Aerial Firefighting Jobs - What Are They and How to Get One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

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.

There is a shortage of pilots whose qualifications align with those of the role: namely, experience in flying single-engine air tankers, or SEATs. As an aerial firefighter, your duties include flying in treacherous conditions and tight spaces, such as canyons or along mountain ridges. To get an aerial firefighting job, you must complete ground school, a training program which prepares you to pass FAA tests and fly safely and confidently. Many pilots work as crop dusters to develop their skills and log the necessary hours of flying time. Others start by piloting observation aircraft and then transitioning into the aerial firefighter role.