I do know that a lot of the aviation in the Northwest is handled by contractors like Evergreen (and others) vice USFS or the state forestry guys. The USA jobs site has some interesting stuff from time to time, as do the contractor sites. I also know that some of the federal LE agencies like ICE/DHS operate aircraft and employ non-pilot flight crew members.
I know this thread is a little old but I thought I would share what I have learned about aerial firefighting.
When talking about the USFS, all but two of their helicopters and all their tankers are on a contract between a civilian company and the agency. For the light and medium helicopters, the crew will consist of a pilot, helicopter manager, and anywhere from 2-7 crew members. The crew members will deploy the bucket, direct water drops, and perform other fireline duties. The helicopter manager's duties are the most comparable to an NFO; which include communications, navigation, while serving as a liaison for the agency and contractor. A fire background required to be a manager because they too have to deploy with the crew and act as the supervisor while on the fireline. The large helicopters, skycranes, firehawks, k-maxx, etc will have a PIC and SIC flying while a manager stays with the ground crew.
As of 2012 the USFS has reduced the amount of tanker they have oncontract drastically. The most noticeable reduction in the tanker contracts was the decision to no longer renew any of the P3 contracts. The USFS still relies on the p-2v Neptunes but that is soon changing to turbine powered aircaft. I'm not 100% sure but I believe the P-2v's only have a PIC and possibly a SIC but no manager that flies with the aircraft. They also have a few oddball contracts from single engine air tankers all the way to the DC-10 (sorry no more 747's as tankers). Aside from tankers, the only other fixed wing aircraft the USFS relies on are twin engine commanders or king air's that fulfill the role of an air attack. They orbit the fire while orchestrating the aircraft and ground resources, which also requires an extensive fire background. The air attack is usually a GS 10-12 that worked his or her way up in the fire service.
Cal Fire does things a little differently but a fire background is still required for any crew or managerial roles. Their helicopters are all bell 205's (except San Diego has a 214) with a crew consisting of two helicopter manager and a handful of firefighters. They fly with two managers because one deploys with the crew and one flies with the pilot to communicate and navigate. Although a manager has to stay in the helicopter at all times, they must be able to fulfill both roles for staffing purposes.
As for Cal Fire's S-2's, they only require a pilot to fly, communicate, and drop retardant. They also fly the OV-10's as an air attack platform with a pilot and an air attack. The air attack is usually a retired USFS air attack with an extensive fire background or a former helicopter manager who came up through the ranks.
I hope this sums up any questions you may have had but if you have anymore to ask, feel free!!
