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S-341, GIS Specialist for Incident Management (Blended)

Course Description

S-341, GIS Specialist for Incident Management does not teach ArcGIS (ArcGIS Pro) functionality or concepts. As GIS professionals, students must have expertise using ArcGIS technology and should come to the class already proficient at managing/editing geospatial data (geodatabases), spatial analysis, and map production using ArcGIS Pro software.

S-341 training consists of instructional information, demonstration, and graded exercises following the NWCG Standards for Geospatial Operations (GeoOps), PMS 936, and NWCG GISS Workflow, PMS 936-1. The S-341 course goal is to prepare a Geospatial Information System Specialist (GISS) for a training assignment(s), with the expectation of full GISS qualification. S-341 is required for the GISS position.

Course Objectives

Edit and manage incident data in NIFS, following the standards in the NWCG GISS Workflow, PMS 936-1.

Prerequisite Training

ICS-100, Introduction to ICS
IS-700,NIMS: An Introduction

Alternate Delivery Mode

Alternate Delivery Mode
Not Applicable
Training Required For
GISS 310-1 Training Path 01
Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Lead and unit instructors must be on the national cadre list to teach. Lead instructors must be selected and/or approved annually by the GCMU. Lead and unit instructors must be current fully qualified GISS and show currency within IQCS/ICS and/or incident qualifications card (red card). Currency is defined as having had a GISS assignment in the last one to two years.
Unit Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Lead and unit instructors must be on the national cadre list to teach. Lead instructors must be selected and/or approved annually by the GCMU. Lead and unit instructors must be current fully qualified GISS and show currency within IQCS/ICS and/or incident qualifications card (red card). Currency is defined as having had a GISS assignment in the last one to two years.
Business Steward
GCMU Geospatial Curriculum Management Unit
Course Level
Area, State, Regional
Format
Blended
Course Number
S-341
Other Training Which Supports
UASD Unmanned Aircraft System, Data Specialist
Course Title
GIS Specialist for Incident Management (Blended)
Pre-selection Assessment (PCA) Hours
1-4
Online Training Hours
15-20
Total Hours
20-28

Special Delivery Considerations

S-341 is virtual instructor-led training through the WFLP. The course session is two weeks. The first week of the course is self-directed and self-paced learning which must be completed before the second week begins. The second week of the course which involves live instruction, demonstration, and Q&A sessions, as well as independent student activities and graded exercises.

Hardware and Software Requirements
Hardware
Laptop or desktop computer with internet connectivity, camera, speaker, mouse, and external monitor.

Software
Concurrent or Single-use ArcGIS Pro (fire season-approved version) Advanced license installation. License must be Authorized to Work Offline.

System Credentials
NIFC ArcGIS Online Organization. GISS trainees should have the NIFC Training role.
FireNet named user account.

S-341 is managed by the NWCG Geospatial Curriculum Management Unit (GCMU). Course materials are updated annually by cadre and are not available at this location.

Special Cadre Considerations

The course is managed by a National Steering Committee, the Geospatial Curriculum Management Unit (GCMU). The GCMU maintains a national cadre list for lead and unit instructors.

Instructors must be experienced in managing incident data in NIFS, adhering to NWCG GISS Workflow, PMS 936-1, and GeoOps on incidents. Adjunct instructors with the minimum instructor qualifications may be added to the national cadre list with GCMU approval for teaching and cadre development. Instructors are required to complete any prerequisite training and pre-course work assigned by the GCMU as preparation for teaching the course.

Development History

Course number assigned in 2/05; reference NWCG Curriculum Issue Paper #76.

Version Date

2024

Previous Certification Dates

None

NWCG Latest Announcements

New Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249

Date:  April 17, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: National Coordination System Committee

A new publication from the National Coordination System Committee (NCSC) is now available. The NWCG Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249, will be used for aviation crews and dispatch to share flight information that is needed for resource tracking, and if needed, for emergency procedures.

For further details, please contact your NCSC representative. 

References:

NCSC Memo 26-01: Implementation of NWCG Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249

NWCG Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249

New Glossary Term for Review

Date:  April 15, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Data Standards and Terminology Board (DSTB)

The Data Standards and Terminology Board is requesting feedback on a new glossary term: Resource Protection Measure (RPM).

The proposed definition is: Practical guidance provided for incident personnel in a manner in which incident objectives can be achieved while reducing impacts to identified resources across the landscape. RPMs are informed by, but not restricted to, Minimum Impact Strategies and Tactics (MIST).

Please review, share with your subgroups, and provide feedback as appropriate through the following form: Request Feedback The comment period will close May 10, 2026.

Thank you for your engagement in the NWCG glossary process – your participation is key to our success.

References:

Glossary Request Feedback

Quarter Three Materials for the 2025-2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign Now Available

Date:  April 1, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

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

Quarter Three materials focus on Leadership Level 3: Leader of People (Develop Intent). Leadership Level 3 is where your values, your team, and your influence come together. Leaders of People put their teams first, build trust, and lead with authenticity. They mentor future leaders and shape decisions up and down the chain.

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Committee

WFSTAR 2026 Core Components Module Package and 2025 Fire Year in Review Now Available

Date:  March 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Joe Schindel

The 2026 Core Components Module Package for RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) and the 2025 Fire Year in Review are now available on the NWCG website. The 2026 Core Components Module Package provides all content needed to deliver RT-130.

References:

2026 Core Components Module Package

2025 Fire Year in Review Module