Fire Pilot

Fire Pilot

The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) is currently accepting applications for the position of Fire Pilot. This recruitment will be used to fill the current vacancy as well as to establish an eligibility list for future vacancies.

Applicants are encouraged to review the entire recruitment announcement before applying to understand the minimum qualifications and to apply early in the process.

This classification will receive the following base wage increases:

• 4.5% effective March 19, 2027
• 4.5% effective March 17, 2028
• 4.5% effective March 16, 2029
• 4.5% effective March 15, 2030
• 4.5% effective March 14, 2031

CLOSING DATE: This is a continuous recruitment with a first application review of Tuesday, September 1, 2026. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply early in the recruitment process.

Recruitment and Selection Schedule of Events:

• First Application Review: Tuesday, September 1, 2026
• Oral Interview: Week of October 5, 2026
• Check Flight: TBD Will depend on candidate and OCFA Aircraft availability
• Fire Chief's Interview: TBD depends on completion of candidate's Check Flight
• Hire Date: TBD

Dates listed above are subject to change based on the needs of the Authority.

THE POSITION

Under general supervision, Fire Pilots are assigned the authority and responsibility to perform aerial fire suppression by piloting Orange County Fire Authority helicopters over all types of terrain during aerial firefighting, crew/equipment transport, reconnaissance, medical rescue, disaster mitigation and related activities; maintains pilot flight logs and records; performs minor repairs and inspections to Orange County Fire Authority helicopters, and performs other duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Fire Pilot is the first level in a two level helicopter pilot series. Incumbents serve as Pilot in Command (PlC) during a full range of helicopter missions including but not limited to missions related to fire suppression, are responsible for the safe overall operation of Orange County Fire Authority aircraft and have the final authority for all safety-of-flight aspects of the helicopter operations. The Fire Pilot is distinguished from the Chief Fire Pilot which performs lead journey-level pilot duties and is responsible for supervisory activities.