Air Tactical Pilot – CAL FIRE Air Attack (McClellan, CA)

Pilot Assessments; California, Northern (MO, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) retirement plan with matching

Life insurance and disability

Paid transportation

Paid time off

Sick leave

Paid holidays

Educational reimbursement

Employee stock purchase plan

Pet insurance

Job summary

Pilot Assessments is seeking a highly qualified air tactical pilot to staff the CAL FIRE Air Attack Base. You will serve as Pilot in Command of the assigned Air Tactical aircraft and work with Air Tactical Group Supervisors to respond rapidly to dispatches.

The role requires extensive flight hours, including PIC, multi-engine, and instrument time, with readiness to meet strict duty schedules and base policies. Location proximity and compliance with safety standards are essential.

Qualifications

• 1,800 hours Pilot in Command (airplanes).
• 800 hours multi-engine (airplanes).
• 200 hours mountainous terrain.
• 75 hours total instrument time, including 50 hours instrument.
• 100 hours night time.

Responsibilities

• Staff the air tactical platform at the CAL FIRE Air Attack Base per duty schedule.
• Serve as Pilot in Command of the assigned Air Tactical aircraft coordinating with ATGS.
• Respond to dispatches and be airborne within 15 minutes of notification.
• Adhere to CAL FIRE 8300 policies and Amentum operations manual.
• Maintain professional conduct per Amentum standards.

Skills

Pilot in Command

Air tactics coordination

Emergency response

Team communication

Job description

Role at a glance

• Staff the air tactical platform at the assigned CAL FIRE Air Attack Base according to the duty schedule.
• Serve as Pilot in Command of the assigned Air Tactical aircraft, working in concert with Air Tactical Group Supervisors (ATGS).
• Respond to dispatches as directed and be airborne within 15 minutes of notification.
• Adhere to assigned base policies and procedures, all CAL FIRE 8300 policies, and Amentum General Operations Manual requirements.
• Maintain professional conduct consistent with Amentum standards at all times.

Minimum flight experience

• 1,800 hours Pilot in Command (airplanes)
• 800 hours multi-engine (airplanes)
• 200 hours in mountainous terrain
• 75 hours total instrument time, including 50 hours actual instrument
• 100 hours night time
• 10 hours in the make and model to be flown

One or more of the following qualifications

• 500 hours of aerial firefighting as PIC or co-pilot; or
• 100 hours in AME aircraft > 6,000 lbs; or
• 50 hours in AME aircraft > 12,500 lbs; or
• 50 hours in AME turbine-powered aircraft

Compliance & readiness

• Current FAA Second-Class Medical Certificate (EKG required for applicants age 40+).
• Ability to meet duty schedule and operational readiness requirements.
• Residence within 45 minutes of the assigned Air Attack Base.

Benefits

Benefits are subject to eligibility and may vary by employment type, location, collective bargaining agreement, or other applicable agreement.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with matching
• Life insurance; short-term and long-term disability
• Paid transportation
• PTO: seven days (63 hours) after one year with the company
• Sick leave: 14 days (126 hours)
• Paid holidays
• Educational reimbursement and parental leave
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Tax-saving options and pet insurance