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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

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)

RMC Memo 25-01: Summary of Updates to Safety Officer Positions

Date: April 9, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
RMC Member Eric Fransted

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) serves as the position steward for all Safety Officer incident positions and continues to improve position standards, training, and naming conventions. The implementation of Complex Incident Management (CIM) required changes to position titles. RMC collaborated with the NWCG Incident Position Standards Committee (IPSC) to propose and implement these updates. 

References:

RMC Memo 25-01: Summary of Updates to Safety Officer Positions 

NWCG Position Catalog

Updated, NWCG Guide to Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Determination, PMS 412

Date: April 8, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Wildland Fire Investigation Subcommittee

PMS 412 provides guidance for wildland fire investigations. This guide outlines recommended procedures, practices, techniques, and methods to promote a systematic approach. The last update to this publication was in 2016.

References:

NWCG Guide to Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Determination PMS 412

Updated NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations, PMS 508

Date: March 31, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Airtanker Base Operations Unit

The updated NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations (SABO), PMS 508 standardizes operations and procedures at interagency airtanker bases to ensure safe, efficient, and effective operations in support of interagency goals and objectives.

References:

NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations, PMS 508