Forestry Fire Pilot

Join CAL FIRE; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

CAL FIRE seeks a helicopter pilot under general direction to operate across California's varied terrain, supporting fire prevention, suppression, and vegetation management. The role includes preventive maintenance on helicopters and aviation-related tasks.

Duties include aerial firefighting, transporting crew and cargo, water/retardant drops, search and rescue, medivac, and reconnaissance; may serve as air operations officer and assist in aviation management tasks.

Qualifications

• Keenness of observation
• Mental alertness
• Tact
• Good physical condition

Responsibilities

• Pilot a helicopter in single pilot operation over varied terrain for aerial firefighting.
• Haul firefighters and inmates and cargo; drop water and retardant from helicopter tanks.
• Perform routine and emergency missions including search and rescue, medivacs, reconnaissance, and administrative flights.
• Perform preventive maintenance and limited inspections on helicopters under the direction of a licensed aircraft mechanic.
• Serve as air operations officer for training, inspections, and aviation management tasks.

Job description

Under general direction, throughout the State, to pilot a helicopter over all types of terrain; to assist in all aspects of fire prevention, suppression, and vegetation management; to perform required preventive maintenance on helicopters; and to do other related work.

TYPICAL TASKS

Pilot a helicopter in single pilot operation over all types of terrain in aerial firefighting, hauling firefighters and inmates to and from fires, hauling cargo, both internal and external, and dropping water and retardant on fires from helicopter-carried water buckets or tanks; flying routine and emergency missions such as search and rescue, medivacs, reconnaissance, law enforcement, serial photography, and administrative flights; support prescribed burning projects by hauling various serial ignition devices to ignite prescribed fires; be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the helicopter; perform preventive maintenance plus limited inspections and maintenance on helicopters while under the direction of a licensed aircraft mechanic; act as air operations officer on occasions, which would include special projects, training, and inspecting rental aircraft pilots, plus other aviation management tasks; and perform other duties assigned.

SPECIAL PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Keenness of observation, mental alertness, tact, and good physical condition.

ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Forest-firefighting experience with helicopters is desirable.