Skip to main content

Airtanker Base Manager

Position Description

Duties

  • Maintains adequate supplies of water and retardants/suppressants at operations base by secure local water source and schedule retardant/suppressant deliveries in a timely manner.
  • Maintains quality control standards during mixing operations of retardant/suppressant products.
  • Understands function of refractometer and its use.
  • Understands mixing ratios of all products.
  • Obtains and post MSDS sheets on products.
  • Conducts and document periodic inspections to maintain quality control standards for retardants and suppressants.
  • Monitors all ground operations for safety. These include but are not limited to loading procedures, crowd control, hazardous materials spill cleanup and disposal, ‘hot’ reloading and ‘hot’ refueling.
  • Coordinates and maintain a safe flight environment.
  • Maintains flight following procedures.
  • Ensures sterile cockpit compliance.
  • Ensures that base planning documents (NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations, Base Supplement, Pilot Briefing and Orientation Guide, Reference Library) are updated as necessary.
  • Ensures all subordinate positions at base are filled as required; if base is approved for hot loading ensures all personnel are trained in those procedures.
  • Conducts daily or more frequent briefings with pilots, other contract personnel, and government incumbents assigned to base.
  • Ensures that all administrative forms and reports are completed according to procedure.
  • Maintains accurate information on all aircraft and aircrews assigned to base.
  • Coordinates all airtanker flights with local dispatcher, ATGS, ATCO, and/or ASGS; obtains daily or more frequent briefings from one or all of these positions regarding mission priorities, quality of retardant, problems, etc.
  • Ensures the maintenance and readiness of all ground facilities, supplies, and services required at the base; ensures pilot and aircraft needs are met.
  • Responsible for regulating the movement of all aircraft, motor vehicles, and personnel on the base.
  • Maintains time and use records on aircraft, equipment, retardant and personnel assigned to the base; provides aircraft use and cost information upon request.
  • Is thoroughly familiar with and enforces all safety requirements of the operation; responsible for maintenance and update of the base’s safety, crash rescue, and incident/accident action plans.
  • Serves as liaison with airport management.
  • Coordinates with IMT air operations as necessary (start-up times, costs, etc.).
  • In conjunction with the agency representative, establishes and maintains safety plans, plant safety and follows the OHSA regulations as they pertain to federal and state entities.
  • Ensures retardant supply meets or exceeds demand.

Position Knowledge and/or Requirements (recommended by the NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations)

  • S-130, Basic Firefighter
  • I-200, Basic ICS
  • S-260, Fire Business Management
  • S-270, Basic Air Operations
  • Fixed-wing Base Manager, Mixmaster (locally developed training)
  • Basic fixed-wing Safety (OAS)
  • Airtanker types and capabilities
  • Basic first aid and basic supervision
  • Interagency Aviation Management and Safety
  • Air Base Radio Operator
  • COR/PI Contract administration
  • Fire Ext. Training
  • Hazardous Material training

Last Modified / Reviewed:

NWCG Latest Announcements

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

New Job Aids Available: Packing Lists for Wildland Fire Fireline Personnel and Support Staff, J-101 and J-102

Date: December 3, 2024
Contact: NWCG TRAINING

Two new job aids are now available: Packing List for Wildland Fire Fireline Personnel, J-101 and Packing List for Wildland Fire Support Personnel, J-102, should serve as a baseline for items needed on a wildland fire assignment. These lists will help personnel prepare for a 14 to 21-day assignment on the fireline or in a support role.

References:

Job Aid Catalog

NWCG Packing List for Wildland Fire Fireline Personnel, J-101

NWCG Packing List for Wildland Fire Support Staff, J-102

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee Releases Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention

Date: November 14, 2024
Contact: Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention. Misaligned toolless fuel caps on Stihl chainsaws have led to recurring fuel spillage, fuel ignition, and burn injuries during wildland fire management operations.

This Safety Warning is intended to highlight the details and recommended procedures for the installation of a Stihl chainsaw toolless fuel cap, as well as how to identify and correct a misaligned, damaged, or broken fuel cap to help prevent fuel spillage.

References:

NWCG Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention

Advertencia de equipos 24-001: Prevención de derrames de la tapa de combustible sin herramientas de la motosierra Stihl

NWCG Alerts