Also called: Helicopter Firefighter, Rappeller
A firefighter who flies to fires by helicopter, sometimes rappelling down ropes into rugged terrain.
Helitack crews are first to reach many new fires. They load into a helicopter, land or rappel near the fire, and attack it quickly. Back at base they manage helicopter safety and cargo slings.
Federal GS pay; overtime and hazard pay often add 50%+ in busy seasons.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
High school diploma, about 1 year after high school. High school diploma, age 18+, basic wildland firefighter courses (S-130/S-190), and the 'pack test': 3 miles carrying 45 lbs in under 45 minutes. Helicopter and rappel training.
Ways in: On-the-job training, Certification. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Majors to look at: Forestry, Fire Science.
Growing about average. Wildland fire seasons are getting longer; federal wildland workforce is being reorganized (approx.).
Low risk for 10 years. Drones help scout; landing or rappelling in and attacking fires fast stays human.
Classes: PE / strength training, Earth science, Physics.
Official data: O*NET occupation 33-2011.
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.