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Faller, Advanced

Position Description

Duties

  • Demonstrates proficiency in advanced maintenance and troubleshooting in the field.
    This may include but is not limited to:
    • Clutch replacement
      Fuel/spark/air
    • Starter assembly
    • Bar stud
    • Performance problem troubleshooting
    • Minor mechanical problem correction
  • Develops a work plan and presents a briefing to the appropriate personnel on cutting operation.
  • Demonstrates proper chain saw handling and cutting techniques to successfully accomplish felling a tree (greater than 24-inch dbh) to a predetermined lay.
    • Applies chain saw situational awareness (size-up).
    • Verbalizes the work plan.
    • Performs a stump analysis.
  • Demonstrates proper chain saw handling and cutting techniques to successfully accomplish felling a tree (greater than 24-inch dbh) 90 degrees off its plumbed lean.
    • Applies chain saw situational awareness (size-up).
    • Verbalizes the work plan.
    • Performs a stump analysis.
  • Demonstrates proper chain saw handling and cutting techniques to successfully accomplish felling a tree (greater than 24-inch dbh) employing the double-cut method.
    • Applies chain saw situational awareness (size-up).
    • Verbalizes the work plan.
    • Performs a stump analysis.
  • Demonstrates proper chain saw handling and various facing techniques to successfully accomplish felling a tree (greater than 24-inch dbh) considering lack of top weight and lean.
    • Applies chain saw situational awareness (size-up).
    • Verbalizes the work plan.
    • Performs a stump analysis.
  • Demonstrates proper chain saw handling and cutting techniques to successfully accomplish felling a heavy leaning tree (greater than 24-inch dbh) employing a side-boring, back cut technique.
    • Applies chain saw situational awareness (size-up).
    • Verbalizes the work plan.
    • Employs double-cutting method, if possible.
    • Performs a stump analysis.
  • Demonstrates proper chain saw handling and cutting techniques to successfully accomplish felling a fire-weakened tree (greater than 24-inch dbh).
    • Applies chain saw situational awareness (size-up).
    • Verbalizes the work plan.
    • Employs double-cutting method, if possible.
    • Performs a stump analysis.
    • Successfully mitigates a hang-up tree.
    • Applies chain saw situational awareness (size-up).
  • Verbalizes the work plan.
  • Utilizes alternative methods, if needed.
  • Avoidance (flagging, appropriate notification, etc.)
  • Fireline explosives
  • Heavy equipment

Position Knowledge and/or Requirements

  • Geographic Area chainsaw certification as Class C Faller.

NWCG Latest Announcements

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

The Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Equipment Time Recorder (EQTR)

Date: November 13, 2024
Contact: Incident Business Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Equipment Time Recorder, PMS 350-51 and NWCG Position Task Book for Equipment Time Recorder (EQTR), PMS 311-51 are now available.

The Performance Support Package, which for EQTR, includes the Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book were developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. The Performance Support Package will support trainees, those qualified in the position, and evaluators.

References:

NWCG Equipment Time Recorder Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Equipment Time Recorder, PMS 350-51

NWCG Position Task Book for Equipment Time Recorder (EQTR), PMS 311-51

The Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Personnel Time Recorder (PTRC)

Date: November 13, 2024
Contact: Incident Business Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Personnel Time Recorder, PMS 350-53 and NWCG Position Task Book for Personnel Time Recorder (PTRC), PMS 311-53 are now available.

The Performance Support Package, which for PTRC, includes the Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book were developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. The Performance Support Package will support trainees, those qualified in the position, and evaluators.

References:

NWCG Personnel Time Recorder Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Personnel Time Recorder, PMS 350-53

NWCG Position Task Book for Personnel Time Recorder (PTRC), PMS 311-53

NWCG Risk Management Committee Releases Safety Bulletin: 24-001 Use of Respirators on Wildland Fires

Date: November 7, 2024
Contact: Risk Management Committee

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) has released Safety Bulletin: 24-001 Use of Respirators on Wildland Fires. As wildland fire respirators are available through several established vendors, wildland fire personnel need to understand regulations and limitations of respirator use in the workplace.

Safety Bulletin 24-001 outlines the following topics regarding respirator use for wildland fires:

  • Requirements for Respirator Use
  • Voluntary Respirator Use
  • Current Respirator Options
  • Unknown Risks of Respirator Use

This bulletin also provides mitigation recommendations to help reduce smoke exposure for wildland firefighting efforts.

References:

NWCG Safety Bulletin: 24-001 Use of Respirators on Wildland Fires

NWCG Smoke Management Guide for Prescribed Fire, PMS 420-3

VIDEO: Protecting Wildfire Personnel from Smoke - How Incident Management Teams Address Smokes Risks

VIDEO: Smoke, Knowing the Risks