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Heavy Equipment Technical Specialist

Position Description

The Heavy Equipment Technical Specialist is responsible for providing heavy/logging equipment technical assistance to Incident Management Teams (IMT) and Agency Administrators.  The Heavy Equipment Technical Specialist will report to the Operations Section.

Duties:

  • Provides expert knowledge (equipment capability, cost, and site affects) of heavy equipment use in various fuel types, soil types, and slopes.
  • Reviews incident needs and discusses any special procedures or potential problems with the Unit Leaders.
  • Provides assistance and guidance to Operations, Plans, and Logistics by applying a high skill level to matters pertaining to the use and transport of heavy equipment.
  • Interprets minimum standards and assists in resolving issues pertaining to equipment standards and the safe operation of this equipment.
  • Coordinates and assists the Operations, Safety, and Logistics personnel with the operational requirements of the equipment, as well as the most efficient use of the equipment.
  • Works with the Incident Contract Project Inspector to assist in resolving issues within the scope of the agreement.
  • Briefs Operations, Safety, and Logistics personnel on current and potential problems and provides recommendations in order to alleviate issues.
  • Acts as a liaison officer between local forest industry resources, Agency Administrator(s), and the Incident Commander.

Requirements

  • Successful completion of a light work capacity test and RT-130, Fireline Safety Refresher (if assigned to incident camps and/or fireline)
  • If this position is not assigned to an incident camp, then no fitness or RT-130 requirements.
  • Individuals meeting the qualifications of the Heavy Equipment Technical Specialist position normally have a minimum of 10 years of work experience regarding safe and efficient use of heavy equipment.

Personnel that are currently employed in the local wood products industry and foresters are a good source for personnel that may meet these requirements.

 

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

2026 Week of Remembrance

Date:  June 30, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: 6 Minutes for Safety Subcommittee

As we approach the 2026 Week of Remembrance (WOR), June 30–July 6, we dedicate this time to reflect on past incidents from 2016 and honor the fallen through learning. Since its inception in 2014, WOR has honored wildland firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice while encouraging critical discussions that reinforce lessons learned.

Throughout the week, we encourage thoughtful and generative conversations that promote a culture of continuous learning and safety.

References:

2026 Week of Remembrance: Letter to Leadership

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

RMC Memorandum 26-02: SAFENET Modernization and SafeNetX Launch

Date:  June 25, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Risk Management Committee

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) is pleased to announce the launch of SafeNetX, the modernized safety reporting system now available to the wildland fire community. Effective June 15, 2026, SafeNetX enables reporting of unsafe, unhealthy, near-miss, and high-risk operations across wildland fire, all-hazard incidents, training, and related work environments.

SafeNetX is the result of a multi-agency modernization effort led by RMC, which began evaluating improvements to the legacy SAFENET system in 2021. To learn more, read the full RMC memorandum in the links provided.

References:

SafeNetX

RMC Safety Memorandum 26-02: SAFENET Modernization and SafeNet X Launch

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Emergency Medical Committee

The NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) announces the recipients of the 2025 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Awards. EMC annually recognizes individuals and groups who have demonstrated outstanding actions or accomplishments that are above and beyond the expectation of one’s normal mission or job duties.

Congratulations to all the awardees and nominees. Through leadership and initiative, they have made significant contributions to the safety of the wildland fire community. These awards are well deserved.

References:

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Emergency Medical Committee

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book Now Available for RAMP

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Airtanker Base Operations Unit

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Ramp Manager (RAMP).

The Performance Support Package for this position was developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for release in January 2027.

References:

NWCG Ramp Manager Position Page

National Interagency Aviation Committee