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Structure Protection Specialist, STPS

STPS decorative banner: photos depicting STPS position. STPS Position Description: The Structure Protection Specialist (STPS), when activated, is primarily responsible for preparing and protecting structures threatened by wildfire. The STPS may work directly for the Operations Section Chief or may be assigned to an Operations Branch Director (OPBD) or Division/Group Supervisor (DIVS).

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Qualification Requirements

Required Training

  • Annual Fireline Safety Refresher (RT-130)

Required Experience

  • Satisfactory performance as a Division/Group Supervisor (DIVS)

OR

  • Satisfactory performance as an Incident Commander Type 3 (ICT3)
  • Completion and Certification of NWCG Structure Protection Specialist (STPS) Position Task Book (PMS 311-68)

Physical Fitness Level: Moderate

Duties involve fieldwork requiring complete control of all physical faculties and may include considerable walking over irregular ground, standing for long periods of time, lifting 25 to 50 pounds, climbing, bending, stooping, squatting, twisting, and reaching. Occasional demands may be required for moderately strenuous activities in emergencies over long periods. Individuals usually set their own work pace.

These Positions Maintain Currency For STPS

  • Division/Group Supervisor (DIVS)
  • Incident Commander Type 3 (ICT3)
  • Operations Branch Director (OPBD)
  • Operations Section Chief Type 2 (OSC2)
  • Operations Section Chief Type 3, Wildland Fire (OPS3)
  •  

STPS Maintains Currency For These Positions

  • Division/Group Supervisor (DIVS)
  • Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1)
  • Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2)
  • Operations Section Chief Type 3, Wildland Fire (OPS3)
  • Strike Team Leader including (STCR, STEQ, STEN)
  • Task Force Leader (TFLD)
  •  

Other Training Which Supports Development Of Knowledge And Skills

None

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

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

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

The updated NWCG Guide to Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Determination, 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

WFSTAR 2025 Core Component Module Package and 2024 Fire Year in Review Now Available

Date: March 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Joe Schindel at mschindel@blm.gov
 

The 2025 Core Component Module Package for RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) and the 2024 Fire Year in Review are now available on the NWCG website. The 2025 Core Component Module Package provides all content needed to deliver RT-130.

References:

2025 Core Component Module Package

2024 Fire Year in Review Module

NEW! NWCG Wildland Urban Interface Mitigation Field Guide, PMS 053

Date: March 12, 2025
Contact: Wildland Urban Interface Mitigation Committee

The NWCG Wildland Urban Interface Mitigation Field Guide, PMS 053 provides mitigation practitioners at all experience levels with recommendations on the most effective and efficient ways to accomplish mitigation work in communities at risk to wildfire damage or destruction. The content in this guide was written in coordination with the NWCG Standards for Mitigation in the Wildland Urban Interface, PMS 052.

References:

NWCG Wildland Urban Interface Mitigation Field Guide, PMS 053