Cessna Citation Captain – Aerial Firefighting, Imaging & Passenger Ops

Pilot Assessments; California; On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company-paid travel

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Coulson is seeking a mission-driven Citation Captain to lead aerial firefighting missions across the United States. You will ensure airworthiness, regulatory compliance, and readiness while directing crews in high-stakes environments.

You’ll collaborate with agencies on mission objectives, maintain logs, and uphold SMS and SOP standards in a safety-first culture. Travel is required, with comprehensive benefits and competitive compensation.

Qualifications

• FAA ATP (Unrestricted or Restricted) certification is required.
• 2000+ total flight hours required.
• No FAA violations or enforcement actions in the last five years.
• Air Attack experience in the United States preferred.
• Aerial firefighting experience is an asset.
• Strong knowledge of FAA regulations and operational standards.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Team-oriented with sound judgment and decision-making.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Citation 550/560 experience preferred; relevant aerial firefighting on similar aircraft encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Work with Air Attack Officers to manage wildfire airspace and firefighting strategies.
• Identify hazards and drive mitigations within Safety Management System.
• Maintain aircraft readiness for rapid dispatch and mission response.
• Execute aerial imaging and passenger operations under safety standards.
• Refine SOPs, review and submit flight logs and records.
• Collaborate with clients and partners to meet mission objectives safely and efficiently.

Skills

FAA ATP certification

2000+ flight hours

No FAA violations (5 years)

Air Attack experience

Aerial firefighting experience (asset)

FAA regulations knowledge

Communication & teamwork

Decision making & judgment

High school diploma or equivalent

Citation 550/560 experience

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Citation 550/560 aircraft experience

Job description

What you’ll do

• Work alongside agency Air Attack Officers to manage complex wildfire airspace and shape firefighting strategies.
• Identify operational hazards and drive effective mitigations while actively participating in our Safety Management System and safety initiatives.
• Maintain aircraft readiness for rapid dispatch; support swift, effective responses to emerging wildfire missions.
• Execute aerial imaging and passenger operations to the same rigorous safety and compliance standards.
• Support continual improvement by refining SOPs and procedures; review, maintain, and submit accurate digital and written flight logs and records.
• Collaborate closely with clients and agency partners to ensure mission objectives are met—safely, efficiently, and decisively.

What you bring

• Certification: FAA ATP (Unrestricted or Restricted).
• Flight time: 2,000+ total flight hours.
• No FAA violations or enforcement actions within the past five years.
• Previous Air Attack experience in the United States and demonstrated low‑level flying proficiency.
• Aerial firefighting experience is an asset.
• Strong knowledge of FAA regulations and operational standards.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; proven ability to manage multiple priorities in dynamic environments.
• Team‑oriented approach with sound judgment and strong decision‑making skills.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Citation 550/560 experience preferred; qualified candidates with aerial firefighting experience on comparable aircraft are encouraged to apply.

Why you’ll love this role

• Rotational schedule with company‑paid travel to/from duty—live anywhere in the U.S.; no permanent relocation required.
• Competitive, year‑round compensation without seasonal uncertainty.
• Comprehensive benefits, including health and retirement plans.
• Meaningful missions supporting aerial firefighting operations around the world.

Safety, compliance, and readiness

As a Citation Captain at Coulson, you’ll champion a safety‑first culture—maintaining airworthiness, adhering to regulatory requirements, and ensuring our aircraft and crews are mission‑ready at all times. Your leadership in the cockpit and your commitment to SMS and SOP excellence will help protect lives, property, and wildlands.

Ready to make an impact?

If you’re a mission‑driven Citation pilot with Air Attack and low‑level experience, we’d love to hear from you. Bring your expertise to a team that’s redefining aerial firefighting—one safe, decisive sortie at a time.