required for single engine aircraft * First OR Second Class FAA ... Air Methods is an EEO/AA employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment ...

Air Methods

Helicopter Pilot

Sayre, PA

$95K - $119K/yr

Commercial single engine land is required for single engine aircraft * First OR Second Class FAA ... Air Methods is an EEO/AA employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment ...

Air Methods

Helicopter Pilot

Sayre, PA · On-site

$95K - $119K/yr

As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us ... Commercial single engine land is required for single engine aircraft * First OR Second Class FAA ...

Air Methods

NJ

$93K - $116K/yr

Commercial single engine land is required for single engine aircraft * First OR Second Class FAA ... Air Methods is an EEO/AA employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment ...

Air Methods

Helicopter Pilot

Philadelphia, PA

$90K - $113K/yr

Commercial single engine land is required for single engine aircraft * First OR Second Class FAA ... Air Methods is an EEO/AA employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment ...

Air Methods Pilots

Helicopter Pilot

Sayre, PA · On-site

$95K - $119K/yr

As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us ... Commercial single engine land is required for single engine aircraft * First OR Second Class FAA ...

WORKFORCE SERVICES INC

GFAR Engine Boss

Spokane, WA

$19 - $25.75/hr

Basic Air Operations (S-270) * Engine Boss (Single Resource) (S-231) * Firing Operations (S-219 ... Full/Part Time, Seasonal Experience: * Wildland Firefighting: 5 years (Preferred) * Driver ...

WorkForce Services

GFAR Engine Boss

Spokane, WA · On-site

$19 - $25.75/hr

Basic Air Operations (S-270) * Engine Boss (Single Resource) (S-231) * Firing Operations (S-219 ... Full/Part Time, Seasonal Experience: * Wildland Firefighting: 5 years (Preferred) * Driver ...

WORKFORCE SERVICES INC

GFAR Engine Boss

Spokane, WA · On-site

$19 - $25.75/hr

Basic Air Operations (S-270) * Engine Boss (Single Resource) (S-231) * Firing Operations (S-219 ... Full/Part Time, Seasonal Experience: * Wildland Firefighting: 5 years (Preferred) * Driver ...

GLOBAL FLEET & AUTO REPAIR LLC

GFAR Engine Boss

Spokane, WA · On-site

$19 - $25.75/hr

Basic Air Operations (S-270) * Engine Boss (Single Resource) (S-231) * Firing Operations (S-219 ... Full/Part Time, Seasonal Experience: * Wildland Firefighting: 5 years (Preferred) * Driver ...

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Seasonal Single Engine Air Tanker information

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$15

$27

$41

How much do seasonal single engine air tanker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for seasonal single engine air tanker in the United States is $27.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Seasonal Single Engine Air Tanker vs Firefighter?

AspectSeasonal Single Engine Air TankerFirefighter
CertificationsPilot certifications, FAA licensesFirefighter certification, EMT or paramedic license
Work EnvironmentAircraft operation, aerial firefightingGround-based firefighting, emergency response
Employer & IndustryWildfire management agencies, firefighting contractorsFire departments, emergency services

Seasonal Single Engine Air Tankers are specialized pilots operating aircraft to drop fire retardants, focusing on aerial firefighting. Firefighters work on the ground, battling fires directly. While both roles support wildfire suppression, they differ in skills, certifications, and work environments, with SEAT pilots operating aircraft and firefighters engaging in ground operations.

What challenges do seasonal single engine air tanker operators face during wildfire suppression missions?

Seasonal SEAT operators often contend with demanding flight conditions, such as low visibility from smoke, rapidly changing weather, and rugged terrain. Missions require precise coordination with ground crews and other aerial assets to ensure effective and safe fire retardant drops. Operators must also adapt quickly to shifting priorities as wildfire behavior changes, and they frequently work long hours in remote locations during peak fire season. Safety, communication, and adaptability are crucial to success in this high-responsibility role.

What is a seasonal single engine air tanker?

Seasonal Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs) are specialized aircraft used primarily during wildfire season to drop fire retardant or water on wildfires. Operated by trained pilots, these planes are smaller and more agile than larger air tankers, making them ideal for quick response and accessing remote or challenging terrain. SEATs are typically contracted for use during the peak fire season and help support ground crews in controlling or suppressing wildfires. Their flexibility and speed make them a valuable asset in wildfire management efforts.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a seasonal single engine air tanker pilot?

To thrive as a Seasonal Single Engine Air Tanker (SEAT) pilot, you need a commercial pilot’s license with significant flight hours, specialized firefighting training, and strong knowledge of aerial fire suppression tactics. Proficiency with GPS navigation systems, radio communication, and SEAT-specific aircraft maintenance procedures is essential. Exceptional decision-making, situational awareness, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are critical soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure pilot safety, effective fire suppression, and efficient coordination with ground and air firefighting teams during high-stress wildfire operations.
More about Seasonal Single Engine Air Tanker jobs
What cities are hiring for Seasonal Single Engine Air Tanker jobs? Cities with the most Seasonal Single Engine Air Tanker job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Single Engine Air Tanker jobs? The most popular types of Single Engine Air Tanker jobs are:
What states have the most Seasonal Single Engine Air Tanker jobs? States with the most job openings for Seasonal Single Engine Air Tanker jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Seasonal Single Engine Air Tanker jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Seasonal Single Engine Air Tanker jobs are:
Seasonal Single Engine Air Tanker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Seasonal Single Engine Air Tanker job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,500 per year, or $27.6 per hour.

Seasonal Seaplane Pilot

Kawanti Adventures and Taquan Air

Ketchikan, AK • On-site

Temporary

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Taquan Air in Ketchikan is looking to fill seasonal full-time pilot positions starting May 1st, 2024 through September 30th, 2024.
We operate DeHavilland Beavers and Turbine Otters on straight floats exclusively. All pilot positions involve flying freight and mail to multiple destinations near Ketchikan, as well as on and around Prince of Wales Island. The summer season will include flight seeing tours to the Misty Fjords National Monument and surrounding areas. Applicants must be physically fit and able to load and unload cargo, have good customer service skills, be able to work well with others as part of a team, with good judgement and a safety-first frame of mind.
REQUIREMENTS FOR PILOTS:
  • Commercial Pilot Certificate with Airplane Single-engine Sea Rating
  • 1000 hours total time
  • 100 hours cross-country time, including 25 hours night cross-country time
  • Instrument Rating (per FAR 135.243)
  • Taquan Air will consider a variety of experience levels, however you do need 200 hours float time minimum.
  • A history of instructing seaplane applicants is a definite plus.

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