About the Company

CAL FIRE provides fire protection, emergency response, and resource management services throughout California while supporting wildfire suppression and aviation operations statewide.

Position Summary

CAL FIRE is seeking Forestry Fire Pilots to support aerial firefighting and helitack operations based at the Bieber Helitack Base in Susanville, California.

Schedule
Operational schedule based on wildfire and emergency response needs.

Responsibilities

• Support aerial firefighting operations
• Conduct wildfire response flight missions
• Support helitack operations
• Operate aircraft in accordance with CAL FIRE operational standards
• Maintain readiness for emergency response operations

Requirements

• Must successfully complete and pass the Forestry Fire Pilot examination
• Must obtain eligibility list placement through the State examination process
• Must apply through the California State recruitment process

Preferred Qualifications

• Wildfire aviation experience
• Helitack operational experience
• Low-level flight operations experience

Benefits

• State employment benefits
• Wildland firefighting aviation operations
• Emergency response mission environment

Compensation

• $7,948 – $10,488 per month

Aircraft

• Helitack aircraft fleet

Location

Susanville, California (Bieber Helitack Base)

Examination Information

The Forestry Fire Pilot examination is posted on a continuous basis.

Applicants who successfully complete and pass the examination will be placed on an eligibility list. Obtaining list eligibility does not guarantee employment.

Interested applicants must apply through the California State recruitment process.

Application deadline: May 15, 2026.

Additional Information

For questions related to this position, including duties, examination details, and application requirements, contact information can be found within the application posting.