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Intelligence Support

Position Description

Introduction

This position serves as staff support to the Intelligence Section of a Geographic Area Coordination Center (GACC).  The incumbent works directly for the Intelligence Coordinator on an Intelligence Lead in gathering and disseminating critical information, and works within the Incident Management Team on an incident level or at a local level for the Incident agency.

Duties

  • Provides continuous intelligence information to the Geographic Coordination Center’s (GACCs) Intelligence Coordinator or Lead through verbal and written communications.
  • Collects incident situation information and prepares a daily report in the FAMWEB SIT Report program for submission.  Writes narratives indicating short and long term potential assessment based on local knowledge of weather conditions and ongoing anticipated incidents.
  • Gathers and maintains statistical data on fire activity for use in special reports and planning efforts.  Assures the data is accurate and readily accessible.  Provides statistical data for the fire management portion of planning documents.
  • Prepares local, GACC, or national situation reports for dissemination to the Center Manager, Intelligence Coordinator, Operations Coordinator, Fire Management Officer and staff, and others within the fire community and the GACCs area of influence.
  • Collects, edits, and processes the Incident Information Summary (ICS-209) for use in reports and briefings, dissemination, and archiving in databases or spreadsheets for future analysis.
  • Prepares information for daily briefings of the Center Manager, Multi-Agency Coordination (MAC) group, and agency staff personnel.  Briefings include such information as problem incidents, multiple situations, resource availability, and other significant or major events pertaining to incidents.
  • Tracks and prepares daily tactical reports detailing such information as location of aviation assets, crews, and incidents management team resources.  Uses various methods to accomplish this task such as Resource Ordering and Status System (ROSS), Data Delivery System (DDS) or COGNOS analytics.
  • Collects, edits, and processes weather data from the National Weather Information Management system (WIMS) for use in the Fire Family Plus (FFPLUS) program.  Results of outputs (e.g., ERC, BI, KBDI charts) are used to determine fire danger, fire potential, and staffing levels.
  • Retrieves weather forecasts and Red Flag warnings from the National Weather Service for use in writing narratives for local situation reports and communicating to fire management personnel.
  • Provides detailed resource availability information to the Predictive Services staff for use in various Fire Weather/Fire Danger Outlook products.
  • Uses GIS data and software to update individual fires within the area of influence including mapping, downloading, and correction of data.
  • Updates and posts a variety of documents to the Dispatch/Coordination Center website.

Position Knowledge and/or Requirements

  • Incident Command System (ICS), National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) or Canadian Forest Fire Danger Rating System (CFFDRS). If applicable, National Interagency Incident Management System, Resource Ordering and Status System (ROSS), Data Delivery System (DDS), and various computer operations for data entry, storage and retrieval, and telecommunications systems.
  • National, regional, and/or local mobilization policy and procedures as they relate to resource tracking and availability.
  • Various land management agencies’ geographical boundaries of regional, State, and area offices in order to accurately portray fire or emergency situations.
  • FAMWEB programs (e.g., WIMS, Site report, ICS-209, KCFast) in order to provide support for other dispatch offices/users of those programs within the area of influence.
  • Database and spreadsheet programs where current and historical wildland fire data and information is stored and retrieved.
  • The firefighting organization, dispatch/coordination system.  Terminology, techniques and resources used at the national, regional, and local level in wildland fire suppression, including logistical support needed, communications, and safety requirements.
  • Experience in firefighting techniques and practices, equipment and resource use sufficient to converse, brief, and discuss with members of the wildland fire community when gathering or disseminating intelligence information.
  • Fire weather terminology, weather effect on various fuel types, potential risks as an ignition source, and specific knowledge of weather as it influences fire behavior and fire suppression.
  • Various reports, reporting requirements, and procedures used by local member agencies to effectively assist in development of new and ongoing reports and products.
  • GIS or other mapping programs in order to produce or print fire perimeter, wildland fire location, or other maps used in presentations, briefings, or web production; and ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Supervisory Controls

The supervisor assigns work on the basis of project objectives and deadlines.

The incumbent is responsible for independently planning carrying out assigned activities and receives assistance on problems not previously dealt with.

The incumbent provides the supervisor with periodic progress reports.  Work is reviewed upon completion to determine that the objectives have been met.

Guidelines

Guidelines consist of handbooks and manuals that cover general regulations and procedures.  Instruction memoranda, mobilization guides, subject matter procedures, precedents, and oral instructions establish the standards within technical areas.

The incumbent uses judgment in interpreting and adapting existing methodology to the project at hand.

Complexity

The position deals with numerous computer hardware and software systems on a daily basis.  These each require a different approach and operation.  The position also deals with numerous wildland fire-related computer programs and reports.  A wide range of knowledge is required for operations, troubleshooting problems, and product dissemination processes.  A variety of operating procedures, methods, problems and assignments are frequently encountered that require careful diagnosis, coordination and communications skills to support planning and decision making.  This often includes dealing with conflicting and/or seemingly difficult standards and direction for the various agencies involved.  Many projects or reports have short time frames for completion, but still require utmost accuracy and precision.  The work is often of an emergency nature and is performed under stressful conditions due to the variety and amount of workload.

Scope and Effect

The purpose of the work is to provide support to the Intelligence and Dispatch functions of a local Geographic Area, or National user.

The position requires intense efforts in carrying out this work, which will result in more efficient and accurate data reporting processes and management.

Personal Contacts

Contacts are with Fire and Aviation Management personnel, dispatch personnel, information technology personnel at all levels, and the public.

Purpose of Contacts

Contacts are for the purpose of gathering and disseminating intelligence information, maintaining existing and future computer programs and applications, data management, and problem identification/solving.

Physical Demands

A 14-day assignment routinely requiring 12 to 14 hours per day is common.  Intense concentration while working under extreme pressure in rapidly changing situations is required, as is the ability to adjust to interruptions and outside demands.  Work is mostly sedentary with some standing and walking.  Noise levels and demands are constantly changing.

Work Environment

Work is performed in an office setting, communications and briefing rooms.  Exposure to noise and interruptions is continuous.

 

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