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Driver, CDL Required

Position Description

Duties

  • Operates cargo vans, stake trucks, buses with capacity of more than 20 passengers, etc., having gross vehicle weight between 16,000 and 32,000 pounds or requires a commercial driver’s license.
  • Operates vehicles that usually have air brakes and two or more gear ranges capable of providing six or more forward speeds.
  • Drives vehicles on and off roads, through all kinds of traffic, terrain, and weather to haul cargo or passengers.
  • Loads and unloads vehicle, and sees that cargo is loaded properly and protected.
  • Responsible for operator maintenance, vehicle servicing, and vehicle record keeping.
  • Delivers supplies and equipment to the fireline, base and spike camps.
  • Drives personnel to and from base camp, fireline, and airports.

Position Knowledge and/or Requirements

  • Valid commercial driver’s license (CDL).
  • Medical certificate or card.
  • CDL Class A or B with the appropriate endorsements or lack of restrictions as follows (source:  ID Dept of Transportation)
    • Class A – Combination vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is greater than 10,000 pounds.  Drivers with a Class A license may, with the proper endorsements, operate vehicles requiring a Class B, C or D license.
    • Class B – Single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle 10,000 pounds GVWR or less.  Drivers with a Class B license may, with the proper endorsements, operate vehicles requiring a Class C or D license.
    • Endorsements –  you must have the appropriate endorsement on your CDL if you haul hazardous materials, pull double or triple trailers, or drive tank or passenger vehicles.
  • Hazardous Materials (H) –  Required for drivers of vehicles transporting hazardous materials requiring placards per the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act.  A written test and Transportation Security Administration security threat assessment is required at each driver license renewal date.
  • Double/Triple (T) – Required for drivers of vehicles pulling two or three trailers.  (A dolly or load divider, sometimes referred to as a “jeep”, is considered to be one trailer.)
  • Tank Vehicles (N) – Required for drivers of vehicles designed to transport liquids or gaseous materials within a tank that is either permanently or temporarily attached to the vehicle or chassis.  Such vehicles include, but are not limited to, cargo tanks and portable tanks, as defined in hazardous materials regulation.  This definition does not include portable tanks having a rated capacity under 1,000 gallons.
  • Passenger (P) – Required for drivers of vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers including driver.  Both written and skills test are required to obtain this endorsement.
  • School bus (S) – Required for drivers of vehicles transporting primary or secondary school students from home to school, from school to home, or to and from school-sponsored events.  Both written and skills tests are required to obtain this endorsement.
    • By federal regulation, an applicant cannot be issued a CDL with the school bus endorsement only; they must always have both the school bus endorsement and passenger endorsement to drive a school bus.
    • Restriction
  • L Restriction – Prohibits driving of vehicles with air brakes.  The CDL will carry this restriction unless you pass an air brakes knowledge test and a skills test in a vehicle equipped with air brakes.
  • N Restriction – Prohibits the driver from operating Class A or B passenger vehicles (buses).  A Class A or B CDL with the passenger endorsement will carry this restriction unless the driver obtains a passenger endorsement by successfully completing a skills test in a Class B passenger vehicle (bus).

NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! Incident Performance and Training Modernization Story Map Now Available

Date: Aug 26, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
National Wildfire Coordinating Group

NWCG is excited to announce the launch of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) Story Map, a new interactive resource that showcases how NWCG is transforming wildland fire training and qualifications through a performance-based system.

Since its launch in 2023, IPTM has made major strides in updating how we manage incident positions:

  • 36 incident positions now have new Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books available for field use
  • 6 more incident positions are nearing completion
  • 111 total incident positions are being analyzed through the IPTM initiative

The Story Map guides you through the IPTM process, highlights key accomplishments, and outlines what’s ahead. Whether you are a trainer or a trainee, this tool offers valuable insight into the modernization effort shaping the future of wildland fire training and qualifications.

This effort would not be possible without the contributions of NWCG staff, NWCG committees, and hundreds of subject matter experts across the wildland fire community.

References:

IPTM Story Map

Incident Performance and Training Modernization Webpage

NEW! S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) Available Now

Date: Aug 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. S-290 (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components that support individuals working towards any Single Resource Boss or Fire Effects Monitor incident qualifications.

This second course in the series collectively serves to develop fire behavior prediction knowledge and skills, and provides more detailed information on fuels, weather, and topography that affect wildland fire behavior for safety purposes.

Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended).

References:

S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NEW! S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) Now Available

Date: Aug 14, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Interagency Helicopter Operations Subcommittee

The S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) is now available. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) incident qualifications. 

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components. This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of the HECM position, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22.

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 January 2026.

References:

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended)

NWCG Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for FBAN and LTAN

Date: Aug 13, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) and Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) 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 January 2026.

References:

NWCG Fire Behavior Analyst Position Page

NWCG Long Term Fire Analyst Page