Forestry Fire Pilot

About the role

As a Forestry Fire Pilot, you'll operate in some of California's most challenging environments while supporting missions ranging from aerial firefighting and water drops to search and rescue, hoist operations, crew transport, reconnaissance, prescribed burning, and emergency response. Flying single-pilot in day and night conditions, including NVG operations, you'll combine exceptional aviation skill, sound judgment, and risk management with a mission that directly protects lives, communities, and natural resources. You'll operate in dynamic environments where aviation expertise directly supports lifesaving and wildfire response missions. From navigating mountainous terrain and reduced visibility to conducting water drops, hoist rescues, external-load operations, and crew transport, you'll be trusted to evaluate risk and make critical decisions as Pilot in Command.

Why CAL FIRE?

• Mission-driven aviation supporting wildfire suppression, rescue, emergency response, and public safety
• Diverse flight operations including firefighting, hoist rescue, search and rescue, reconnaissance, crew transport, external loads, and prescribed fire
• Advanced aviation operations including NVG-capable day and night missions
• Professional development through recurrent proficiency training and opportunities to qualify as an instructor pilot or flight examiner
• State of California career and benefits with the opportunity to put your aviation expertise to work in public service

Location

Beautiful Lassen County! Northeastern California offers a lifestyle and landscape unlike anywhere else in the state. Surrounded by expansive forests, mountain ranges, lakes, and wide-open country, the Lassen-Modoc region provides endless opportunities for outdoor recreation and adventure. With a lower cost of living, less congestion, and access to some of California's most spectacular public lands, it's an ideal location for those who value space, community, and the outdoors. For aviation professionals, it's also an opportunity to put your skills to work in a challenging and diverse operational environment while making a direct impact across Northern California.