Also called: Retardant Mixer and Loader, Tanker Base Ramp Crew
Mixes and pumps the red fire retardant into firefighting planes at airtanker bases, turning a big plane around in minutes during wildfires.
A big air tanker lands and taxis to your pit. You drag the hose over, lock it on and pump thousands of gallons of red retardant into its tanks while the pilot waits. Twelve minutes later it's taking off again, and you're already mixing the next batch.
Seasonal summer jobs with lots of overtime during fire season.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
High school diploma, about 0 years after high school. High school diploma; seasonal federal jobs train on the job.
Ways in: On-the-job training. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Majors to look at: Fire Science (optional), Aviation Operations.
Growing about average. Bigger fire seasons keep tanker bases busy.
Low risk for 10 years. Mixing, pumping and ground handling around aircraft stays hands-on.
Age 18+. One way to start: Apply on USAJOBS for seasonal airtanker base or retardant mixer jobs in winter First: Seasonal government hiring: apply in winter for summer, plus a short training
Classes: PE or weight training, Physics, Chemistry.
Official data: O*NET occupation 45-4011.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.