About This Role
CAL FIRE, operated by Amentum, is seeking experienced Air Tactical Pilots for aerial firefighting operations across California. This is an entry-level position within the aerial firefighting community where pilots fly specialized aircraft (OV10, S-2T, King Air) to support ground crews and protect communities. Candidates must have a minimum of 1800 hours PIC with 800 hours multi-engine PIC, plus 200 hours mountain flying experience and a FAA Commercial license with Multi-Engine and Instrument ratings. Pilots work a 10 days on/5 days off schedule during fire season (4-12 months depending on base) with annual flight hours ranging from 50-300 hours. This is a unionized position with a seniority-based system where pilots can bid for permanent base assignments after gaining seniority.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Operate OV10, S-2T, and King Air aircraft in aerial firefighting operations
- Support ground crews in fire suppression efforts
- Conduct reconnaissance and tactical coordination during active fires
- Fly with extreme precision in challenging terrain and weather conditions
- Maintain on-call readiness from sunrise to 10am during fire season
- Participate in required annual and recurrent training
- Fly assigned missions from 10am to 30 minutes before sunset
What We Offer
Unionized position with seniority-based advancementPermanent base assignment opportunity after gaining seniority10 days on/5 days off schedule during fire season14 different Air Attack Bases across California for assignment optionsProfessional firefighting career with diverse pilot backgrounds
Requirements
- FAA Commercial Pilot License
- Multi-Engine Land rating
- Instrument rating
- Minimum 1800 hours PIC
- Minimum 800 hours Multi-Engine PIC
- Minimum 200 hours mountain/terrain flying
- Minimum 75 hours Instrument PIC
- Minimum 100 hours night flying
- One or more of: 500 hours aerial firefighting, 100 hours AME >6,000 lbs, 50 hours AME >12,500 lbs, or 50 hours AME turbine powered
- Passion for firefighting and public service
- Ability to fly with extreme precision
- Reside within 45 minutes of assigned base during fire season
- Willingness to work seniority-based system for base assignment
About CAL FIRE (Amentum)
CAL FIRE is California's state firefighting agency. Aerial operations are contracted through Amentum (formerly DynCorp International), which provides maintenance personnel and pilots for the aerial firefighting fleet supporting communities across California.