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MAFFS Airtanker Base Manager

Position Description

Introduction

This position reports to MAFFS Liaison Officer (MLO).

Duties

  • Works with the MLO and airport manager to decide on the locations at the airport to set up and operate a portable retardant base, if required.
  • Works with the MLO, AES/CC, and local fuel vendor on how and when the aircraft will be fueled.
  • Serves as liaison with the local Airtanker Base Manager when operating from an established airtanker base.
  • Coordinates with the MLO to assess the size of the ground operation, and order personnel to staff it; i.e.: retardant mixmaster, compressor operators, forklift operators, etc.
  • Coordinates with the MLO and supplier of fire retardant on setting up the portable plant.  Coordinates with the MLO and initiates resupply orders and on orders of support equipment for the base.
  • Regulates all movement of aircraft, motor vehicles, and personnel being used around the retardant base operation.
  • Attends daily briefings.  Convenes daily meetings with all personnel (agency and military) assigned to work on the ramp.  Makes assignments for the day and discusses any safety alerts.
  • Inventories and replaces items as necessary from portable base kits.
  • Maintains a daily unit log and provides copies to the MLO.
  • Completes ICS Form 225, Incident Personnel Rating, for each base manager trainee prior to their release from activation.  Provides a copy to the trainee, and provides a copy to the trainee’s home unit.

Position Knowledge and/or Requirements

The incumbent needs a practical, in-depth knowledge of the full range of technical, managerial, and administrative methods, practices, and procedures relative to the MAFFS Coordinator/Manager function.

Supervisory Control

The supervisor makes assignments by defining objectives, priorities, and deadlines.

The incumbent independently plans the manner in which assignments are to be carried out, and handles problems and deviations in accordance with policies and accepted practices.

Completed work is usually evaluated for appropriateness, technical soundness and conformity to policy and requirements.  Methods used by the incumbent are not usually reviewed in detail.

Guidelines

Guidelines are available, but may be limited and have gaps in specificity.

The incumbent uses judgment in determining appropriate actions to take by interpreting and adapting existing guidelines (e.g., agency policies, regulations, precedents, and work directions).

Complexity

The work includes various duties involving different unrelated processes and methods.  Decision as to what needs to be done depend upon an analysis of the assignment phase, and choosing the course of action from many alternatives.  The work involves conditions and elements that must be identified and analyzed to discern interrelationships.

Scope and Effect

The work involves treating a wide variety of conventional problems, questions or situations in conformance with established criteria. The work product often affects the success of incident operations.

Personal Contacts

Contacts are primarily with incident personnel and other agency incumbents and managers.

Purpose of Contacts

The purpose of contacts is to plan, coordinate, or advise on work efforts and to resolve operating problems.

Physical Demands

The work requires some physical exertion, such as long periods of standing.

Work Environment

The incumbent is exposed to 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
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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