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Wildfire Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Coulson Aviation

S61-Pilot In Command

Portland, OR · On-site

Our diverse fleet of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft supports rapid response wildfire ... Pilots may live anywhere in the U.S. we provide travel to and from assignments. Position Overview ...

Coulson Aviation

S61-Pilot In Command

Portland, OR · On-site

Our diverse fleet of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft supports rapid response wildfire ... Pilots may live anywhere in the Canada as we provide travel to and from assignments. Position ...

Frontline Wildfire Defense

$65K - $80K/yr

About Frontline Wildfire Defense Founded in 2017, Frontline developed the first fully integrated ... Support creation of pilot programs and builder partnerships to demonstrate Frontline's impact and ...

MasTec Inc

Expert Program Manager

Dublin, CA · Hybrid

With expertise in utility operations, infrastructure modernization, wildfire resilience, climate ... Lead planning, coordination, and execution of strategic initiatives, pilots, and operational ...

MasTec Inc

Expert Program Manager

Dublin, CA · Hybrid

With expertise in utility operations, infrastructure modernization, wildfire resilience, climate ... Lead planning, coordination, and execution of strategic initiatives, pilots, and operational ...

MasTec Inc

Expert Program Manager

Dublin, CA · Hybrid

With expertise in utility operations, infrastructure modernization, wildfire resilience, climate ... Lead planning, coordination, and execution of strategic initiatives, pilots, and operational ...

MasTec Inc

Expert Program Manager

Dublin, CA · Hybrid

With expertise in utility operations, infrastructure modernization, wildfire resilience, climate ... Lead planning, coordination, and execution of strategic initiatives, pilots, and operational ...

Intren West

Expert Program Manager

Dublin, CA · Hybrid

With expertise in utility operations, infrastructure modernization, wildfire resilience, climate ... Lead planning, coordination, and execution of strategic initiatives, pilots, and operational ...

MasTec Inc

Expert Program Manager

Dublin, CA · On-site

With expertise in utility operations, infrastructure modernization, wildfire resilience, climate ... Lead planning, coordination, and execution of strategic initiatives, pilots, and operational ...

MasTec Inc

Expert Program Manager

Dublin, CA · Hybrid

With expertise in utility operations, infrastructure modernization, wildfire resilience, climate ... Lead planning, coordination, and execution of strategic initiatives, pilots, and operational ...

MasTec Inc

Expert Program Manager

Dublin, CA · Hybrid

With expertise in utility operations, infrastructure modernization, wildfire resilience, climate ... Lead planning, coordination, and execution of strategic initiatives, pilots, and operational ...

MasTec Inc

Expert Program Manager

Dublin, CA · Hybrid

With expertise in utility operations, infrastructure modernization, wildfire resilience, climate ... Lead planning, coordination, and execution of strategic initiatives, pilots, and operational ...

Intren West

Expert Program Manager

Dublin, CA · Hybrid

With expertise in utility operations, infrastructure modernization, wildfire resilience, climate ... Lead planning, coordination, and execution of strategic initiatives, pilots, and operational ...

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All JobsWildfire Pilot Jobs

Wildfire Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do wildfire pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for wildfire pilot in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the most common challenges faced by wildfire pilots during peak fire season?

Wildfire pilots often face rapidly changing weather conditions, limited visibility due to smoke, and rugged terrain that make each mission unpredictable and demanding. Coordinating with ground crews and other aircraft is crucial to ensure safety and effective fire suppression. Pilots must also manage long hours and high stress, especially during peak fire season when response times are critical and missions can be back-to-back. Adapting quickly to evolving fire behavior and maintaining strong communication skills are essential for success in this role.

What are wildfire pilots?

Wildfire pilots are highly trained aviators who operate aircraft to support firefighting efforts during wildfires. They may fly fixed-wing airplanes or helicopters to drop water, fire retardant, or transport crews and supplies to affected areas. Wildfire pilots play a critical role in controlling and containing wildfires, often working in dangerous and challenging conditions. Their expertise helps protect lives, property, and natural resources during fire emergencies.

What is the difference between Wildfire Pilot vs Firefighting Aircraft Pilot?

AspectWildfire PilotFirefighting Aircraft Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License, wildfire suppression trainingCommercial Pilot License, firefighting aircraft operation training
Work EnvironmentWildfire areas, remote terrainsAirports, firefighting bases, aerial firefighting missions
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, firefighting companiesGovernment agencies, private firefighting contractors

Wildfire Pilots and Firefighting Aircraft Pilots share similar certifications and work environments, focusing on aerial wildfire suppression. However, Wildfire Pilots often operate in remote, rugged terrains during active wildfires, while Firefighting Aircraft Pilots may work from bases and airports during coordinated firefighting efforts. Both roles are essential in aerial firefighting, with overlapping skills but different operational settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Wildfire Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Wildfire Pilot, you need a valid commercial pilot license, extensive hours of flight experience—especially in low-level and challenging conditions—and specialized wildfire aviation training. Familiarity with aircraft such as air tankers or helicopters, GPS navigation systems, and wildfire management protocols is essential. Excellent decision-making, situational awareness, and calmness under pressure are critical soft skills for this demanding role. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure safe, effective aerial firefighting operations and to protect both lives and property during wildfire emergencies.
More about Wildfire Pilot jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Wildfire Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Wildfire Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Wildfire Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Wildfire Pilot jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Wildfire Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Wildfire Pilot jobs are:
Wildfire Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wildfire Pilot job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Large Airtanker Pilot - C-130 IA Captain

Coulson Aviation

Portland, OR • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Large Airtanker Pilot – C-130 Initial Attack

Coulson Aviation

When wildfires ignite, you’re among the first in the air.

Coulson Aviation is seeking exceptional C-130 Initial Attack Airtanker Captains to join our world-class aerial firefighting team. If you bring prior C-130 PIC experience or are USFS Initial Attack (IA) carded as an Airtanker Captain, this is your opportunity to fly one of the most powerful and capable aerial firefighting platforms in service today.

This is a mission-critical role supporting rapid initial attack wildfire suppression, complex fire environments, and large-scale coordinated aerial operations. If you thrive in high-tempo operations, precision low-level flying, and dynamic multi-aircraft environments, this is where your experience truly matters.

Why This Role Matters

Initial attack saves forests, communities, and lives.
As a C-130 Initial Attack Pilot, your decisions and execution in the first hours of a fire can change the outcome entirely. You’ll be entrusted with one of the most capable firefighting aircraft in the world, operating at the sharp end of wildfire response. Supporting ground firefighters is our passion, and we need you to help us help them—so together, we can protect our communities and our state and national forest lands, not only here at home, but internationally as well

The Mission

Conduct time-critical wildfire response missions delivering retardant with our specialized water/retardant dropping tanking systems in the most challenging terrain and congested airspace environments you’ll see as a professional aviator. You’ll work shoulder-to-shoulder with Air Attack, ground resources, and agency partners to slow fire growth when it matters most.

Key Responsibilities

  • Execute initial attack aerial firefighting missions in the C-130 Airtanker with precision, discipline, and professionalism
  • Operate at low level in mountainous and high-threat environments in accordance with approved SOPs and tactics
  • Coordinate closely with Air Attack to manage complex, congested fire traffic areas
  • Identify, assess, and mitigate operational hazards while actively supporting the Safety Management System (SMS)
  • Maintain aircraft and crew readiness for rapid deployment during peak fire activity
  • Complete flight logs, mission records, and required operational documentation
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of wildfire tactics, SOPs, and operational procedures

Qualifications

Required

  • FAA ATP, or FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument Rating appropriate to C-130 operations
  • 2,000+ hours total flight time
  • 1,000+ hours of multi-engine experience
  • 500 hours of IFR experience

Preferred

  • 4,000+ hours total flight time
  • Previous C-130, LAT, or VLAT experience
  • Initial Attack aerial firefighting experience
  • Low-level tactical flying in complex or mountainous terrain
  • Multi-crew, crew-resource-management–intensive cockpit experience

What Sets You Apart

  • Exceptional CRM, threat and error management, and sound aeronautical decision-making
  • Calm, decisive communicator under pressure
  • High situational awareness in rapidly evolving fire environments
  • Safety-driven, mission-focused, and ready for on-call deployment during peak fire seasons

Ready to be first over the fire?

Apply now and join the front line of aerial wildfire suppression with Coulson Aviation.