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Trainee Cal Fire Aviation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Ventura

Firefighter-Paramedic Recruit

Ventura, CA · On-site

$5.8K - $7.4K/mo

Trainees perform emergency medical services as certified paramedics and perform fire service duties ... In addition to the above requirements, candidates must have a valid Cal-JAC Candidate Physical ...

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Trainee Cal Fire Aviation information

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$25.5K

$43.5K

$63.5K

How much do trainee cal fire aviation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee cal fire aviation in the United States is $43,530.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,000.00 and $51,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Trainee Cal Fire Aviation?

Trainee Cal Fire Aviation positions are entry-level roles within the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection's (Cal Fire) aviation program. Individuals in these positions receive specialized training to support aerial firefighting operations, including learning to assist with aircraft maintenance, logistics, and flight operations. Trainees work closely with experienced aviation professionals to acquire the skills necessary for roles such as helicopter crew members, fixed-wing support personnel, or future pilots. This position is ideal for those interested in a firefighting career that combines aviation and emergency response, offering hands-on experience and the opportunity to advance within Cal Fire's aviation unit.

What training and mentorship can a new Trainee Cal Fire Aviation expect during their initial months on the job?

As a new Trainee Cal Fire Aviation, you can expect a structured onboarding process that includes both classroom instruction and hands-on field training, often under the supervision of experienced pilots and aviation crew members. You'll learn essential safety protocols, aircraft operations, wildfire behavior, and emergency response procedures. Mentorship is a key part of the program, with senior team members providing guidance and feedback as you progress. Collaboration with ground firefighting teams and other aviation units is routine, preparing you for integrated wildfire response. The initial months are intense but highly supportive, designed to build your skills and confidence for eventual independent assignments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Trainee Cal Fire Aviation, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Trainee Cal Fire Aviation, you need foundational firefighting knowledge, physical fitness, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often with preference for EMT certification or prior aviation experience. Familiarity with aviation communication systems, GPS navigation, and fire suppression equipment is typically required. Strong teamwork, situational awareness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are standout soft skills. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring safety, effective coordination, and successful wildfire response in demanding and hazardous environments.

What is the difference between Trainee Cal Fire Aviation vs Firefighter?

AspectTrainee Cal Fire AviationFirefighter
CertificationsBasic safety and aviation-related certificationsFirefighter I certification, EMT
Work EnvironmentAircraft operations, aerial firefighting trainingGround firefighting, rescue operations
Employer & IndustryCal Fire, aviation unitsCal Fire, local fire departments

The Trainee Cal Fire Aviation role focuses on aviation-specific training and aircraft operations, often as a stepping stone to becoming a full aviation firefighter. Firefighters perform ground-based firefighting and rescue tasks. Both roles require safety certifications and serve within Cal Fire, but the aviation trainee emphasizes aerial skills, while firefighters focus on ground operations.

Does Trainee Cal Fire Aviation hire with no experience?

Trainee Cal Fire Aviation positions typically require some basic qualifications, but prior experience is not always necessary as training is provided. Applicants often need a valid driver's license, physical fitness, and the ability to work in demanding environments; relevant certifications like a firefighting or aviation safety course can be beneficial but are not always mandatory for entry-level trainees.
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Trainee Cal Fire Aviation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trainee Cal Fire Aviation job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,530 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Aircraft Maintenance Technician II - C130

Pae

Sacramento, CA

$59.03/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Definition: This is the journey and second working level for certificated Airframe & Powerplanttechnicians. Incumbents at this level work independently and inspect and repair aircraft, engines,
components and systems and assess for damage, condition and method of repair, and work off site
at outlying field locations, which may include assignment as a base mechanic. This position may
be assigned other duties and tasks in the program as directed.

Minimum Qualifications: Possession of the following certificates: FAA Airframe & Powerplant
Technician's Certificates and a valid Class-C Driver's License and three years of aerospace industry
work experience as a certificated A&P Technician and two years' experience working on type
specific aircraft. Military experience may qualify if the level of work and responsibility was equal
to that of a certificated A&P Technician. Prior OEM or other outside training and experience on C-
130 variant aircraft may satisfy the one-year of CAL FIRE specific aircraft requirement. Current
CAL FIRE Aviation Program Aircraft Maintenance Technician II who obtain one year ofexperience and current CAL FIRE Aviation Program Aircraft Maintenance Technician I who obtaintwo years of experience working on C-130 aircraft and successfully complete Original EquipmentManufacturer or other certified outside vendor for line and intermediate level training specific tothe aircraft may be eligible for promotion to this position.

Knowledge and Abilities: FAA federal aviation regulations pertaining to the maintenance and
repair of aircraft; FAA-approved maintenance practices, techniques, and procedures; aircraft shop
maintenance operational procedures and fleet aircraft structure, systems, controls, engines and
components. May perform Confined Space Entry maintenance to include aircraft fuel tank repairs.
May be required to become engine/taxi-run qualified and demonstrate proficiency in their
respective program(s) aircraft ground operations. Work independently in a central aviation
maintenance facility or work unsupervised off site at outlying field locations; perform depot level
and field maintenance to aircraft, engines, propellers, rotors, components and systems in accordancewith approved procedures; have a thorough working knowledge of all fleet aircraft, engines, andairframe systems; and ability to inspect and determine problems and correct deficiencies, inspectaircraft and systems for continued airworthiness, and return aircraft to service after major and minormaintenance and repair.

Compensation & Benefits

HIRING HOURLY RANGE: $59.03 (Hourly rate to be determined by the education,

experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant internal equity, and alignment with market

data.) This position includes a competitive benefits package. For more detailed information on our Benefits and what it is like to work for Amentum: please visit our careers site: www.amentumcareers.com

Compensation Details:

59.03

Original Posting:

05/13/2026 - Until Filled

Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language atLabor Laws Posters.

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