Also called: UAS Ignition Specialist, Fire Drone Pilot
Flies drones that drop small chemical fire-starting balls to light controlled burns and backfires where it is too dangerous for crews to walk.
Operators load drones with 'dragon eggs', ping-pong-sized balls that ignite a few seconds after hitting the ground, then fly grid patterns over a prescribed burn while a firing boss watches. On wildfires they help set backfires at night. They also fly mapping and infrared missions.
Seasonal federal, state or contractor pay; overtime common. Estimate.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Certificate, about 2 years after high school. FAA Part 107 drone certificate, wildland firefighter training, and agency UAS pilot training.
Ways in: Certification, On-the-job training. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Forestry, Fire Science.
Growing much faster than average. Agencies are rapidly expanding drone programs (approx.).
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. Drones fly more of the pattern on their own; reading fire behavior and safety calls stay human.
Classes: Physics, Computer science, Earth science.
Official data: O*NET occupation 53-2099.
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.