Skip to main content

Unmanned Aircraft System Data Specialist

UASD Incident Position Description

The Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Data Specialist collects, stores, and disseminates data and intelligence collected by agency and contracted Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) for wildland fire incidents. The UASD works in conjunction with an Unmanned Aircraft System Pilot (UASP) or Unmanned Aircraft System, Manager (UASM) to provide tactical and strategic information for incident command teams.  The UASD works in the Air Operations functional area.

All UAS missions shall be conducted in accordance with the NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515, and applicable federal/state policies [e.g., Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Interior (DOI), United States Forest Service (USFS), etc.].

Leadership Level 1, Follower (Provide Action)

  • For additional information review Level 1 description, expected behaviors and knowledge, suggested development goals, and self-study opportunities.

Prepare and Mobilize

  • Ensure individual readiness.
  • Obtain and assemble information and materials needed for kit:
    • UAS sensors. 
    • Hardware and software.
    • Communications equipment.
    • UAS support equipment. 
  • Gather critical information pertinent to the assignment:
    • Resource Order. 
    • Spatial data and base maps.
    • Special needs (UAS/hardware/software/data).
    • Transportation/lodging arrangements.

Arrival at Incident

  • Check in at Incident Command Post (ICP).
  • Verify chain of command.
  • Discuss communication protocols/procedures. 
  • Coordinate with Supervisor to determine:
    • Data objectives (deliverable and timeline).
    • Required meeting/briefing attendance.
    • Hours of operation.
  • Develop data for Launch and Recovery Zone (LRZ) and provide GIS data to incident through established protocols.
  • Determine Ground Control Station map and data requirements.
  • Determine final data product(s), delivery location, and delivery time/method.
  • Review the Incident Action Plan (IAP) and obtain briefing, objectives, and intent from supervisor. 
  • Request necessary incident dependent equipment (i.e., external hard drive) through incident ordering channels. 

Perform Unmanned Aircraft System, Data Specialist-Specific Duties

  • Acquire data in accordance with: 
  • Conceptualize UAS intelligence products based on incident objectives, fire behavior, risk assessment, and leader’s intent. 
  • Evaluate sensor applicability, capabilities, and limitations. 
  • Coordinate with UAS team members to direct sensor employment for data and imagery requirements.
  • Collect, store and manage data, and maintain metadata necessary to facilitate incident UAS operations.
  • Maintain and update UAS LRZ locations as needed.
  • Create and update maps and data for Ground Control Station (GCS) operability using appropriate system and incident standards.
  • Process and analyze UAS imagery using appropriate software.
  • Disseminate intelligence products, data, and imagery to incident personnel per established protocols or as necessary for the situation. 
  • Utilize Crew Resource Management (CRM) principles to maximize the collective skill set of the team.

Communicate and Coordinate

  • Establish communications and data exchange protocol with incident Geographic Information System Specialist (GISS) and Situation Unit Leader (SITL).
  • Communicate imagery and data requirements with flight crew.
  • Conduct and/or participate in After Action Reviews (AAR).

Document

  • Deliver requested geospatial data to GISS and SITL per established data dissemination protocol and timeframe, to include proper geometry, attribution, and metadata.
  • Manage and deliver intelligence products for incident documentation history.
  • Crew Time Report (CTR), SF-261 (Watch: How to correctly fill out a CTR).
  • Submit personnel time daily.
  • Document lessons learned as necessary.

Demobilize

  • Plan for demobilization. Ensure incident and agency demobilization procedures and work/rest driving standards are followed.
  • Coordinate with GISS, SITL, and/or Planning Section Chief to ensure data package is complete.
  • Return equipment and supplies to appropriate unit.
  • Complete demobilization checkout process before being released from the incident.
  • Upon demobilization, report status to home unit including reassignment or estimate time of arrival (ETA) to home unit.  
  • If required, facilitate orderly handoff to incoming UASD to ensure continuity of operations and exchange critical safety information.
USWDS Paragraph Bundles

Last Modified / Reviewed:

Please Provide Feedback

NWCG values your constructive input and we thank you for taking the time to provide feedback.

Although contact information is optional, we hope that you provide a way for us to contact you in case we need clarification on your comment. If you would like to be contacted regarding your feedback, you must provide contact information. 

Would you like a response?
If you would like a response, you must provide contact information (name and email) below.
One file only.
9.28 GB limit.
Allowed types: gif, jpg, jpeg, png, bmp, eps, tif, pict, psd, txt, rtf, html, odf, pdf, doc, docx, ppt, pptx, xls, xlsx, xml, avi, mov, mp3, mp4, ogg, wav, bz2, dmg, gz, jar, rar, sit, svg, tar, zip.

NWCG Latest Announcements

The Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Medical Unit Leader (MEDL)

Date: October 16, 2024
Contact: Incident Medical Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Medical Unit Leader, PMS 350-39 and NWCG Position Task Book for Medical Unit Leader (MEDL), PMS 311-39 are now available.

The Performance Support Package, which for MEDL 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 Medical Unit Leader Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Medical Unit Leader, PMS 350-39

NWCG Position Task Book for Medical Unit Leader (MEDL), PMS 311-39

The Wildland Fire Learning Portal is Now Available

Date: October 9, 2024
Contact: Wildland Fire Learning Portal

The Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP) is back online following a migration to a new learning management system (LMS) application. The WFLP team is actively addressing any issues that may arise as a result of the update, and appreciates your patience as the team works to enhance your experience. NWCG will share information from the WFLP as it is available.

Should you have any issues with accessing or using the WFLP, please use the link below to submit a ticket through the Help Center.

References:

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Wildland Fire Learning Portal Help Center

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee Releases New Equipment Bulletins

Date: September 27, 2024
Contact: Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released three new Equipment Bulletins:

  • ETC-EB-24-003 Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) in fuel containers.
  • ETC-EB-24-004 Two-compartment fuel and oil container (Dolmar) unavailable in the United States (US) and reminders for upkeeping current inventories.
  • ETC-EB-24-005 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Inspection, Care, and Maintenance.

These bulletins remind field going personnel of important issues related to equipment for wildland firefighting efforts.

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC-EB-24-003 Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) in fuel containers

ETC-EB-24-004 Two-compartment fuel and oil container (Dolmar) unavailable in the United States (US) and reminders for upkeeping current inventories

ETC-EB-24-005 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Inspection, Care, and Maintenance

The Experiential Learning Subcommittee is looking for your feedback on Staff Rides

Date: September 20, 2024
Contact: Ashleigh D'Antonio and George Risko, Leadership Committee

The Experiential Learning Subcommittee needs to hear from the field about where the greatest need lies regarding staff rides and their accessibility.

  • Do you have an event you would like to turn into a learning experience?
  • Do you have a staff ride built, but are struggling to implement the delivery?
  • Do you need help building capacity?
  • What other ideas do you have to support experiential leadership training?

Fill out this short survey below to help us help you.

References:

Staff Rides: Feedback

Staff Rides