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Aerial Observer

Position Description

Duties

  • Makes initial evaluation of fire situations, determines rate of spread, potential hazards to property and other improvements.
  • Obtain briefing from work supervisor.
  • Obtain materials, transportation and communications.
  • Perform general field observations and maintain field map.
  • Report hazardous situations.
  • Monitor and record weather conditions.
  • Monitor incident situation
  • Report field data.
  • Map and overlay production.
  • Attend planning meetings.
  • Maintain incident history on maps and narratives as required.
  • Prepare ICS Form 209, Incident Status Summary.
  • Provide documentation of situation unit activities.
  • Confirm demobilization instructions with supervisor.

Position Needs (from FS 5109.17 Handbook)

  • I-100, Introduction to ICS
  • S-110, Wildland Fire Suppression Orientation for Non-Operations Personnel
  • S-130, Basic Firefighter
  • S-270, Basic Air Operations
  • A-101, Aviation Safety
  • A-102, Fixed Wing Safety
  • A-105, Aviation Life support Equipment
  • A-106, Aviation Mishap Reporting
  • A-107, Aviation Policy and Regulations I
  • A-109, Aviation Radio Use
  • A-113, Crash Survival
  • Qualified radio operator
  • ICT4 or FOBS

Last Modified / Reviewed:

NWCG Latest Announcements

Updated NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518

Date: December 19, 2024
Contact: Water Scooper Operations Unit

The NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518 establishes the standards for dispatching, utilizing, and coordinating water scooping aircraft on interagency wildland fires. These standards should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision (SAS), PMS 505, and any local, state, or geographic/regional water scooping plans.

References:

NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518

Updated NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505

Date: December 19, 2024
Contact: Interagency Aerial Supervision Subcommittee

The Interagency Aerial Supervision Subcommittee has updated the NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505. PMS 505 establishes standards for aerial supervision operations for national interagency wildland fire operations. 

References:

NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505

New Job Aids Available: Packing Lists for Wildland Fire Fireline Personnel and Support Staff, J-101 and J-102

Date: December 3, 2024
Contact: NWCG TRAINING

Two new job aids are now available: Packing List for Wildland Fire Fireline Personnel, J-101 and Packing List for Wildland Fire Support Personnel, J-102, should serve as a baseline for items needed on a wildland fire assignment. These lists will help personnel prepare for a 14 to 21-day assignment on the fireline or in a support role.

References:

Job Aid Catalog

NWCG Packing List for Wildland Fire Fireline Personnel, J-101

NWCG Packing List for Wildland Fire Support Staff, J-102

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee Releases Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention

Date: November 14, 2024
Contact: Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention. Misaligned toolless fuel caps on Stihl chainsaws have led to recurring fuel spillage, fuel ignition, and burn injuries during wildland fire management operations.

This Safety Warning is intended to highlight the details and recommended procedures for the installation of a Stihl chainsaw toolless fuel cap, as well as how to identify and correct a misaligned, damaged, or broken fuel cap to help prevent fuel spillage.

References:

NWCG Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention

Advertencia de equipos 24-001: Prevención de derrames de la tapa de combustible sin herramientas de la motosierra Stihl

NWCG Alerts