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Ground Support Unit Leader

Position Description

Duties

  • Establishes safe and efficient layout of the unit to include fueling area, parking area, maintenance area, loading and unloading area for personnel and heavy equipment, ensures adequate space for expansion, and provides for shelter from elements.
  • Manages hazardous materials by ensuring environmental requirements for handling fuel are met, ensures proper shipping and handling of hazardous materials, ensures proper storage and disposal of petroleum products, and strives to keep special use petroleum products to a minimum.
  • Provides clear and concise communication to operators/contractors prior to each assignment regarding kind and duration of assignment, travel routes, communication procedures, and safety requirements.
  • Ensures that all regulations regarding driver/operator limitations are adhered to.
  • Collects and records information on rental, contract and agency equipment.
  • Obtains a briefing from supervisor, Logistics Section Chief.
  • Provides for the safety and welfare of assigned personnel to the incident.
  • Establishes and maintains positive internal and external interpersonal working relationships.
  • Maintains unit log.
  • Participates at logistics planning meetings.
  • Determines needs for unit and place the order.
  • Organizes and supervises unit.
  • Maintains an inventory of support and transportation vehicles (ICS 218).
  • Arranges for ground transportation of resources and supplies.
  • Conducts incident road system survey to determine traffic management and maintenance requirements.
  • Marks and corrects road system safety hazards and maintain incident roads.
  • Places signs for drop points, water sources, road junctions, etc.
  • Determines acceptable vehicle type and size class based on road standards and conditions.
  • Coordinates with PSC and FSC on the mobilization and demobilization of resources.
  • Provides for fuel, service, maintenance, and repairs for vehicles and other equipment.
  • Ensures driver requirements are met.
  • Completes pre and post use inspection of all equipment.
  • Prepares and implements a transportation plan.
  • Completes paperwork (shift tickets, time reports, fuels tickets, work orders, etc.) in a timely manner.
  • Demobilizes all incident equipment and unit personnel.

Position Knowledge and/or Requirements

  • Good understanding of capabilities and limitations of different types of vehicles and equipment no different terrain.
  • Understanding of road maintenance.
  • Basic mechanical understanding of most types of vehicles and heavy equipment.
  • Qualified as Equipment Manager.

Last Modified / Reviewed:

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