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Senior Parachute Rigger

Position Description

Introduction

This position serves as Parachute Loft Technician.  The incumbent serves as an FAA licensed Master Parachute Rigger and performs related loft duties.  The incumbent provides the needed technical skill and supervision of parachute packing and repair, and various other loft duties.

Duties

  • Plans work schedule on a daily or project basis and makes adjustments to meet changes in workload, variations in staffing, and to meet priorities.  Plans for and obtains supplies and insures that equipment is available, ready, and safe to use.  Maintains work accomplishment report.
  • Assigns work to individuals based on their training or experience, and sets standards of performance, participates with supervisors in directing and preparing training and operating guidelines.  Has one or more assistants who demonstrate, observe and correct work practices, and review routine work accomplishments.  Takes corrective action to obtain satisfactory quality and quantity of work.  Informs incumbents of the objectives of management.
  • The size of the workforce fluctuates seasonally.  The workload is variable and unpredictable due to the emergency nature of fire suppression.  Incumbent must exercise currency on Agency Manuals, FAA regulations, National and Regional policies.  In the absence of Unit Supervisor and/or Operations Foreman is given full authority.
  • Informs licensed parachute riggers of current packing and repair methods.  Provides parachute rigging training to returning experienced jumpers.
  • Interprets detailed parachute loft manuals and insures adherence to standards.
  • Oversees inventory in parachute loft and that all items are accounted for.

Position Knowledge and/or Requirements

  • Thorough knowledge of parachute loft operations and FAA licensed Senior Parachute Rigger.
  • Responsible for the supervision and training of personnel assigned to the loft for the repair and packing of parachutes and related equipment.
  • Thorough knowledge of FAA rules and regulations to locate, interpret and apply them to recurring parachute loft operation assignments and problems.
  • Well-developed written and verbal communication skills to prepare reports and provide formal and informative instructions to trainees.
  • Complete knowledge of entire parachute loft equipment to accurately track inventory.

Supervisory Control

  • Works under the general supervision of the Unit Supervisor who sets objectives, establishes priorities, and provides assistance during the completion of unusual, exceptional or precedent setting actions.
  • The incumbent plans and schedules recurring work and independently handles most problems and carries most work through to completion on own initiative according to previous training and experience.
  • The Supervisor reviews work for technical accuracy, coordination with parachute loft and fire suppression functions and consistency with policy.

Guidelines

Guidelines include agency manuals (specifically air operation), FAA regulations, the Health and Safety Code, Smokejumper Handbook, Fireline Handbook, and other written guides and oral instructions.  The incumbent must locate and interpret applicable guides and precedents from a variety of sources and apply them to unique problems.  Considerable judgment must be employed because of the complexity in parachute rigging and fire suppression support activity.

Complexity

Assignments involve organizing, developing and directing projects in the parachute loft and supervising fire suppression support functions.  Incumbent must exercise independent and mature judgment.  Parachute loft projects often require departing from past approaches and extending traditional techniques of developing new ones to meet major objectives.

Scope and Effect

The purpose of the work is to provide technical expertise and leadership skills in the operations of the parachute loft assignments.  Work efforts have a definite impact on the subordinate’s performance.  Decisions made by the incumbent will provide for safety and minimize the loss of forest resources and wildlife.

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

2025 Week of Remembrance

Date: June 27, 2025
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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
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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
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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