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MAFFS Assistant Liaison Officer

Position Description

Introduction

Is incumbent is responsible to the MAFFS Liaison Officer. This position is to assist in the operation and coordinate with using agencies and the military organization supplying MAFFS service. The MALO must be familiar with governing policies and procedures, as well as military operational assistance programs.

Duties

  • Assists the MAFFS Liaison Officer in the day-to-day operational activities and learns to manage the MAFFS operation.
  • Obtains information for and records the daily operational activities for the activation.
  • Assists in the creation and daily updating of the Mission Summary Data.
  • Helps in arranging logistical support for the entire MAFFS Operation.
  • Obtains information and assists with the daily briefing for the MAFFS flight crews and incident air operations personnel.
  • Ensures that prudent and legal procurement is occurring and that policy and guidelines found in the NWCG Standards for Interagency Incident Business Management and agency manuals are being followed.
  • Works with the Airtanker Base Manager to ensure that all equipment is ready for daily operations.

Position Knowledge and/or Requirements

  • Must be familiar with the approved annual MAFFS Operational Plan.
  • Must have practical knowledge of standard procedures of the assignment, and have training and experience.
  • Must have knowledge of military protocol and command structure.
  • S-130 Firefighter Training
  • L-180 Human Factors on the Fireline
  • S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior
  • I-200 Basic ICS, S-260 Interagency Incident Business Management
  • S-270 Basic Air Operations.
  • Must have attended a MAFFS training exercise, FS briefing session with the flight crews and exercise personnel (approximately 2 hours) and flight-line familiarization at a training exercise with the flight crews (approximately 2 hours).

Supervisory Controls

Guidelines

Guidelines are available, but have gaps in specificity.

The incumbent uses judgment in interpreting and adapting guidelines such as agency policies, regulations, precedents, and work directions for application to specific cases or problems.

Complexity

The work includes various duties involving different and unrelated processes and methods.

Decisions as to what needs to be done depend on the incumbent’s analysis of the issues or particular phase of the assignment to be accomplished. The incumbent chooses the appropriate course of action from various alternatives.

The work involves conditions that must be analyzed to discern interrelationships.

Scope and Effect

The work involves the execution of specific procedures and tasks that comprise a segment of a broader effort.

The work products affect the reliability, readiness, and capability of MAFFS flight crews to accomplish their missions.

Personal Contacts

Contacts are primarily with incident personnel, military members, state and other interagency personnel and officials.

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 moderate physical exertion for extended periods of time in fatiguing conditions.

Work Environment

The work requires moderate risks and discomfort, exposure to high temperatures, dust, smoke, and other weather related stresses.

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! Incident Performance and Training Modernization Story Map Now Available

Date: Aug 26, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
National Wildfire Coordinating Group

NWCG is excited to announce the launch of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) Story Map, a new interactive resource that showcases how NWCG is transforming wildland fire training and qualifications through a performance-based system.

Since its launch in 2023, IPTM has made major strides in updating how we manage incident positions:

  • 36 incident positions now have new Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books available for field use
  • 6 more incident positions are nearing completion
  • 111 total incident positions are being analyzed through the IPTM initiative

The Story Map guides you through the IPTM process, highlights key accomplishments, and outlines what’s ahead. Whether you are a trainer or a trainee, this tool offers valuable insight into the modernization effort shaping the future of wildland fire training and qualifications.

This effort would not be possible without the contributions of NWCG staff, NWCG committees, and hundreds of subject matter experts across the wildland fire community.

References:

IPTM Story Map

Incident Performance and Training Modernization Webpage

NEW! S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) Available Now

Date: Aug 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. S-290 (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components that support individuals working towards any Single Resource Boss or Fire Effects Monitor incident qualifications.

This second course in the series collectively serves to develop fire behavior prediction knowledge and skills, and provides more detailed information on fuels, weather, and topography that affect wildland fire behavior for safety purposes.

Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended).

References:

S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NEW! S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) Now Available

Date: Aug 14, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Interagency Helicopter Operations Subcommittee

The S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) is now available. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) incident qualifications. 

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components. This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of the HECM position, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22.

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:

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended)

NWCG Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for FBAN and LTAN

Date: Aug 13, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) and Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) 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 Fire Behavior Analyst Position Page

NWCG Long Term Fire Analyst Page