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Helicopter Manager, Single Resource Boss

Position Description

Duties

  • Administers the helicopter contract in the field, and manages the helicopter operations according to established interagency guidelines and procedures.
  • Identifies the differences between CWN and exclusive use contracts.
  • Gathers information necessary to assess incident assignment and determine immediate needs and actions.
  • Establishes agency contacts and identifies chain of command with Fire Management Officer and/or Aviation manager, dispatcher, procurement person, air support group supervisor or other contact on the incident.
  • Develops logistical lines of authority for ordering supplies, transportation, human services, etc.
  • Establishes lines of communication with local dispatch, incident dispatch, radio frequencies, and ordering authority flight following responsibility.
  • Conducts initial contractor inspection by validating cards *both pilot and aircraft), conduct pre-use inspections of aircraft and support/service equipment. Verifies pilot Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
  • Initiates and completes Aircraft Contract Daily diary throughout assignment.
  • Confirms that air-to-air and air-to-ground communication procedures and frequencies are in place.
  • Establishes flight following procedures and air traffic control procedures.
  • Provides for the safety and welfare of assigned personnel during the entire assignment by recognizing potentially hazardous situations, informing all of the situations, ensures that special precautions are taken when extraordinary hazards exist, ensures adequate rest is provided to all unit personnel, develops/acquires and posts flight hazard map, identifies safety equipment needs and appropriate locations, discusses crash rescue procedures with support personnel.
  • Conducts pre and post-flight briefings with contactor for safety, operations, and communications, reviews work performance and provides feedback, and identifies and implements adjustments in operations.
  • Attends daily briefings with agency/incident personnel on mission priorities, operations, weather forecasts and communications.
  • Continuously monitors flight and or duty hours of pilots, mechanics and fuel truck drivers to ensure that hour limitations are not exceeded. Identifies need for relief pilot. Schedules and manages work to ensure limitations are not exceeded. Identifies sunrise and sunset time constraints.
  • Initiates and maintains administrative forms (OAS 23s, shift tickets, rental agreements, etc.)
  • Conducts closeout inspection of aircraft and all support equipment.
  • Ensures all procurement related records and documents are accurate and complete at demobilization. Turns in all documentation to agency authority.
  • Manages CWN helicopters and CWN modules on a temporary basis.

Position Knowledge and/or Requirements

  • S-372, Helicopter Manager Training
    AND
  • Biennial CWN Helicopter Manager Workshop
  • Qualified HELB, or CRWB, or ENGB
  • Qualified HECM
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely

NWCG Latest Announcements

NWCG Website Migration

Date: April 01, 2024
Contact: NWCG Webmaster

The National Wildfire Coordinating Group is thrilled to announce a significant upgrade to https://www.nwcg.gov, involving a comprehensive redesign of over 7,000 web pages. This enhancement is focused on improving user experience. The migration to the new NWCG website will commence on April 2, 2024, starting at noon EST and is expected to take a few hours. 

During the migration period, as the www.nwcg.gov domain-name-location updates across the Internet, you might encounter either the current or the new site depending on your location. We request your patience during this transition. If you are not redirected to the new site by April 3, 2024, we recommend clearing your browser’s cache and refreshing the page.

Please note that while navigating the revamped website, there may be instances of broken links or errors. Our dedicated web migration team has made significant efforts to minimize such issues prior to launch and will promptly address any that arise via use of analytic reports. We value your patience and understanding as we work towards enhancing your overall website experience.

WFSTAR 2023 Year in Review and 2024 Core Component Module Packages Available

Date: March 6, 2024
Contact: Joe Schindel 

The 2023 Fire Year in Review module and 2024 Core Component Module Packages for RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) are now available on the NWCG website. The 2024 Core Component Module Package provides all content needed to deliver RT-130.

 

References:

WFSTAR 2023 Fire Year in Review module

WFSTAR 2024 Core Component Module Packages

2024 NWCG Executive Board Annual Letter

Date: March 6, 2024
Contact: NWCG

The NWCG Executive Board is privileged to share with you the 2024 NWCG Executive Board Annual Letter. As we look into the future and navigate an incredibly complex and dynamic environment, we must remain focused on our mission while actively engaging in national conversations regarding numerous wildland fire initiatives. In 2024, we prioritize building upon our successes and committing to continuous improvement. Key priorities and considerations for this year include: 

  • Determining Core Workload
  • Ensuring Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) Success
  • Improving Efficiencies
  • Firefighter Health and Wellness
  • Engagement in National Conversations

Together we will continue to make significant strides in the challenging and vital work that lies ahead. 

 

References:

2024 NWCG Executive Board Annual Letter

NWCG Welcomes NASA

Date: February 22, 2024
Contact: NWCG

NWCG welcomes the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as an associate member.

“As wildfires become larger and more frequent, NASA is working to apply our scientific and technological knowledge toward this national challenge, and integral to our approach is forging collaborative partnerships,” said NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy. 

 

References:

NASA News Release

NWCG