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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

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