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Buying Team Member $2500

Position Description

Introduction

This position may serve as part of a Buying Team, or as a single resource providing procurement support for fire suppression or all-risk assignments; e.g., hurricanes, floods, etc.

Duties

  • Changes default charge code (job code) in the Purchase Card System (PCMS) to an incident job code when dispatched to an incident.
  • Places orders and processes all related paperwork, including completing waybills and maintains logs in a timely manner and in accordance with regulations
  • Audits orders, waybills, and vendors’ invoices to assure that paperwork is complete, documented adequately, and copies are available for files.  Documents receipts with proper management/accounting code, resource order number, and signatures.  Files documents appropriately.
  • Confirms verbally placed purchase orders in writing and in a timely fashion.
  • Keeps the Buying Team Leader or Assistant/Deputy Leader or other identified supervisor informed of day-to-day actions, including resource order status and any problems.
  • Prepares necessary documentation for property, commissary purchases, and Emergency Equipment Rental Agreements.
  • Relays to dispatch and/or expanded dispatch or incident camp, whichever is applicable, the estimated time of departure (ETD) and estimated time of arrival (ETA) for shipments (e.g., for supplies, equipment from the Buying Team to the incident base).
  • Completes and files paperwork daily.  May be required to input costs into spreadsheet as necessary.
  • Reconciles accounts no later than 30 days after a transaction appears in PCMS, absent extenuating circumstances.

Position Knowledge and/or Requirements

  • Knowledge of small purchase regulations in the Federal Acquisition Regulations, Department, and agency policy and regulations; knowledge of department and agency purchasing regulations, methods, procedures, and business practices to make purchases in accordance with governing regulations.
  • Requires completion of S-260, Interagency Business Management.
  • Must complete annually the incident micro purchase refresher course in order to obtain a purchase card.
  • Must be familiar with agency Incident Business Management Guidelines.

Supervisory   Controls

The supervisor or other designated authority assigns work with standing instructions and objectives, priorities, and deadlines, and indicates special considerations or unusual requirements.

The incumbent independently plans the manner in which assignments are to be carried out, and handles problems and deviations in accordance with instructions, policies, previous training, and accepted procurement practices.

Completed work is usually evaluated for appropriateness, technical soundness and conformity to policy and requirements.  Methods used by the incumbent are not usually reviewed in detail.

Guidelines

Guidelines include FAR Part 13, Small Purchases; FSAR Part 1, Complexity Requirements; and Exigency Requirements/Procedures.  These guidelines, coupled with written Department and agency policies, instructions, and operating procedures, cover the work to be done and the specific procedures required.

The incumbent uses judgment in selecting the most appropriate guidelines, references, and procedures relative to specific cases.  Situations to which existing guidelines cannot be applied or would require significant deviation from guidelines are referred to the supervisor.

Complexity

The work includes various duties involving different related processes and methods.  The incumbent makes a variety of non-competitive or competitive purchases.  The incumbent makes rapid choices, under pressure, such as whether to meet requirements by ordering against an existing contract, or entering into a new contract, etc.

Decisions as to what needs to be done involve various choices that require the incumbent to recognize the existence of and differences between various situations.

Actions to be taken differ in such things as the source of information, the kind of transactions, or other differences of a factual nature.

Scope and Effect

The work involves purchasing goods, services, and equipment by executing specific rules, regulations, and procedures to meet the objectives of the incident.

Work products affect the ability of incident managers and other personnel to accomplish the mission.

Personal Contacts

The majority of contacts are with incident personnel; however, some contacts are with individuals from outside the agency; e.g., with contractor representatives.

Purpose Of Contacts

The purpose of contacts is to obtain, clarify, or give facts or information concerning procurement actions.

Physical Demands

The work is primarily sedentary, but some physical exertion is occasionally required; e..g., some standing, walking, bending, sitting, traveling, and working extended hours.

Work Environment

The work is typically performed in an office type setting involving everyday risks or discomforts.

NWCG Latest Announcements

Updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

Date: May 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Fire Use Subcommittee

The updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431 serves as a supplemental resource for wildland fire module operations, providing information frequently used in the field.

PMS 431 defines the organizational structure, staffing, and qualifications for Type 1 and Type 2 Wildland Fire Modules, outlining their roles in wildland fire suppression, prescribed fire, and resource management. The NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431, should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430.

References:

NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430

Updated NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 Now Includes Off-Highway Vehicle Typing Standards

Date: May 13, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Mobile Fire Equipment Subcommittee 

The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 has been updated to include newly developed Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) typing standards. These standards organize OHV information into logical categories and outline key safety requirements for occupants.

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 establishes minimum typing standards for aircraft, crews, and equipment used in national mobilization to wildland fire incidents. Typing designations are assigned based on measurable capability and performance criteria.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200

NEW! S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers Now Available

Date: May 12, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Risk Management Committee

The S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers self-directed online course is now available! Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Safety Officer, Field (SOFF) incident qualifications.

S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers focuses on facilitating hazard mitigation conversations and building trust to influence safety-related decisions. Individuals can self-enroll through the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP).

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

References:

S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers 

NWCG Safety Officer, Field (SOFF) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Great Basin Cache Upgrading to New Inventory System

Date: May 7, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Great Basin Cache
Phone: (208) 387-5104
Fax: (208) 387-5573

The Great Basin Cache (GBK) is transitioning to a new inventory system to better serve the wildland fire community. During this upgrade, GBK will be unable to process standard orders from Part 1: Fire Supplies and Equipment and Part 2: Publications between May 8-20, 2025, with exceptions made for emergency fire orders. Orders will be accepted through close of business May 7.

To browse the latest available items, please refer to the National Fire Equipment System (NFES) catalogs. 

References:

NWCG NFES Catalog-Part 1: Fire Supplies and Equipment, PMS 449-1

NWCG NFES Catalog-Part 2: Publications, PMS 449-2