ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Wildfire Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Intren West

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

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.

Expert Program Manager

Intren West

Dublin, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Overview
Company Summary
IW Professional Services Construction Management Solutions provides strategic program management, construction management, and operational consulting services supporting complex infrastructure, utility, and capital improvement initiatives. The company specializes in delivering high-impact solutions across planning, execution, field operations, stakeholder coordination, and regulatory compliance for public and private sector clients.
With expertise in utility operations, infrastructure modernization, wildfire resilience, climate adaptation, and operational strategy, IW Professional Services partners with organizations to improve project delivery, operational efficiency, safety, and long-term asset performance. The firm supports cross-functional program execution through disciplined governance, technical oversight, risk management, and data-driven decision-making.
IW Professional Services is committed to delivering scalable, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions that help clients navigate evolving operational challenges while advancing reliability, resiliency, and customer-focused outcomes.
Job Title: Expert Program Manager
Location: Hybrid (Must reside in Bay Area) 1-2 days per week in Dublin
Summary of Position:
The Manager, Electric Operations Strategy leads the planning, governance, and execution of a portfolio of strategic initiatives, programs, and pilots that advance Electric Operations priorities. This role serves as a critical bridge between strategy and execution-providing structure, discipline, and cross-functional coordination to ensure initiatives are prioritized effectively, delivered on schedule, and scaled for sustained operational impact. The Manager partners closely with operations, data and digital teams, and executive stakeholders to drive performance transparency, resolve cross-organizational dependencies, and translate leadership direction into measurable, repeatable outcomes.
This is a fast-paced, high-impact and high-visibility role that puts this individual right in the center of the Electric strategy org, to enable catastrophic wildfire risk reduction, climate adaptation, climate mitigation, and improved affordability for the customers that PG&E has the privilege to serve.
This position is hybrid, working from your remote office and your assigned location based on business need. Travel Estimated at 1 day out of the work week to report to office locations within the bay area.
Responsibilities
  • Lead planning, coordination, and execution of strategic initiatives, pilots, and operational programs supporting Electric Operations objectives.
  • Define project scope, objectives, deliverables, timelines, and success metrics in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Develop and maintain integrated program plans, implementation schedules, and governance frameworks across multiple concurrent workstreams.
  • Coordinate cross-functional alignment with operations, engineering, permitting, environmental, regulatory, finance, and digital teams.
  • Establish and maintain communication cadences with internal stakeholders, external partners, and leadership teams.
  • Monitor program performance, identify risks and dependencies, and implement mitigation or contingency plans to maintain delivery objectives.
  • Drive issue resolution and escalation management across complex operational and organizational interfaces.
  • Track, review, and report project milestones, deliverables, KPIs, and budget performance to leadership and governance teams.
  • Support technical implementation planning and operational integration activities across pilot and strategic initiatives.
  • Coordinate and participate in field visits, operational assessments, and stakeholder engagement activities as required.
  • Support financial planning activities including forecasting, budgeting, funding alignment, and cost tracking.
  • Assist with development and implementation of project valuation methodologies, business cases, and benefit realization frameworks.
  • Identify and communicate lessons learned, operational best practices, and continuous improvement opportunities across programs.
  • Support development of external partnerships, grants, and matching funding opportunities where applicable.
  • Ensure program execution aligns with safety, regulatory, operational, and organizational standards.
  • This position will or may require driving

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Operations Management, Project Management, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • 6-8 years of experience in program management, portfolio management, operations strategy, operational excellence, utility operations, or related fields.
  • Demonstrated experience managing multiple complex programs, initiatives, or workstreams simultaneously in a matrixed organization.
  • Experience supporting strategic initiatives within operations, infrastructure, utilities, energy, engineering, or related industries.
  • Strong understanding of program governance, project lifecycle management, risk management, and stakeholder coordination.
  • Proven ability to work cross-functionally with operational, technical, and executive stakeholders.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of executive-level presentations, status reporting, and decision-support materials.
  • Proficiency with project management and collaboration tools such as Microsoft Project, Excel, PowerPoint, Smartsheet, Jira, or similar platforms.
  • Valid driver's license and ability to travel within PG&E service territory as required.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in utility operations, wildfire mitigation, climate resilience, forestry management, infrastructure programs, or related sectors.
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent program management certification.
  • Familiarity with electric utility operations, regulatory environments, and operational risk management.
  • Experience managing pilot programs, operational transformation initiatives, or strategic partnerships.
  • Ability to effectively engage with senior leadership, regulatory agencies, governmental organizations, business partners, and community stakeholders.
  • Experience supporting grant funding, public-private partnerships, or external funding initiatives.
  • Strong leadership, facilitation, and influence skills in highly collaborative environments.

Hourly Range: $85.60/hr to $106.92/hr
Benefits:
Full-time employees are eligible to participate in our benefit plan which includes the following:
  • 401(k) Plan
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance
  • Voluntary Life Insurance
  • Voluntary Short Term & Long-Term Disability
  • Paid time off

Intren West, LLC. is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.

Apply