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Agency Administrator Liaison - Advanced Level

Position Description

Introduction

This position is utilized at the local/unit level.  The position will provide guidance, support, mentoring and assistance to local Agency Administrators.  The intent of this position is to serve as a liaison to the local Agency Administrator.  People serving in this position should have been previously qualified at the advanced level.  They will serve as a coach to the local Agency Administrator.  This will assist with the development of Agency Administrators who are not yet qualified at the advanced level.

Duties

  • Serves as a Coach or Mentor for Journey and Working Agency Administrators.
  • Helps the local Agency Administrator determine if use of fire funds is in compliance with Agency policies.
  • Assists the local Agency Administrator to ensure that all firefighting actions are aligned with the Wildfire Response policy and consider interagency guidance.
  • Assists the local Agency Administrator to utilize the WFDSS process to inform and document decisions related to course of action, resource allocations, and risk management considerations.
  • Reviews the Risk and Complexity Assessment to accompany the WFDSS Published Decision with the local Agency Administrator.
  • Assists the local Agency Administrator to prepare and issue a written Delegation of Authority to the Incident Commander and to other appropriate officials (Agency Administrator Representative, Resource Advisor, and Incident Business Advisor).
  • Assists with the initial briefing to the Incident Management Team.
  • Reviews daily Incident Action Plans to ensure tactics and other direction are compatible with the strategic objectives provided for the incident.
  • Assists the local Agency Administrator in determining standards for fire suppression rehabilitation and repair work.
  • Assists the local Agency Administrator in preparing the performance evaluation for the Incident Management Team.
  • Completes a written performance evaluation of the Agency Administrator.

Position Knowledge and/or Requirements

  • Knowledge of National and regional fire program management including ability to integrate fire and fuels management across all program areas and functions
  • Knowledge to oversee a fire management program including budget, preparedness, prevention, suppression, and hazardous fuels reduction
  • Knowledge and experience of the Incident Command System and large fire management organization (IMTs and Unified Command)
  • Knowledge of agency cost management direction
  • Ability to assist with key document preparation such as Delegation of Authority and Wildland Fire Decision Support System (WFDSS)
  • Ability to build interpersonal relations with local elected officials, community and business leaders, and local fire cooperators
  • ICS-100 Introduction to Incident Command System
  • ICS-200 Basic Incident Command System for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
  • IS-700 Introduction to Interagency National Incident Management System (NIMS)
  • Local Fire Management Leadership
  • Wildland Fire Decision Support System (WFDSS) Certification
  • Annual WFDSS Refresher
  • Wilderness Stewardship
  • Incident Management for Agency Administrator – field session
  • Successful management of a minimum of five (5) Type 1 or 2 fires (at least one of which is a Type 1 wildland fire)
  • Management oversight of a moderate to high complexity fire management program

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