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Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Manager

UASM Incident Position Description

The Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Manager (UASM) is the conduit between an unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) module and incident management. The UASM provides supervision and coordination of a UAS module. The UASM supervises assigned crew members and reports to an Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Module Leader (UASL), Air Operations Branch Director (AOBD), Incident Commander (IC), or other assigned supervisor. The UASM 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]).

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Leadership Level 2, New Leader (Convey Intent)

  • For additional information review Level 2 description, expected behaviors and knowledge, suggested development goals, and self-study opportunities.

Prepare and Mobilize

  • Ensure individual readiness.
  • Gather critical information pertinent to the assignment.
  • Travel to and check in at the assignment.
  • Check in with the incident supervisor and/or dispatch when arriving at the incident.

Build the Team

  • Assemble and validate readiness of the crew, equipment, vehicles, and aircraft.
  • Establish a common operating picture.
  • Brief assigned personnel.

Supervise and Direct Work Assignments

  • Supervise and manage the UAS resources.
  • Model leadership values and principles.

Perform Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Manager – Specific Duties

  • Develop and implement the mission based on operational and data objectives.
  • Ensure the appropriate airspace authorizations are in place.
  • Coordinate safe travel to and from the area of operations.
  • Perform a site survey and determine an appropriate Launch and Recovery Zone (LRZ).
  • Organize the UAS resources for operational missions.
  • Provide module oversight.

Communicate and Coordinate

  • Establish communications and exchange necessary briefings/information.
  • Communicate using plain language and Incident Command System (ICS) terminology.
  • Ensure clear understanding of expectations and timely communication within the chain of command.
  • Conduct and/or participate in After Action Reviews (AARs).

Manage Risk

  • Apply the Risk Management Process and Safety Management System (SMS).  
  • Ensure Lookouts, Communications, Escape Routes, and Safety Zones (LCES) are established and known to all personnel before they are needed.
  • Plan for and respond to medical emergencies.
  • Plan for and respond to aviation mishaps. 

Document

  • Complete, authorize, ensure timeliness of, and route required forms and documents.

Demobilize

  • Prepare for and implement demobilization.

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NWCG Latest Announcements

2024 Paul Gleason Award Winners Announced

Date:  March 13, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

The NWCG Leadership Committee is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Paul Gleason "Lead By Example" awards. Award categories include Initiative and Innovation, Mentoring and Teamwork, Motivation and Vision, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Congratulations to the awardees:

  • Justin Baxter, National Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Operations Specialist, with the U.S. Forest Service — Initiative and Innovation
  • Kelly Woods, Director of the Wildland Firefighting Lessons Learned Center — Mentoring and Teamwork
  • Doug Booster, Instructor, ProHealth Net, Inc. — Motivation and Vision
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Date:  March 6, 2026
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Date:  March 6, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG Executive Secretary

NWCG is proud to celebrate 50 years of service to the wildland fire community. Beginning in 1976 with an interagency agreement between the Department of Interior and Department of Agriculture, NWCG has grown to include additional member agencies and is recognized as the standard-setting leader in wildland fire operations.

To honor where we’ve been and highlight where we are going, the NWCG team has created a video showcasing our history and accomplishments. The video is now available on the NWCG website.

References:

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NEW! S-131, Firefighter Type 1 Course Available Now

Date:  March 6, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new S-131, Firefighter Type 1 course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this course is a performance-based instructor-led training (ILT) that focuses on the application of situational awareness and decision making, building on the knowledge and concepts introduced in previous required courses. Using a threaded fictitious fire, each unit focuses on a performance-based activity in which students practice applying their decision-making and problem-solving skills.

The S-131, Firefighter Type 1 course is required for individuals seeking qualifications to be a Firefighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) (FFT1) or an Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5).

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