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Driver/Operator

Position Description

Introduction

Operates pickup trucks, carryalls, automobiles, jeeps, station wagons, etc, having a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) up to 10,000 pounds to transport cargo and passengers to and from incident sites and other locations.  Vehicles may have up to four forward gears and are equipped with the normal array of driving controls.

Duties

  • Operates assigned vehicles on and off roads, through all kinds of traffic, terrain (e.g., from highway and interstate speeds to narrow mountainous roads), and weather to transport cargo or passengers.
  • Loads and unloads the vehicles and ensures that cargo is properly and safely loaded, protected, and secured.
  • Ensures proper operator maintenance, vehicle servicing, and record keeping (e.g., completes trip ticket forms following each assignment).
  • Delivers personnel, supplies and equipment to and from the fireline, base, spike camps, and airports.

Position Knowledge and/or Requirements

  • Must possess a valid operator’s license.
  • Basic knowledge of any governing Federal and State highway laws.
  • Ability to operate assigned vehicles under a variety of conditions (e.g., interstate highways, urban and rural areas, mountainous terrain, adverse weather conditions during the day and night).
  • Ability to successfully complete respective license renewal requirements (e.g., non-sensitive background check, written and skills tests, medical/physical examinations).

Supervisory Controls

The supervisor provides individual assignments by indicating generally what is to be done, limitations, quality and quantity expected, deadlines, and priority of assignments.

The incumbent uses initiative in carrying out previously performed assignments independently without specific instructions.  Deviations from these types of assignments, problems, or aspects of unusual assignments not covered by general instructions are referred to the supervisor for decision or assistance.

The supervisor assures that finished work and methods used are technically accurate and in compliance with instructions.

Guidelines

Procedures for performing the work have been established and, for the most part, specific guidelines are available.

The number and similarity of guidelines and work situations require the incumbent to use judgment in selecting the most appropriate procedure(s) or approach in specific cases (e.g., when enroute, or when overseeing or loading of cargo).

Situations to which the existing guidelines cannot be applied are referred to the supervisor.

Complexity

The work consists of various clear-cut related duties.  Generally, the incumbent has little choice in deciding what needs to be done due to the existence of the previously established, specific guidelines and procedures.

Decisions regarding what needs to be done require the incumbent to recognize the differences between a few easily recognizable situations.

Actions to be taken differ according to the differences between the various specific tasks to be performed.

Scope and Effect

The work involves the execution of specific routine procedures.

The service provided facilitates the work of others.

Personal Contacts

Contacts are generally with incumbents of the same work unit (i.e., those incumbents associated with the incident).

Purpose of Contacts

The purpose of contacts is to obtain, clarify, or give facts or information about the assignment.

Physical Demands

The work requires some physical exertion such as required for over-the-road assignments, and some lifting of moderately heavy items.

Work Environment

The work environment involves moderate risks and discomfort.

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee Releases Safety Warning: 25-001 Non-specification fire shelters

Date: January 15, 2025
Contact: Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released Safety Warning: 25-001 Non-specification fire shelters. Non-specification fire shelters claiming to meet Forest Service (FS) fire shelter specification 5100-606 were first found in February of 2023. As of September 2024, non-specification shelters are again being advertised and sold on the open market.

This Safety Warning outlines details and recommended procedures to purchase FS specification shelters made with materials and components that meet performance criteria and toxicity testing requirements outlined in FS Specification 5100-606. 

For additional information on identifying non-specification shelters, please view ETC Safety Warning 23-01.

References:

ETC Safety Warning 25-001: Non-specification fire shelters

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee

ETC Safety Warning 23-01

Paul Gleason Lead by Example Awards

Date: January 14, 2025
Contact: Leadership Committee

The NWCG Leadership Committee has awarded the 2023 Paul Gleason “Lead By Example” awards to individuals in the categories of Initiative and Innovation, Mentoring and Teamwork, and Motivation and Vision, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Congratulations to the awardees:

  • Sam Bowen, Superintendent of the Mark Twain Veteran Crew with the U.S. Forest Service.
  • Greg Titus, Zone Fire Management Officer for the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
  • Renae Crippen, Manager of the Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center with the U.S. Forest Service.
  • Eric Carlson, Instructor with OMNA International.

References:

Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Interview with Paul Gleason

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