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Communications Unit Leader

Position Description

Duties

  • Provides communications support for internal and external data communications.
  • Orders AM/FM frequencies following the proper procedures.
  • Develops installation priorities, while adhering to safety standards regarding communication needs of tactical personnel, i.e., operations before logistics.
  • 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.
  • Maintain unit log.
  • Prepares and implements the Incident Communications Plan (ICS 205).
  • Establishes the communications and message centers.
  • Sets up telephone and public address systems.
  • Provides technical information, as required, on limitations and adequacy of communication systems in use, equipment capabilities, equipment available, and potential problems.
  • Participates at logistics planning meetings.
  • Determines requirements for communications and personnel needs for unit and places order.
  • Organizes and provides supervision for Unit.
  • Participates at incident planning meetings as a communications technical expert.
  • Designs and installs communication system for incident needs.
  • Assigns communication equipment to incident personnel.
  • Establishes and manages incident communications center.
  • Coordinates frequencies with NIFC and local agencies.
  • Maintains records and provides for accountability of all communications equipment.
  • Demobilizes all incident communication equipment and unit personnel.

Position Knowledge and/or Requirements

  • Good understanding of capabilities and limitations of different types of communication equipment.
  • Qualified as Incident Communications Technician and Incident Communications Center Manager.

NWCG Latest Announcements

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 

Updated, NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430

Date: March 11, 2025
Contact: Fire Use Subcommittee
Wildland Fire Module Unit

The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430 standardizes procedures and expectations for Wildland Fire Modules (WFMs). These standards are to be used by staff, supervisors, specialists, and technicians for planning, administering, and conducting WFM operations. These standards will also be used as a measure of WFM qualifications, capabilities, and expected performance, for both Type 1 and Type 2 WFMs.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430

NEW! NWCG Standards for Airtanker Operations, PMS 514

Date: March 7, 2025
Contact: National Interagency Aviation Committee

The NWCG Standards for Airtanker Operations, PMS 514 establishes the standards for dispatching, utilizing, and coordinating airtankers on interagency wildland fires. These standards should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision (SAS), PMS 505, NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations (SABO), PMS 508, and any applicable agency plans.

References:

NWCG Standards for Airtanker Operations, PMS 514