ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Aerial Firefighting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tamus

Program Specialist II

College Station, TX · On-site

$4.8K/mo

This includes communicating the role and impact of aviation resources in wildfire response, ensuring the public understands aerial firefighting operations and safety considerations. Key ...

Bridger Aerospace

Maintenance Planner

Belgrade, MT · On-site

About Bridger Aerospace Bridger Aerospace is an aerial firefighting company based in Belgrade, Montana, located at the Bozeman Yellowstone Airport (KBZN). It was founded in 2014 to support front-line ...

Bridger Aerospace

Maintenance Planner

Belgrade, MT

About Bridger Aerospace Bridger Aerospace is an aerial firefighting company based in Belgrade, Montana, located at the Bozeman Yellowstone Airport (KBZN). It was founded in 2014 to support front-line ...

Bridger Aerospace

Maintenance Planner

Belgrade, MT · On-site

About Bridger Aerospace Bridger Aerospace is an aerial firefighting company based in Belgrade, Montana, located at the Bozeman Yellowstone Airport (KBZN). It was founded in 2014 to support front-line ...

Bridger Aerospace

Maintenance Planner

Belgrade, MT · On-site

$70 - $90/hr

About Bridger Aerospace Bridger Aerospace is an aerial firefighting company based in Belgrade, Montana, located at the Bozeman Yellowstone Airport (KBZN). It was founded in 2014 to support front-line ...

Bridger Aerospace

Master Planner

Belgrade, MT · On-site

About Bridger Aerospace Bridger provides aerial wildfire surveillance, relief and suppression, and aerial firefighting services using next-generation technology and environmentally friendly and ...

Coulson Aviation

Structures Technician

Thermal, CA · On-site

About Coulson Aviation Coulson Aviation is a global leader in aerial firefighting, proudly operating in Canada, the USA, Australia, and Chile. With a world-class fleet of fixed-wing and rotary-wing ...

Bridger Aerospace

Master Planner

Belgrade, MT

About Bridger Aerospace Bridger provides aerial wildfire surveillance, relief and suppression, and aerial firefighting services using next-generation technology and environmentally friendly and ...

Bridger Aerospace

Master Planner

Belgrade, MT · On-site

About Bridger Aerospace Bridger provides aerial wildfire surveillance, relief and suppression, and aerial firefighting services using next-generation technology and environmentally friendly and ...

Coulson Aviation

IT Support Technician

Thermal, CA · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Our team helps protect communities through industry-leading aerial firefighting operations across the United States, Canada, Australia, and Chile. As Coulson Aviation continues to grow, we are ...

Bridger Aerospace

Master Planner

Belgrade, MT · On-site

$75 - $95/hr

About Bridger Aerospace Bridger provides aerial wildfire surveillance, relief and suppression, and aerial firefighting services using next-generation technology and environmentally friendly and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAerial Firefighting Jobs

aerial firefighting information

See salary details

$28.5K

$59.6K

$100K

How much do aerial firefighting jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerial firefighting in the United States is $59,606.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,500.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is aerial firefighting?

Aerial firefighting is the use of aircraft to combat wildfires from the air. Specialized planes and helicopters drop water or fire retardant chemicals directly onto fires or in strategic locations to slow their spread. These aircraft can also be used for reconnaissance, mapping, and transporting firefighters or equipment to hard-to-reach areas. Aerial firefighting is often coordinated with ground crews to maximize effectiveness and ensure safety. This method is essential in managing large, fast-moving, or remote wildfires.

What are aerial firefighting jobs?

Aerial firefighting jobs involve flying a plane or helicopter to extinguish wildfires, protect property, and save lives. Pilots fly as part of a crew and drop water or other fire retardants to contain the fire and minimize damage. Some aerial firefighters are “smokejumpers,” which means they parachute or rappel into wildfire areas to combat their spread. As an aerial firefighter, your responsibilities involve preserving woodlands and deserts while protecting the safety of residents and your crew, so these jobs are not for the faint of heart. You must be physically fit and able to endure stressful situations and harsh conditions for extended periods. Additionally, both roles require specialized training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in aerial firefighting?

To thrive in aerial firefighting, you need advanced piloting skills, knowledge of fire behavior, and completion of specialized firefighting and aviation training. Experience with aircraft like helicopters or fixed-wing air tankers, FAA certifications, and proficiency in using GPS navigation and radio communication systems are typically required. Outstanding teamwork, decision-making under pressure, and situational awareness are crucial soft skills for this high-risk environment. These abilities are essential to ensure safety, effective wildfire suppression, and coordination with ground crews during complex emergency missions.

What are some of the biggest challenges faced by aerial firefighting crews during wildfire season?

Aerial firefighting crews often contend with unpredictable weather conditions, rapidly changing fire behavior, and challenging terrain that can make flying and water drops both risky and complex. Coordinating with ground teams is essential, as is maintaining constant communication to ensure safety and maximize effectiveness. Additionally, long hours and high-stress situations require strong teamwork and adaptability, making both physical fitness and mental resilience key components of success in this role.

What is the difference between Aerial Firefighting vs Helicopter Pilot?

AspectAerial FirefightingHelicopter Pilot
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot License, Firefighting-specific trainingCommercial Pilot License, often with helicopter ratings
Work EnvironmentFire zones, remote areas, often during emergenciesVarious, including transport, surveillance, and firefighting support
Employer & Industry UsageFire departments, government agencies, firefighting contractorsAirlines, charter companies, government agencies, firefighting services

While both roles involve piloting helicopters, aerial firefighting focuses on using aircraft to combat wildfires, requiring specialized firefighting training. Helicopter pilots may work in diverse sectors, including transportation and surveillance, with less emphasis on firefighting-specific skills. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the industry.

More about aerial firefighting jobs

What cities are hiring for Aerial Firefighting jobs?

Cities with the most Aerial Firefighting job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Aerial Firefighting jobs?

The most popular types of Aerial Firefighting jobs are:

What states have the most Aerial Firefighting jobs?

States with the most job openings for Aerial Firefighting jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Aerial Firefighting jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Aerial Firefighting jobs are:

aerial firefighting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerial Firefighting job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,606 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

CL415 - FIREFIGHTING PILOT

Spokane, WA • On-site

Aero-Flite, Inc.
See more jobs at Aero-Flite, Inc.external

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

The mission of Aero-Flite is to provide exceptional firefighting aircraft and customer service in support of our ground firefighting partners. Our vision is to continually strive to improve our safety and service while offering greater value to our partner agencies.
FLY THE CL-415 | FIGHT WILDFIRES | MAKE AN IMPACT
Aero-Flite is hiring CL-415 Scooper Pilots.
Take your flying career to a different kind of mission. As an Aero-Flite Pilot, you'll fly the CL-415 in support of wildfire suppression operations, delivering water where it matters most.
Bring your experience to the flight deck. Build your aerial firefighting career. Help protect communities from wildfire.
CL - 415 FIREFIGHTING PILOTS
As a CL - 415 Pilot, you will be part of a highly trained crew responsible for executing critical aerial firefighting missions. You will operate under Interagency standards and FAA regulations, ensuring safety, operational excellence, and mission success in dynamic and challenging environments.
SUMMARY
The first Officer is a carded Airtanker Pilot who acts as second in command for wildfire suppression missions operating multi-engine amphibious firefighting aircraft.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Work as a team player under the direction of the Pilot in Command and Chief Pilot.
  • Conduct flight operations in a safe, standardized, and professional manner.
  • Operate in accordance with company and agency Standard Operating Procedures.
  • Support the PIC to ensure regulatory, agency, and company policy compliance.
  • Ensure accurate pre-flight planning, loading, and performance calculations.
  • Verify airworthiness and report any concerns or discrepancies to the PIC.
  • Maintain expert working knowledge of aircraft and pilot associated documents.
  • Provide clear, relevant, and timely information to the PIC, ATC, and other fire resources.
  • Monitor aircraft systems, aircraft performance, and crew performance.
  • Adhere to all aircraft limitations and treat the equipment with care and respect.
  • Epitomize and promote Aero-Flite's Mission, Vision, and Values

OTHER DUTIES
    • Assist with aircraft cleaning and pre/post season preparation.
    • Assist with various demonstrations and public service events.
    • Perform outreach and tours with the general public and firefighting community.
    • Perform maintenance flights as required.
    • Other duties as assigned by the Chief Pilot.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge
  • Aeronautical - Expert knowledge of off-airport, IFR, and multi-crew operations.
  • Regulatory - Expert knowledge of FAA regulations and Agency policies.
  • Mechanical - Expert knowledge of aircraft systems.
  • Human Factors - Expert knowledge of human factors and risk assessment
  • Customer Service - Knowledge of excellent customer service principles

Abilities
  • Aeronautical Decision Making - Awareness of associated risk factors and ability to make consistent, conservative, and timely decisions.
  • Airmanship - Apply knowledge, experience, training, situational awareness, and discipline to command the machine to support the Pilot in Command.
  • Troubleshooting/Critical Thinking - Determine cause and effect through expert knowledge of aircraft systems, malfunctions, and procedures to assist abnormal operations and maintenance..
  • Computer Literacy - Able to use IT tools to enhance training, productivity, and situational awareness.
  • Technical comprehension and writing - Ability to reference and understand manuals, critically analyze relationship between OEM procedures and company SOPS, and manage maintenance discrepancy logs. MES.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
  • Stationary Position - Must be able to remain in stationary position for lengthy flight missions.
  • Mobility - Must be able to move about office, hangar and aircraft without limitations.
  • Dexterity/Stamina - Able to use repetitive and precisely coordinated movements to manipulate flight controls and switches for lengthy missions.
  • Agility - Able to ascend/descend ladders and position self to inspect and/or service equipment.
  • Strength - Able to support equipment up to 70 pounds.
  • Balance - Able to manage equilibrium while traversing across office, hangar, aircraft, and ascend/descend ladders.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Required Education and Experience
  • FAA Commercial Pilot certificate with multiengine land (MEL) and multiengine sea (MES) ratings - (ATP preferred)
  • US Citizen or Official authorization to work in the United States, and valid Passport
  • 3,000 hours in airplanes
  • 1,000 hours PIC
  • 500 hours PIC seaplane (preferred)
  • 200 hours PIC multiengine
  • 200 hours PIC multi-crew
  • 200 hours PIC mountainous terrain
  • 100 hours in airplanes in preceding 12 months
  • 75 hours actual or simulated instrument flight
  • FAA Class II medical certificate
  • Fire experience - preferred
  • PIC flight time below 500 ft. - preferred

Preferred Education and Experience
Education and Training
  • Professional Aviation training
    Specialized aircraft courses, Simulator, and CRM training.
  • Post Secondary Education
    2 or 4 year degree program
  • Human Factors / Safety Management
    Formal risk-based education (preferred)

Competencies
  • Deadline oriented and organized
  • Detail oriented, independent, flexible, and self-starting.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
None.
POSITION TYPE AND EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK
This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work will vary based upon business and customer needs.
TRAVEL
Extensive travel, primarily CONUS and Alaska. Occasional travel outside North America may be required.
APPLY TODAY
If you're ready to elevate your career and make a difference saving communities, homes and lands while supporting ground firefighters, we want to hear from you.
Join Aero-Flite-where your skills, passion, and purpose come together to protect what matters most.
The pay range for a CL415 Pilot in Washington state is $81,000.00-$114,000.00 annually. The annual rate is influenced by a variety of factors including, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, certifications, and geographical locations. Employees will be eligible to enroll in the company's medical/dental/vision insurance, flexible spending account, retirement plan with match contributions, company paid life & disability and financial wellness programs. Hired applicants will receive paid leave and may be eligible for bonuses. This information is provided per the WA State EPOA.
Aero-Flite is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and will make all employment related decisions without regard to age, race, color, religion, marital status, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
Aero-Flite is a Federal Contractor, we adhere to the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act, to include testing for THC.

Apply