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Wildfire Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fly mission-critical operations that directly support wildfire response and public safety. * Work ... Pilots can expect approximately 250-300 flight hours annually with opportunities to operate ...

Senior Program Manager

San Ramon, CA · Hybrid

$76.65 - $92.80/hr

With expertise in utility operations, infrastructure modernization, wildfire resilience, climate ... programs, pilots, projects that advance Electric Operations priorities. This role serves as a ...

Senior Program Manager

San Ramon, CA · Hybrid

$76.65 - $92.80/hr

With expertise in utility operations, infrastructure modernization, wildfire resilience, climate ... programs, pilots, projects that advance Electric Operations priorities. This role serves as a ...

Senior Program Manager

San Ramon, CA · Hybrid

$76.65 - $92.80/hr

With expertise in utility operations, infrastructure modernization, wildfire resilience, climate ... programs, pilots, projects that advance Electric Operations priorities. This role serves as a ...

Senior Program Manager

San Ramon, CA · Hybrid

$76.65 - $92.80/hr

With expertise in utility operations, infrastructure modernization, wildfire resilience, climate ... programs, pilots, projects that advance Electric Operations priorities. This role serves as a ...

Senior Program Manager

San Ramon, CA · Hybrid

$76.65 - $92.80/hr

With expertise in utility operations, infrastructure modernization, wildfire resilience, climate ... programs, pilots, projects that advance Electric Operations priorities. This role serves as a ...

Senior Program Manager

San Ramon, CA · Hybrid

$76.65 - $92.80/hr

With expertise in utility operations, infrastructure modernization, wildfire resilience, climate ... programs, pilots, projects that advance Electric Operations priorities. This role serves as a ...

Senior Program Manager

San Ramon, CA · On-site

$76.65 - $92.80/hr

With expertise in utility operations, infrastructure modernization, wildfire resilience, climate ... programs, pilots, projects that advance Electric Operations priorities. This role serves as a ...

Senior Program Manager

San Ramon, CA · Hybrid

$76.65 - $92.80/hr

With expertise in utility operations, infrastructure modernization, wildfire resilience, climate ... programs, pilots, projects that advance Electric Operations priorities. This role serves as a ...

Senior Program Manager

San Ramon, CA · Hybrid

$76.65 - $92.80/hr

With expertise in utility operations, infrastructure modernization, wildfire resilience, climate ... programs, pilots, projects that advance Electric Operations priorities. This role serves as a ...

Senior Program Manager

San Ramon, CA · Hybrid

$76.65 - $92.80/hr

With expertise in utility operations, infrastructure modernization, wildfire resilience, climate ... programs, pilots, projects that advance Electric Operations priorities. This role serves as a ...

Senior Program Manager

San Ramon, CA · On-site

$76.65 - $92.80/hr

With expertise in utility operations, infrastructure modernization, wildfire resilience, climate ... programs, pilots, projects that advance Electric Operations priorities. This role serves as a ...

Senior Program Manager

San Ramon, CA · Hybrid

$76.65 - $92.80/hr

With expertise in utility operations, infrastructure modernization, wildfire resilience, climate ... programs, pilots, projects that advance Electric Operations priorities. This role serves as a ...

Senior Program Manager

San Ramon, CA · Hybrid

$76.65 - $92.80/hr

With expertise in utility operations, infrastructure modernization, wildfire resilience, climate ... programs, pilots, projects that advance Electric Operations priorities. This role serves as a ...

Senior Program Manager

San Ramon, CA · Hybrid

$76.65 - $92.80/hr

With expertise in utility operations, infrastructure modernization, wildfire resilience, climate ... programs, pilots, projects that advance Electric Operations priorities. This role serves as a ...

Product Manager-Hardware

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$190K - $230K/yr

Help us tackle the growing wildfire crisis with the latest advancements in AI and IoT Who we are ... Define hardware acceptance criteria, test coverage requirements, and field pilot success metrics to ...

Senior Product Marketing Manager

$123K - $162K/yr

But extreme weather, aging infrastructure, and growing wildfire risks are putting this critical ... pilots, and determining how to enter new segments. * Run win/loss analysis and competitive ...

Senior Product Marketing Manager

Canada, KY

$113K - $148K/yr

But extreme weather, aging infrastructure, and growing wildfire risks are putting this critical ... pilots, and determining how to enter new segments. * Run win/loss analysis and competitive ...

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Showing results 1-20

Wildfire Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do wildfire pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 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 is a wildfire pilot?

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 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 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.

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.

How much do wildfire pilots get paid?

Wildfire pilots typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the employer. The job often requires specialized skills in flying large aircraft and working in challenging conditions, with some pilots earning higher salaries with extensive experience or in high-risk areas.

How to become a wildfire pilot?

To become a wildfire pilot, individuals typically need a commercial pilot license with a seaplane or multi-engine rating, along with experience flying large aircraft. Specialized training in aerial firefighting techniques and safety procedures is also required, often provided by firefighting agencies or private companies. Physical fitness and the ability to work in challenging conditions are essential for this role.

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:

Infographic showing various Wildfire Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

UH-60 Pilot

Aerotek

Mcminnville, OR

$108K - $162K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Helicopter Pilot - S-70 (UH-60L) Black Hawk Firefighting Operations

McMinnville, OR | Full-Time | Relocation Assistance Available

Join a growing aviation team supporting critical aerial firefighting and utility operations across the Western U.S. We are seeking an experienced Black Hawk Pilot to serve as Pilot in Command (PIC) on S-70 (UH-60L) aircraft conducting fire suppression, long-line, external load, reconnaissance, and other specialized aerial missions. This role offers diverse flying opportunities, a strong safety culture, and the chance to make a meaningful impact protecting communities and natural resources.

Responsibilities
  • Serve as PIC on S-70 (UH-60L) Black Hawk helicopters during firefighting and aerial work operations.
  • Conduct aerial fire suppression, external load, long-line, dispensing, reconnaissance, and survey missions.
  • Maintain operational readiness for short-notice dispatch and deployment assignments.
  • Participate in rotational assignments away from home base for up to two weeks at a time.
  • Complete flight logs, operational records, and compliance documentation accurately.
  • Participate in recurrent training, check rides, safety initiatives, and ongoing proficiency development.
  • Support additional aviation operations during the off-season, including utility, survey, and agricultural missions.
  • Ensure full compliance with FAA regulations, company procedures, and safety standards.
Minimum Qualifications
  • 3,000+ total rotary-wing flight hours.
  • 2,500+ hours Pilot in Command (PIC) helicopter time.
  • 100+ hours PIC in the Black Hawk (UH-60/S-70).
  • 500+ hours or 3+ years of aerial work experience.
  • Demonstrated vertical reference long-line experience as PIC in Part 133 operations.
  • Current FAA Class II Medical Certificate.
  • Strong knowledge of FAA regulations and safe aerial operations.
  • Ability to work rotational schedules and deploy on short notice.
  • Willingness to relocate to the Northwest Oregon area and reside within approximately 60 minutes of McMinnville.
Preferred Qualifications
  • A&P License with Black Hawk (H-60) maintenance experience.
  • Experience with Bell 206 and/or Bell 212 aircraft.
  • Firefighting, utility, reconnaissance, agricultural, or survey flight experience.
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills in a multi-disciplinary aviation environment.
Why Join Us?
  • Fly mission-critical operations that directly support wildfire response and public safety.
  • Work in a growing flight department with opportunities to help shape operational best practices.
  • Diverse flying missions throughout the year, including firefighting, utility, survey, and reconnaissance work.
  • Located in Oregon's scenic Willamette Valley near world-class outdoor recreation and wine country.
  • Strong commitment to safety, training, and professional development.
Work Environment

Based at McMinnville Airport (KMMV), this role combines flight operations, training, and administrative responsibilities. Pilots can expect approximately 250-300 flight hours annually with opportunities to operate multiple aircraft types. The position requires flexibility, frequent readiness for deployment, and the ability to work in dynamic field conditions while maintaining the highest safety standards.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of McMinnville, OR.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $108000.00 - $162000.00/yr.

This role is eligible for annual merit-increase program and eligible for the Annual Incentive Program, which offers a cash bonus targeting 15% of base pay. Potential plan funding may range from zero to two times that target.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in McMinnville,OR.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 21, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Company Description

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.