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Incident Training Specialist

TNSP Incident Position Description

The Incident Training Specialist coordinates training opportunities on Type 1 and 2 incidents. They provide training expertise to incident trainees and ensures training documentation is complete for incident and trainee records.  The TNSP reports to the Planning Section Chief or other assigned supervisor. The TNSP works in the Planning functional area.​

Leadership Level 1, Follower (Provide Action)

  • For additional information review Level 1 description, expected behaviors and knowledge, suggested development goals, and self-study opportunities.

Prepare and Mobilize

Build the Team

  • Obtain work area, supplies, and communications equipment necessary to complete assignment.
  • Participate in operational briefings as directed.
  • Share knowledge of training/qualification system and processes as appropriate with trainees and evaluators.
  • Establish and maintain positive interpersonal and interagency working relationships.

Perform Training Specialist-Specific Duties

  • Identify trainees from various sources, including incident-assigned, host agency, and geographic area Priority Trainee Program.
  • Evaluate the incident for training potential. Discuss training with Command and General Staff and other incident personnel.
  • Initiate and maintain the Training Assignment List Form (fillable version).
  • Identify trainees and evaluators who are willing and available to participate in the training program.
  • Ensure the trainee has an initiated Position Task Book (PTB) and trainee position indicated on Incident Qualification Card.
  • Share current information about status of incident trainees using Incident Trainee Data Form and Incident Training Summary Form, as needed.
  • Facilitate individual trainee interviews. Interview trainees, coaches, and evaluators; first individually, then together.
  • Verify trainee qualifications, prepare trainee data forms, and develop goals and tasks.
  • Monitor the quality and effectiveness of the training assignments and schedule progress reviews for trainees.
  • Conduct the final incident trainee interview, using Incident Trainee Exit interview form.

Communicate and Coordinate

  • Meets regularly with both trainee and trainer to evaluate and ensure proper progress with an assignment.
  • Coordinate with sections and units involved with the training program.
  • Participate in functional area briefings and section After Action Reviews (AARs).

Manage Risk

  • Identify potential conflicts and resolve within the same operational period, if possible.
  • Apply the Risk Management Process as stated in the NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461:
    • Identify Hazards
    • Assess Hazards
    • Develop Controls and Make Risk Decisions
    • Implement Controls

Document

Demobilize

  • Coordinate an efficient transfer of position duties when mobilizing/demobilizing (e.g., incoming IMT, host agency). Ensure continuity of operation and exchange all critical information.
  • Return equipment and supplies to the appropriate unit.
  • Demobilize and check out, upon receiving demobilization instructions from the incident supervisor.
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NWCG Equipment Technology Committee Releases Safety Warning: 25-001 Non-specification fire shelters

Date: January 15, 2025
Contact: Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released Safety Warning: 25-001 Non-specification fire shelters. Non-specification fire shelters claiming to meet Forest Service (FS) fire shelter specification 5100-606 were first found in February of 2023. As of September 2024, non-specification shelters are again being advertised and sold on the open market.

This Safety Warning outlines details and recommended procedures to purchase FS specification shelters made with materials and components that meet performance criteria and toxicity testing requirements outlined in FS Specification 5100-606. 

For additional information on identifying non-specification shelters, please view ETC Safety Warning 23-01.

References:

ETC Safety Warning 25-001: Non-specification fire shelters

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee

ETC Safety Warning 23-01

Paul Gleason Lead by Example Awards

Date: January 14, 2025
Contact: Leadership Committee

The NWCG Leadership Committee has awarded the 2023 Paul Gleason “Lead By Example” awards to individuals in the categories of Initiative and Innovation, Mentoring and Teamwork, and Motivation and Vision, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Congratulations to the awardees:

  • Sam Bowen, Superintendent of the Mark Twain Veteran Crew with the U.S. Forest Service.
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  • Renae Crippen, Manager of the Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center with the U.S. Forest Service.
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References:

Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Interview with Paul Gleason

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