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Driver/Operator

Position Description

Introduction

Operates pickup trucks, carryalls, automobiles, jeeps, station wagons, etc, having a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) up to 10,000 pounds to transport cargo and passengers to and from incident sites and other locations.  Vehicles may have up to four forward gears and are equipped with the normal array of driving controls.

Duties

  • Operates assigned vehicles on and off roads, through all kinds of traffic, terrain (e.g., from highway and interstate speeds to narrow mountainous roads), and weather to transport cargo or passengers.
  • Loads and unloads the vehicles and ensures that cargo is properly and safely loaded, protected, and secured.
  • Ensures proper operator maintenance, vehicle servicing, and record keeping (e.g., completes trip ticket forms following each assignment).
  • Delivers personnel, supplies and equipment to and from the fireline, base, spike camps, and airports.

Position Knowledge and/or Requirements

  • Must possess a valid operator’s license.
  • Basic knowledge of any governing Federal and State highway laws.
  • Ability to operate assigned vehicles under a variety of conditions (e.g., interstate highways, urban and rural areas, mountainous terrain, adverse weather conditions during the day and night).
  • Ability to successfully complete respective license renewal requirements (e.g., non-sensitive background check, written and skills tests, medical/physical examinations).

Supervisory Controls

The supervisor provides individual assignments by indicating generally what is to be done, limitations, quality and quantity expected, deadlines, and priority of assignments.

The incumbent uses initiative in carrying out previously performed assignments independently without specific instructions.  Deviations from these types of assignments, problems, or aspects of unusual assignments not covered by general instructions are referred to the supervisor for decision or assistance.

The supervisor assures that finished work and methods used are technically accurate and in compliance with instructions.

Guidelines

Procedures for performing the work have been established and, for the most part, specific guidelines are available.

The number and similarity of guidelines and work situations require the incumbent to use judgment in selecting the most appropriate procedure(s) or approach in specific cases (e.g., when enroute, or when overseeing or loading of cargo).

Situations to which the existing guidelines cannot be applied are referred to the supervisor.

Complexity

The work consists of various clear-cut related duties.  Generally, the incumbent has little choice in deciding what needs to be done due to the existence of the previously established, specific guidelines and procedures.

Decisions regarding what needs to be done require the incumbent to recognize the differences between a few easily recognizable situations.

Actions to be taken differ according to the differences between the various specific tasks to be performed.

Scope and Effect

The work involves the execution of specific routine procedures.

The service provided facilitates the work of others.

Personal Contacts

Contacts are generally with incumbents of the same work unit (i.e., those incumbents associated with the incident).

Purpose of Contacts

The purpose of contacts is to obtain, clarify, or give facts or information about the assignment.

Physical Demands

The work requires some physical exertion such as required for over-the-road assignments, and some lifting of moderately heavy items.

Work Environment

The work environment involves moderate risks and discomfort.

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

2025 Week of Remembrance

Date: June 27, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
6 Minutes for Safety Subcommittee

As we approach the 2025 Week of Remembrance (WOR), June 30–July 6, we dedicate this time to reflect on the past incidents from 2015 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—whether in briefing rooms or at tailgates—that promote a culture of continuous learning and safety.

References:

2025 Week of Remembrance: Letter to Leadership

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003 Flame-Resistant Shirt Survey

Date: June 12, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

The U.S. Forest Service National Technology and Development Program (NTDP) is seeking input on the Forest Service-designed flame-resistant (FR) shirt, currently available through the National Interagency Support Cache system and FedMall.

NTDP is conducting a product review to improve future FR shirt designs. As part of this effort, a short survey is now open for federal employees who have worn any of three recent FR shirt models. Feedback will guide design improvements to better meet the needs of wildland firefighters.

To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act, responses are limited to federal employees. The survey is open through September 12, 2025. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003

NEW! S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended) Now Available

Date: June 10, 2025
If you have questions, please visit our FAQ page. 
If your question is not answered there, you can 
submit your question using our Contact Us form. 
 

The S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended), equips new wildland firefighters with essential skills through a mix of online learning and hands-on training. The course features a required online component and an instructor-led exercise, reinforcing online concepts with practical performance-based training.

The course builds competencies in wildland fire operations, safety, and equipment use, applicable across various operational environments. Both the online component and instructor-led field exercise must be completed to receive a certificate of completion. Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended).

References:

S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

EMC Memo 25-001: Interim Rapid Extraction Module (REMS) Training and Qualification Requirements

Date: June 3, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Emergency Medical Committee

The Emergency Medical Committee has issued interim guidance for Rapid Extraction Module Support (REMS) teams. Until further notice, Type I and II REMS teams must designate a team leader qualified at Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss (FFT1) or higher. This temporary change replaces the Single Resource Boss (SRB) requirement, which is currently not feasible due to administrative barriers.

This memorandum does not include any other changes to the NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552. This interim change takes effect immediately and will remain in place until further notice.

References:

EMC Memo 25-001: Interim Rapid Extraction Module (REMS) Training and Qualification Requirements

NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552