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Volunteer Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$89 - $117/hr

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 ...

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Helicopter Pilot

Cody, WY · On-site

$127 - $140/hr

Helicopter Pilot, Reach $225,000 Total Potential. 7/7. Missions that matter. Pilot Incentives - This is pilot life at Global Medical Response: * Potential to earn up to $85,000 bonus * Up to half the ...

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Helicopter Pilot

Modesto, CA · On-site

$142 - $156/hr

Helicopter Pilot, Reach $240,000 Total Potential. 7/7. Missions that matter. Pilot Incentives - This is pilot life at Global Medical Response: * Potential to earn up to $85,000 bonus * Up to half the ...

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Helicopter Pilot

Elko, NV · On-site

$148 - $270/hr

Helicopter Pilot, Reach $270,000 Total Potential. 7/7. Missions that matter. Pilot Incentives - This is pilot life at Global Medical Response: * Potential to earn up to $110,000 bonus * Up to half ...

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Fire Pilot

Irvine, CA · On-site

$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 ...

Helicopter Pilot - HAA

Dunn, NC · On-site

$97.64 - $107.40/hr

On Duty Housing * 7/7 Schedule If your passion is flying and you want to work in an environment where every second counts, contact us today! We're hiring a Helicopter Pilot to provide medical air ...

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Volunteer Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot information

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$8

$19

$33

How much do volunteer cal fire helicopter pilot jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer cal fire helicopter pilot in the United States is $19.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a volunteer Cal Fire helicopter pilot?

Volunteer Cal Fire Helicopter Pilots are trained individuals who offer their time and expertise to assist Cal Fire in flying helicopters during wildfire emergencies and related operations. They help with tasks such as aerial firefighting, search and rescue, and transport of personnel or equipment. These volunteers typically have extensive flight experience and must meet strict licensing and training requirements. Their service plays a crucial role in supplementing Cal Fire’s resources, especially during high-demand periods.

What are some of the unique challenges faced by volunteer Cal Fire helicopter pilots during wildfire season?

Volunteer Cal Fire helicopter pilots often encounter demanding conditions during wildfire season, including rapidly changing weather, low visibility, and flying in rugged terrain. Coordinating with ground crews and other aircraft requires excellent communication and teamwork skills. Additionally, pilots must remain adaptable, as missions can shift from water drops to search and rescue or medical evacuations with little notice. The role is physically and mentally demanding, but it offers a high level of camaraderie and the opportunity to make a significant impact on public safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a volunteer Cal Fire helicopter pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Volunteer Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot, you need advanced piloting skills, a commercial helicopter license with appropriate ratings, and significant flight experience, especially in challenging conditions. Familiarity with GPS navigation, radio communication systems, and wildfire suppression equipment is typically required, along with specialized training such as firefighting operations and emergency response certifications. Excellent situational awareness, calm decision-making under pressure, and teamwork are critical soft skills for this high-stakes role. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure safe, effective aerial firefighting operations and to protect lives and property during emergency incidents.

What is the difference between Volunteer Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot vs Volunteer Firefighter?

AspectVolunteer Cal Fire Helicopter PilotVolunteer Firefighter
Required CertificationsFAA pilot license, helicopter ratings, Cal Fire trainingFirefighter certification, EMT or first aid
Work EnvironmentHelicopter operations, aerial firefighting, remote locationsGround firefighting, fire stations, community areas
Employer & Industry UsageCal Fire, aerial firefighting unitsLocal fire departments, community fire services

Volunteer Cal Fire Helicopter Pilots focus on aerial firefighting using helicopters, requiring specialized pilot certifications and training. Volunteer Firefighters work primarily on the ground, fighting fires and assisting in emergency response. Both roles serve in firefighting but differ significantly in skills, environment, and responsibilities.

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

Cities with the most Volunteer 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 Volunteer Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Volunteer Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,804 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Helicopter Fire Pilot - California

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On-site

$89 - $117/hr

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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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