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MAFFS Airtanker Base Manager

Position Description

Introduction

This position reports to MAFFS Liaison Officer (MLO).

Duties

  • Works with the MLO and airport manager to decide on the locations at the airport to set up and operate a portable retardant base, if required.
  • Works with the MLO, AES/CC, and local fuel vendor on how and when the aircraft will be fueled.
  • Serves as liaison with the local Airtanker Base Manager when operating from an established airtanker base.
  • Coordinates with the MLO to assess the size of the ground operation, and order personnel to staff it; i.e.: retardant mixmaster, compressor operators, forklift operators, etc.
  • Coordinates with the MLO and supplier of fire retardant on setting up the portable plant.  Coordinates with the MLO and initiates resupply orders and on orders of support equipment for the base.
  • Regulates all movement of aircraft, motor vehicles, and personnel being used around the retardant base operation.
  • Attends daily briefings.  Convenes daily meetings with all personnel (agency and military) assigned to work on the ramp.  Makes assignments for the day and discusses any safety alerts.
  • Inventories and replaces items as necessary from portable base kits.
  • Maintains a daily unit log and provides copies to the MLO.
  • Completes ICS Form 225, Incident Personnel Rating, for each base manager trainee prior to their release from activation.  Provides a copy to the trainee, and provides a copy to the trainee’s home unit.

Position Knowledge and/or Requirements

The incumbent needs a practical, in-depth knowledge of the full range of technical, managerial, and administrative methods, practices, and procedures relative to the MAFFS Coordinator/Manager function.

Supervisory Control

The supervisor makes assignments by defining objectives, priorities, and deadlines.

The incumbent independently plans the manner in which assignments are to be carried out, and handles problems and deviations in accordance with policies and accepted practices.

Completed work is usually evaluated for appropriateness, technical soundness and conformity to policy and requirements.  Methods used by the incumbent are not usually reviewed in detail.

Guidelines

Guidelines are available, but may be limited and have gaps in specificity.

The incumbent uses judgment in determining appropriate actions to take by interpreting and adapting existing guidelines (e.g., agency policies, regulations, precedents, and work directions).

Complexity

The work includes various duties involving different unrelated processes and methods.  Decision as to what needs to be done depend upon an analysis of the assignment phase, and choosing the course of action from many alternatives.  The work involves conditions and elements that must be identified and analyzed to discern interrelationships.

Scope and Effect

The work involves treating a wide variety of conventional problems, questions or situations in conformance with established criteria. The work product often affects the success of incident operations.

Personal Contacts

Contacts are primarily with incident personnel and other agency incumbents and managers.

Purpose of Contacts

The purpose of contacts is to plan, coordinate, or advise on work efforts and to resolve operating problems.

Physical Demands

The work requires some physical exertion, such as long periods of standing.

Work Environment

The incumbent is exposed to moderate risks and discomfort.

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book Available for Helicopter Crewmember

Date: April 28, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Interagency Helicopter Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22, and the NWCG Position Task Book for Helicopter Crewmember (HECM), PMS 311-22, are now available.

These resources, part of the Performance Support Package developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

References:

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22

NWCG Position Task Book for Helicopter Crewmember (HECM), PMS 311-22

Updated NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515

Date: April 23, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Interagency Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Subcommittee

The NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515 standardizes processes and procedures for the interagency use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), including pilot inspections and approvals. This updated publication provides the aviation community with standards to ensure UAS are used safely, effectively, and efficiently in support of fire management goals and objectives.

References:

NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515

NWCG National Interagency Aviation Committee

ETC Bulletin 25-001: Retrofitted Hot/Cold Beverage Kits - 2025 Field Season

Date: April 16, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

Due to spout failures and the associated risk of burn injuries, manufacturers have retrofitted the Hot/Cold Beverage Kits using a heat-shrinking band to secure the black spout at the insertion site. The updated kits feature a fluorescent label on each full kit assembly for easy identification. Catering units are encouraged to confirm the clear heat-shrinking bands are intact around each spout before filling.

ETC Bulletin 24-001 regarding Hot/Cold Beverage Kits has been archived and replaced by ETC Bulletin 25-001 for the 2025 season.

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC-EB-25-001 Retrofitted Hot/Cold Beverage Kits

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212, and Next Generation Position Task Book for Basic Faller Are Now Available

Date: April 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Hazard Tree and Tree Felling Subcommittee

The updated NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212, and NWCG Position Task Book for Basic Faller (FAL3), PMS 311-19 are now available.

The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212 includes position standards designed to be used in conjunction with the Next Generation Position Task Book (Next Gen PTB). The Next Gen PTB for Basic Faller (FAL3) includes an evaluation guide with suggested rating elements to consider when assessing trainees.

References:

NWCG Standards For Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212

NWCG Position Task Book for Basic Faller (FAL3), PMS 311-119

NWCG Basic Faller (FAL3)