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NWCG Positions

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Position Catalog

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

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Alternative Pathways to NWCG Qualification

Air Operations

NWCG positions enable consistent and uniform performance by personnel mobilized by position under NIMS-ICS principles. The position catalog provides comprehensive information about each NWCG position, those for which NWCG establishes qualifications standards. Agency-specific positions such as those located in the Federal Wildland Fire Qualifications Supplement are not included in this catalog.

Positions denoted with an asterisk (*) use the established FEMA National Qualifications System all-hazard position as the baseline for the NWCG wildland fire position.

Note: Filter all IPDs using the IPD Status column to quickly see which ones are under review.

Position Title Position Code Functional Area Steward Key Stakeholders IPD Status ID IDQR
Air Operations Branch Director* AOBD Air Operations NIAC Approved 29539 33032
Air Support Group Supervisor* ASGS Air Operations NIAC Approved 29540 33014
Air Tactical Group Supervisor* ATGS Air Operations IASS Approved 29524 33011
Aircraft Base Radio Operator ABRO Air Operations IHOPS Approved 29526 33039
Aircraft Timekeeper ATIM Air Operations ABOU Approved 33173 33052
Airtanker Base Manager ATBM Air Operations ABOU Approved 33179 33063
Area Command Aviation Coordinator ACAC Air Operations NIAC Approved 29538 33036
Deck Coordinator DECK Air Operations IHOPS Approved 29529 33007
Fixed Wing Base Manager FWBM Air Operations ABOU Approved 33175 33057
Fixed Wing Parking Tender FWPT Air Operations ABOU Approved 33178 33054
Helibase Manager HEBM Air Operations IHOPS Approved 33172 33042
Helicopter Coordinator HLCO Air Operations IASS Approved 29545 33001
Helicopter Crewmember HECM Air Operations IHOPS Approved 29625 33004
Helicopter Manager, Single Resource HMGB Air Operations IHOPS Approved 29485 32998
Mixmaster MXMS Air Operations ABOU Approved 33176 33045
Ramp Manager RAMP Air Operations ABOU Approved 33174 33061
Retardant Crewmember RTCM Air Operations ABOU Approved 33177 33048
Single Engine Airtanker Manager SEMG Air Operations ABOU Approved 29546 32994
Unmanned Aircraft System Pilot UASP Air Operations IFUASS Approved 33182 33168
Unmanned Aircraft System, Data Specialist UASD Air Operations IFUASS Approved 33183 33165
Unmanned Aircraft System, Manager UASM Air Operations IFUASS Approved 33180 33158
Unmanned Aircraft System, Module Leader UASL Air Operations IFUASS --- 33181 33162
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NWCG Latest Announcements

Updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

Date: May 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Fire Use Subcommittee

The updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431 serves as a supplemental resource for wildland fire module operations, providing information frequently used in the field.

PMS 431 defines the organizational structure, staffing, and qualifications for Type 1 and Type 2 Wildland Fire Modules, outlining their roles in wildland fire suppression, prescribed fire, and resource management. The NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431, should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430.

References:

NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430

Updated NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 Now Includes Off-Highway Vehicle Typing Standards

Date: May 13, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Mobile Fire Equipment Subcommittee 

The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 has been updated to include newly developed Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) typing standards. These standards organize OHV information into logical categories and outline key safety requirements for occupants.

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 establishes minimum typing standards for aircraft, crews, and equipment used in national mobilization to wildland fire incidents. Typing designations are assigned based on measurable capability and performance criteria.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200

NEW! S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers Now Available

Date: May 12, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Risk Management Committee

The S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers self-directed online course is now available! Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Safety Officer, Field (SOFF) incident qualifications.

S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers focuses on facilitating hazard mitigation conversations and building trust to influence safety-related decisions. Individuals can self-enroll through the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP).

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:

S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers 

NWCG Safety Officer, Field (SOFF) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Great Basin Cache Upgrading to New Inventory System

Date: May 7, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Great Basin Cache
Phone: (208) 387-5104
Fax: (208) 387-5573

The Great Basin Cache (GBK) is transitioning to a new inventory system to better serve the wildland fire community. During this upgrade, GBK will be unable to process standard orders from Part 1: Fire Supplies and Equipment and Part 2: Publications between May 8-20, 2025, with exceptions made for emergency fire orders. Orders will be accepted through close of business May 7.

To browse the latest available items, please refer to the National Fire Equipment System (NFES) catalogs. 

References:

NWCG NFES Catalog-Part 1: Fire Supplies and Equipment, PMS 449-1

NWCG NFES Catalog-Part 2: Publications, PMS 449-2