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Burned Area Emergency Response Specialist

Position Description

Introduction

This position serves as a member of the interdisciplinary assessment team, providing specialized expertise in natural/cultural resources affected by the fire or BAER assessment technical support.  The Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Assessment Team members work for the BAER Assessment Team Leader and usually have no direct supervisory responsibilities.  Possible BAER Assessment Team members include:

  • BAER Hydrologist
  • BAER Engineer
  • BAER Soil Scientist
  • BAER Botanist/Plant Specialist
  • BAER Heritage Resource Specialist
  • BAER Range Specialist
  • BAER Biologist
  • BAER Forester
  • BAER Geologist
  • BAER GIS Specialist
  • BAER Landscape Architect
  • BAER Recreation/Wilderness Specialist

Duties

  • Obtains briefing from BAER Assessment Team Leader regarding burned area survey objectives, potential safety hazards, and planned assessment completion dates.
  • Attends all briefings conducted by BAER Assessment Team Leader.
  • Coordinates, as appropriate, with fire suppression Incident Command organization when entering, exiting, or traveling through the fire area.
  • Works cooperatively with other team members to execute incident action plan.
  • Collects and analyzes field data and supporting data appropriate to resource area of expertise.
  • Describes emergency conditions relative to resource specialty.
  • Prepares written, photographic, or map documentation of resource conditions.
  • Recommends potential treatment measures appropriate to resource area of expertise.
  • Develops treatment specifications, locations, and cost information for inclusion in the emergency stabilization plan and Burned Area Report.
  • Recommends effectiveness monitoring procedures and assists in development of BAER monitoring plan.
  • Assists in preparing initial FS emergency stabilization plan and briefing agency administrator.
  • Ensures that assessment team safety measures are followed.

Position Knowledge and/or Requirements

  • Knowledge of emergency stabilization program policy and objectives, completion of FS or Interagency BAER team member course and/or prior experience as a BAER assessment team member.
  • Specialized knowledge/experience regarding post-fire effects and effective emergency stabilization techniques specific to their resource specialty.
  • When fire is uncontained- work capacity fitness level of light, annual fire line safety refresher, S-190, S-130, communications and radio training.

NWCG Latest Announcements

2025/2026 Leadership Campaign Quarter 2 Now Available!

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

NWCG is excited to announce that the Quarter Two materials for the 2025/2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign are now available! This annual initiative invites all leadership and wildland fire management students to engage with essential skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively in dynamic environments.

This quarter focuses on Leadership Level 2: New Leader (Conveying Intent). Conveying intent is a crucial leadership competency in the high-risk, dynamic environment of wildland firefighting. Months 4 - 6 will concentrate on how successfully conveying intent enhances situational awareness, promotes shared understanding, and empowers firefighters to exercise initiative and adapt to changing conditions.

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Committee

Opportunity to Serve the Wildland Fire Community as an IPTM SME!

Date: February 10, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG SME Specialist

NWCG is seeking experienced wildland firefighters and support personnel to serve as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) initiative. The intent of IPTM is to transition NWCG’s training and qualification system to a performance-based model through updated position descriptions, Incident Position Standards, Next Generation Position Task Books (Next Gen PTBs), and updates to training where needed.

NWCG is currently recruiting SMEs for the following positions:

  • Aircraft Timekeeper (ATIM)
  • Compensation/Claims Unit Leader (COMP)
  • Cost Unit Leader (COST)
  • Crew Representative (CREP)
  • Deck Coordinator (DECK)
  • Fire Effects Monitor (FEMO)
  • Field Observer (FOBS)
  • Geographic Information System Specialist (GISS)
  • Ordering Manager (ORDM)
  • Receiving/Distribution Manager (RCDM)
  • Staging Area Manager (STAM)

Projects begin April/May 2026 and require 15–20 hours per month for 6–8 months, including a five-day workshop in Boise, Idaho this May. Apply by February 27, 2026, at the link below and review the attached document for details.

References:

NWCG SME Interest Sign-up

IPTM Subject Matter Expert Duties and Expectations Document

Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM)

NEW! M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) Course Available Now

Date: January 29, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Resource Advisor Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) course is now available. This training supports individuals working towards Resource Advisor, Fireline (REAF) incident qualifications.

M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) training prepares students to serve as a Resource Advisor, Fireline (REAF) as defined in NWCG Incident Position Standards for Resource Advisor, Fireline, PMS 350-112. This course presents scenarios that reflect the diverse challenges a REAF may encounter during an incident. Through these scenarios, participants gain hands-on experience and an understanding of REAF responsibilities in a controlled learning environment.

References:

Resource Advisor, Fireline Position Page

NWCG Position Standards for Resource Advisor, Fireline, PMS 350-112

M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

2026 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

Date: January 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident and Position Standards Committee

The Incident and Position Standards Committee has updated the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

These updates address changes to incident position names and requirements for qualification, training, and experience. Updates related to the implementation of Complex Incident Management (CIM) and Incident Performance Training Modernization (IPTM) are also included.

The NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308 has also been updated to reflect the recent changes.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308

IPSC Memo 26-01: January 2026 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Positions Qualifications, PMS 310-1