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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

2025/2026 Leadership Campaign Quarter 2 Now Available!

Date: February 13, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that the Quarter Two materials for the 2025/2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign are now available! This annual initiative invites all leadership and wildland fire management students to engage with essential skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively in dynamic environments.

This quarter focuses on Leadership Level 2: New Leader (Conveying Intent). Conveying intent is a crucial leadership competency in the high-risk, dynamic environment of wildland firefighting. Months 4 - 6 will concentrate on how successfully conveying intent enhances situational awareness, promotes shared understanding, and empowers firefighters to exercise initiative and adapt to changing conditions.

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Committee

Opportunity to Serve the Wildland Fire Community as an IPTM SME!

Date: February 10, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG SME Specialist

NWCG is seeking experienced wildland firefighters and support personnel to serve as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) initiative. The intent of IPTM is to transition NWCG’s training and qualification system to a performance-based model through updated position descriptions, Incident Position Standards, Next Generation Position Task Books (Next Gen PTBs), and updates to training where needed.

NWCG is currently recruiting SMEs for the following positions:

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Projects begin April/May 2026 and require 15–20 hours per month for 6–8 months, including a five-day workshop in Boise, Idaho this May. Apply by February 27, 2026, at the link below and review the attached document for details.

References:

NWCG SME Interest Sign-up

IPTM Subject Matter Expert Duties and Expectations Document

Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM)

NEW! M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) Course Available Now

Date: January 29, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Resource Advisor Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) course is now available. This training supports individuals working towards Resource Advisor, Fireline (REAF) incident qualifications.

M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) training prepares students to serve as a Resource Advisor, Fireline (REAF) as defined in NWCG Incident Position Standards for Resource Advisor, Fireline, PMS 350-112. This course presents scenarios that reflect the diverse challenges a REAF may encounter during an incident. Through these scenarios, participants gain hands-on experience and an understanding of REAF responsibilities in a controlled learning environment.

References:

Resource Advisor, Fireline Position Page

NWCG Position Standards for Resource Advisor, Fireline, PMS 350-112

M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

2026 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

Date: January 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident and Position Standards Committee

The Incident and Position Standards Committee has updated the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

These updates address changes to incident position names and requirements for qualification, training, and experience. Updates related to the implementation of Complex Incident Management (CIM) and Incident Performance Training Modernization (IPTM) are also included.

The NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308 has also been updated to reflect the recent changes.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308

IPSC Memo 26-01: January 2026 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Positions Qualifications, PMS 310-1