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Resource Advisor

Position Description

Duties

  • Develops recommendations for fire suppression rehabilitation of control lines.
  • Monitors rehabilitation efforts.
  • Provides guidance during the implementation of rehabilitation activities.
  • Coordinates with local specialists (biologist, archaeologist, engineers, resource, recreation, etc.) to identify potential impacts.
  • Identifies existing utilities, roads, pipelines, and other uses on the land that may be affected.
  • Identifies potential resource issues that may occur as a result of the incident or incident activities.
  • Develops a recommended fire suppression rehabilitation plan for the agency administrator and the incident commander.
  • Provides input for the initial completion and/or daily revision and/or re-validation of the WFSA and the RIAS.
  • Documents potential and actual suppression/fire-related resource impacts and the rationale for protection of priority areas.
  • Serves as liaison to agency administrator, resource users, and other affected parties.
  • Establishes a procedure for long term oversight, documentation and evaluation of rehabilitation efforts.
  • Determines environmental restrictions within the fire area and provide input as to appropriate suppression actions.
  • Anticipates impact on resources as the suppression or prescribed fire operation evolves.
  • Communicates legal requirements for resource protection to the IMT.
  • Ensures that planned mitigation measures are carried out effectively.
  • Guides the development of short and long term natural resource and cultural rehabilitation documents.

Position Knowledge and/or Requirements

  • Resource Management: knowledge of local politics and land use plans (general management plans, natural/cultural resource management plans, fire management plans, etc.); knowledge of the area (topographic features, vegetation types), critical areas, type of visitors and inhabitants, improvements, roads; understanding of potential effects of wildland fires upon significant natural and cultural resources; basic map reading skills.
  • Fire Management: knowledge of both fire and fire suppression impact on natural and cultural resources; completion of S-130 (Firefighting Training), S-190 (Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior), I-100/200 (Incident Command System courses), standards for survival.
  • General: knowledge and experience in guidelines, policies and implementation for natural and cultural resource management including mitigating and protection measures; oral and written communication skills; qualifying experience to include on satisfactory trainee assignment.

Physical Demands

  • Meet local minimum physical fitness requirements.

 

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:

  • Aircraft Timekeeper (ATIM)
  • Compensation/Claims Unit Leader (COMP)
  • Cost Unit Leader (COST)
  • Crew Representative (CREP)
  • Deck Coordinator (DECK)
  • Fire Effects Monitor (FEMO)
  • Field Observer (FOBS)
  • Geographic Information System Specialist (GISS)
  • Ordering Manager (ORDM)
  • Receiving/Distribution Manager (RCDM)
  • Staging Area Manager (STAM)

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