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Emergency Support Function #4 Wildland Support (FEMA)

Position Description

Introduction

The position functions as a member of the Emergency Support Function #4 (ESF4) Group under the National Response Plan (NRP) organization during a declared emergency or disaster, and provides technical advice and support to FEMA while representing the Forest Service.  The Specialist communicates with federal and state agencies regarding policies, procedures, and capabilities related to all-risk emergency management, and serves as an information and intelligence source for the Forest Service during activation of the NRP.

The ESF4 Specialist is responsible for the timely processing of a wide variety of mission requests and tasking from FEMA and cooperating agencies.  This responsibility encompasses a complex array of duties as described below.

Nature and Scope

The position is responsible for representing the Forest Service’s interests and concerns during activation of the NRP for emergencies or disasters.  Such incidents may range in size and complexity from small “routine” incidents to multi-state “mega” disasters that overwhelm the capabilities of response agencies at all governmental levels.  They may involve natural or human-caused emergencies/disasters such as floods, hurricanes, fires, earthquakes, terrorist incidents, and major accidents.  The Specialist recommends to the ESF4 Leader, policies, procedures, or actions addressing incident issues, concerns, and opportunities, and maintains a cooperative working relationship with a wide variety of federal and state agencies.

The position is located within the ESF4 Group assigned to the Operations Section of the incident organization at one of the following locations:  The National Response Coordination Center, one of the 10 Regional Response Coordination Centers, or a Joint Field Office for the declared emergency or disaster.

Duties

  • Provides technical information and guidance to FEMA and cooperating agencies related to the availability and capabilities of resources from federal and state wildland fire management agencies.
  • Participates in information and planning meetings providing current resource status, limitations, and capabilities of agency resources.
  • Facilitates the ordering of resources and services requested by FEMA through the mission assignment and tasking process.
  • Provides monitoring, oversight, coordination, and accountability of all resources needed to achieve assigned missions and tasks.
  • Conducts documentation, record preservation, and reporting in accordance with standard operating procedures.
  • Recommends procedural or tactical changes as part of the incident action planning process.
  • As requested, provides Incident Command system (ICS) orientation and training for FEMA and other agency personnel.
  • Routinely coordinates with, and provides essential information up, down, and laterally within the FEMA and Forest Service organization.
  • Maintains a high level of situation awareness at all times and prepares briefing papers and situation reports as requested.
  • Serves as the Acting ESF4 Leader as necessary.

Qualifications

  • The work requires extensive knowledge and application of the policies, principles, and procedures of the NRP, ICS, and the National Incident Management System.
  • Requires the knowledge of resource availability, capabilities, and limitations as related to a wide variety of all-risk incidents.
  • Requires analytical skills needed for evaluating operational activities, improving organizational effectiveness, and recommending policy or procedural changes.
  • Writing skills are needed for the preparation of evaluations, reports, plans, and special projects as requested.
  • Verbal skills are needed to effectively communicate a wide variety of complex technical and informational material to a large number of agencies and individuals, often with limited understanding of the subjects being addressed.
  • Strong interpersonal skills are needed to cooperate, and occasionally negotiate agreements with a wide variety of agencies and organizations under stressful emergency response conditions.
  • Ability to develop and maintain productive, harmonious relations with a variety of agencies, groups, and individuals.
  • Requires the ability to effectively function under periods of high stress and confusion resulting from the urgent response to emergency situations.
  • Strong planning and organizational skills are needed to manage the ESF4 organization and support the planning needs of the incident.
  • A working knowledge of FEMA’s mission assignment process is needed.
  • Requires a high level of personal characteristics dealing with flexibility, adaptability, initiative, patience, objectivity, and diplomacy.

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for UASD, UASM, UASL and UASP

Date: July 31, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Interagency Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Subcommittee
 

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for all four Unmanned Aircraft Systems positions:

  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Data Specialist (UASD)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Manager (UASM)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Module Leader (UASL)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (UASP)

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization 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 Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Data Specialist Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Manager Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Module Leader Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot Position Page

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for RADO and INCM

Date: July 30, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Incident Logistics Subcommittee
 

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Radio Operator (RADO) and Incident Communications Center Manager (INCM).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization 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 Radio Operator Position Page

NWCG Incident Communications Center Manager Position Page

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-004 NEW Aquatic Invasive Species – Golden Mussels

Date: July 29, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee
 

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) issued Equipment Bulletin: 25-004, notifying the wildland fire community about a newly discovered invasive species and actions to take if found. Golden mussels, a highly invasive species recently identified in California, pose a significant risk to native ecosystems, infrastructure, and fire equipment. These mussels rapidly colonize hard and soft surfaces, including aquatic plants and fire equipment, clogging pipes, fouling motors, disrupting water systems, and impacting native species.

To help prevent their spread, fire personnel must follow the decontamination procedures outlined in the NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444. Additionally, report any sightings immediately to your Lead Resource Advisor and include clear, close-up photos and location details.

Read the complete ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-004 to learn more. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-004

NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for ICT5 and FFT1

Date: July 29, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Incident Command Subcommittee
Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5) and Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss (FFT1).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization 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 Incident Commander Type 5 Position Page

NWCG Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss Position Page