Forest Firefighting Pilot Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the face of increasing climate change, the role of forest firefighting pilots is more critical than ever.

As wildfires rage, the demand for skilled pilots who can navigate, suppress, and aid in the containment of these vast natural disasters grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a forest firefighting pilot?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker aiming to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A recruitment officer shaping the ideal candidate profile,
• Or simply interested in the remarkable world of forest firefighting pilots,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a tailor-made forest firefighting pilot job description template, designed for seamless posting on job boards or career websites.

Let’s dive right in.

Forest Firefighting Pilot Duties and Responsibilities

Forest Firefighting Pilots play a crucial role in combating forest fires by operating specialized aircraft that aid in detecting and suppressing wildfires.

Their primary goal is to prevent the spread of wildfires, protect lives, and conserve natural resources.

A Forest Firefighting Pilot’s duties and responsibilities include:

• Performing regular inspections and maintenance checks on aircraft to ensure safety and operational readiness
• Flying aircraft over forests and other wildlands to detect and assess the severity of fires
• Operating aircraft instruments and controls to drop water or fire retardant substances onto burning areas
• Collaborating with firefighters on the ground and other firefighting pilots to develop and execute firefighting strategies
• Ensuring that firefighting missions are conducted in accordance with safety regulations and guidelines
• Communicating with air traffic control, base operations, and other relevant authorities during firefighting operations
• Assisting in mapping and recon missions to provide accurate information about fire locations, sizes, and behaviors
• Participating in fire safety education and fire prevention efforts
• Training and mentoring junior pilots or other team members
• Remaining updated on advancements in firefighting technology and procedures

 

Forest Firefighting Pilot Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking an experienced and reliable Forest Firefighting Pilot to join our team.

The Forest Firefighting Pilot is responsible for piloting aircraft to provide aerial support in firefighting operations.

This includes dropping water or fire retardants to suppress wildfires and coordinating with ground crew to ensure effective firefighting strategies.

 

Responsibilities

• Operate aircraft for firefighting missions under various conditions.
• Perform pre-flight checks and flight planning according to safety regulations and procedures.
• Coordinate with ground crew to determine firefighting strategy and flight paths.
• Monitor and report on wildfire behavior and firefighting effectiveness from the air.
• Ensure aircraft maintenance and servicing is carried out to maintain optimal performance.
• Follow all federal, state, and local flight regulations.
• Maintain logbooks and record all flight activity.
• Participate in regular training exercises to stay updated with firefighting techniques and safety procedures.

 

Qualifications

• Commercial Pilot’s License (CPL) required.
• Previous experience in aerial firefighting or related field.
• Excellent understanding of wildfire behavior and firefighting techniques.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work well in a team.
• High level of physical fitness and ability to handle stressful situations.
• Ability to perform under pressure and make quick decisions.
• Knowledge of aircraft maintenance and safety procedures.

 

Benefits

• 401(k) plan
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Training and career development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Forest Firefighting Pilot
• Work Environment: This role is typically field-based with high physical demands and exposure to high-risk situations. The candidate should be prepared for extensive travel and irregular working hours, especially during wildfire season.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Fire Operations Supervisor or Fire Chief.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $60,000 minimum to $120,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Forest Firefighting Pilot Do?

Forest Firefighting Pilots play a critical role in combating and suppressing wildfires.

They are highly skilled professionals who operate specially equipped aircraft to drop water or fire retardant on the wildfires.

Forest Firefighting Pilots work closely with ground crews and firefighting management teams.

They provide aerial support to these teams by dropping water or fire retardant to contain the fire, protect structures, and prevent the fire from spreading further.

Their job also involves conducting aerial surveillance to help fire management teams assess the current situation, predict fire behavior, and plan future firefighting strategies.

This includes identifying fire perimeters, hot spots, fire intensity, and the direction in which the fire is spreading.

In addition to firefighting tasks, these pilots are often responsible for rescuing stranded firefighters or civilians.

They may also be involved in delivering essential supplies and equipment to firefighters working on the ground.

Their role may also involve maintaining the aircraft to ensure it is always in operational condition and performing pre-flight checks.

They are responsible for their own safety and the safety of their aircraft during challenging and potentially dangerous firefighting operations.

Overall, their primary goal is to support the efforts of ground-based firefighting teams and contribute to the successful containment and extinguishment of forest fires.

 

Forest Firefighting Pilot Qualifications and Skills

Forest Firefighting Pilots require a unique blend of technical skills, physical abilities and mental resilience, as follows:

• Strong flying skills and extensive experience in piloting aircrafts, particularly in challenging conditions such as bad weather, low visibility, or over difficult terrains.
• Deep understanding of fire behavior and the application of firefighting tactics from an aerial perspective, including the optimal use of water or retardants.
• Excellent decision-making skills to make split-second choices in high-pressure situations, often with significant safety implications.
• Strong communication skills to effectively coordinate with ground crews, other pilots, and air traffic control, often amidst noisy and chaotic environments.
• Physical stamina and resilience to endure long hours in the air, often under intense heat and smoke, and with high levels of noise and vibration.
• Excellent understanding of aircraft maintenance and safety procedures, to ensure the aircraft is always in optimal condition for firefighting operations.
• Ability to assess and analyse weather conditions and their impact on fire behavior and flight operations.
• Strong navigational skills, including the use of modern GPS and mapping technologies, as well as traditional map-reading and compass skills.

 

Forest Firefighting Pilot Experience Requirements

Prospective Forest Firefighting Pilots generally require significant experience in the aviation industry.

This typically starts with acquiring a commercial pilot’s license, which requires a minimum number of logged flight hours and passing written and practical examinations.

In addition to this, entry-level candidates would ideally have 1 to 2 years of general firefighting experience, often gained through volunteering in local fire departments or working with national park services.

This helps them understand the basic principles of fire behavior and firefighting tactics.

Candidates with more than 3 years of flying experience are often preferred as they have had enough time to hone their piloting skills and develop the precision required for aerial firefighting.

This experience is often gained in roles such as cargo pilots or emergency medical service pilots.

Those with more than 5 years of experience, especially in low-level flying and aerial application, stand out as highly qualified candidates.

This experience helps them master the complex maneuvers required for effective wildfire suppression.

Some roles may require advanced firefighting knowledge, which can be gained from completing courses like the Aerial Firefighting Tactics Training (AFFT).

Additionally, candidates with previous leadership experience may be ready for roles such as Lead Pilot or Air Attack Supervisor.

 

Forest Firefighting Pilot Education and Training Requirements

To become a Forest Firefighting Pilot, individuals must have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Most employers prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in aviation, aeronautical engineering, or a related field.

Becoming a pilot requires significant flight experience.

Aspiring firefighting pilots must first earn a private pilot’s license, which requires a minimum of 40 flight hours, and then a commercial pilot’s license, requiring at least 250 flight hours.

In addition to these, they must obtain an instrument rating to fly with low visibility and a multi-engine rating since most firefighting aircraft have more than one engine.

Forest Firefighting Pilots also need specific firefighting training, which includes understanding fire behavior and suppression techniques.

They need to be well-versed in safety protocols and emergency procedures.

In many cases, they must complete a course in aerial firefighting and pass a check-ride examination to demonstrate their flying and firefighting skills.

Certain certifications, like the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certification, may also be required by some employers.

This requires a minimum of 1,500 flight hours and an additional written and practical test.

Continuous learning and training are crucial as new firefighting methods and technologies are continually being developed.

Further, maintaining physical fitness is crucial for this job role.

 

Forest Firefighting Pilot Salary Expectations

A Forest Firefighting Pilot earns an average salary of $81,000 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can vary greatly based on factors such as the level of experience, specific location, and the employing organization.

 

Forest Firefighting Pilot Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Forest Firefighting Pilot need?

Forest Firefighting Pilots need a high level of aeronautical skills and knowledge, including extensive knowledge of air navigation, weather, and federal aviation regulations.

They also need to have advanced flying skills and the ability to operate in challenging and dangerous conditions.

In addition, they should have good decision-making, problem-solving, and communication skills as they often have to make split-second decisions and effectively communicate with ground crews.

 

What are the requirements to become a Forest Firefighting Pilot?

The requirements can vary based on the employer and the jurisdiction, but generally, Forest Firefighting Pilots need to have a commercial pilot’s license with an instrument rating, and a significant amount of flight experience.

Some employers also require specific experience with aerial firefighting.

In addition, pilots must pass physical and medical examinations to ensure they are fit to fly under demanding conditions.

 

What does a typical day look like for a Forest Firefighting Pilot?

During a wildfire season, a typical day for a Forest Firefighting Pilot may involve flying firefighting aircraft to drop water or fire retardants on wildfires.

They may also be involved in reconnaissance flights to assess the size and direction of fires, and to determine the best strategies for fighting them.

Between flights, pilots need to ensure their aircraft is maintained and ready for the next mission.

In the off-season, pilots may participate in training exercises and equipment maintenance.

 

What qualities make a good Forest Firefighting Pilot?

A good Forest Firefighting Pilot is able to remain calm under pressure and make quick decisions in highly stressful situations.

They need to be physically fit and have good endurance, as they often work long hours in challenging conditions.

They also need to be team-oriented, as they work closely with other pilots and ground crews.

A strong commitment to safety is also crucial in this role.

 

Is it difficult to hire Forest Firefighting Pilots?

Hiring Forest Firefighting Pilots can be challenging due to the specific skills and experience required for this role.

It requires a high level of aeronautical knowledge and skill, and candidates must be able to work under extremely stressful and dangerous conditions.

Furthermore, the seasonal nature of this work can make it difficult to find pilots who are willing and able to commit to this type of role.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve revealed the gritty reality of what it means to be a forest firefighting pilot.

Surprise!

It’s not just about flying a plane.

It’s about being a critical part of the team combating wildfires, one flight at a time.

Armed with our forest firefighting pilot job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready for your next move.

But why not go the extra mile?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next stop for crafting meticulous listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every flight you take is a part of a larger mission.

Let’s fight these fires. Together.

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