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Fixed Wing Parking Tender Incident Position Description

FWPT Incident Position Description

The Fixed Wing Parking Tender (FWPT) facilitates movement of aircraft, vehicles, and equipment in assigned areas and reports to the Ramp Manager (RAMP). The FWPT works in the Air Operations functional area.

Leadership Level 1, Follower (Provide Action)

  • For additional information review Level 1 description, expected behaviors and knowledge, suggested development goals, and self-study opportunities.

Prepare and Mobilize

  • Ensure individual readiness.
  • Gather critical information pertinent to the assignment.
  • Travel to and check in at assignment.
  • Review Base Operations Plan and obtain initial briefing from supervisor.

Supervise and Direct Work Assignments

  • Establish and communicate objectives, priorities, work assignments, and performance expectations.
  • Identify, analyze, and use relevant situational information to make more informed decisions and take appropriate actions.
  • Adjust actions based on changing information and evolving situation awareness. Develop and implement contingency plans. Communicate changing conditions to assigned resources and supervisor.
  • Ensure daily operational objectives and performance standards are met.

Perform Fixed Wing Parking Tender-Specific Duties

  • Coordinate with supervisor and aircrew regarding aircraft ramp movement and assigned area.
  • Direct aircraft movement and communicate effectively with air crews and ramp personnel using the standard hand signals.
  • Act as a wing walker anytime the aircraft is being taxied or parked within 30 feet of an obstacle, or as requested by the Airtanker Base Manager (ATBM), RAMP, or aircrew.
  • Establish and maintain radio contact with aircraft, Aircraft Timekeeper (ATIM), and ramp personnel during ramp operations.
  • Keep assigned area clean and clear of foreign objects and debris (FOD).
  • Allow only essential personnel and vehicles on the ramp during operations.
  • Clear the aircraft for movement (i.e., chocks removed, hoses detached, doors and latches closed, etc.).
  • Maintain constant visual of the pilot in the cockpit to ensure unimpeded communication during arrival, hot loading, simultaneous fueling and loading, startup, and departure.
  • Ensure Ground Support Equipment (GSE) is in the designated safe zone and validate that it is properly secured prior to any aircraft movement.
  • Perform FOD walk of ramp area as directed by supervisor.
  • Monitor the safety of all fueling operations.
  • Relay aircrew requests (retardant, fuel, meals, etc.) to the RAMP/supervisor and/or other appropriate personnel.
  • Maintain tools, vehicles, and other equipment used for airtanker base and ramp operations.
  • Stock water and other supplies to maintain efficiency of ramp operations.
  • Visually check the aircraft and notify pilot immediately of any anomalies with the aircraft, such as signs of leaking, smoking, etc.
  • Direct and oversee wildland fire chemical loading.
  • Provide input to a SAFECOM and/or document actions/issues, as directed.
  • Monitor hot loading operation for safety, efficiency, and proper procedures as stated in the hot loading plan and the NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations (SABO), PMS 508.
  • Monitor simultaneous fueling and loading operations for safety, efficiency, and proper procedures as stated in the SABO and GSE simultaneous fueling and loading plan.

Communicate and Coordinate

  • Obtain briefing from assigned supervisor.
  • Follow established processes and chain of command for collecting, producing, and distributing information.
  • Communicate changing conditions to supervisor.
  • Ensure basic understanding of multichannel radio operation.
  • Participate in briefings and After Action Reviews (AAR).

Manage Risk

  • Work within your skill level and limitations.
  • Apply the Risk Management Process as stated in the NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461.
  • Ensure compliance with all safety practices and procedures for self and those around you.
  • Utilize chock blocks, fire extinguishers, and required Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) specific to the base.
  • Utilize the base operations plan to guide decisions and actions.
  • Implement emergency response plan as needed.
  • Notify ATBM of any spills, issues, hazards, or emergencies.

Document

Demobilize

  • Follow demobilization instructions from supervisor.
  • Ensure incident and agency demobilization procedures and work/rest standards are followed.

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NWCG Latest Announcements

RMC Memorandum 26-02: SAFENET Modernization and SafeNetX Launch

Date:  June 25, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Risk Management Committee

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) is pleased to announce the launch of SafeNetX, the modernized safety reporting system now available to the wildland fire community. Effective June 15, 2026, SafeNetX enables reporting of unsafe, unhealthy, near-miss, and high-risk operations across wildland fire, all-hazard incidents, training, and related work environments.

SafeNetX is the result of a multi-agency modernization effort led by RMC, which began evaluating improvements to the legacy SAFENET system in 2021. To learn more, read the full RMC memorandum in the links provided.

References:

SafeNetX

RMC Safety Memorandum 26-02: SAFENET Modernization and SafeNet X Launch

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Emergency Medical Committee

The NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) announces the recipients of the 2025 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Awards. EMC annually recognizes individuals and groups who have demonstrated outstanding actions or accomplishments that are above and beyond the expectation of one’s normal mission or job duties.

Congratulations to all the awardees and nominees. Through leadership and initiative, they have made significant contributions to the safety of the wildland fire community. These awards are well deserved.

References:

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Emergency Medical Committee

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book Now Available for RAMP

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Airtanker Base Operations Unit

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Ramp Manager (RAMP).

The Performance Support Package for this position was developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization 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 release in January 2027.

References:

NWCG Ramp Manager Position Page

National Interagency Aviation Committee

Make an Impact: Serve the Wildland Fire Community as an IPTM SME!

Date:  June 11, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG SME Specialist

Note: Positions with an * will last approximately 6 months.
Positions with ** will last 12 - 18 months.

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. IPTM aims to transition NWCG’s training and qualification system to a performance-based model by updating position descriptions, Incident Position Standards, Next Generation Position Task Books (Next Gen PTBs), and training where needed.

NWCG is currently recruiting SMEs for the Fall 2026 positions listed below:

  • Equipment Manager (EQPM)*
  • Fixed Wing Parking Tender (FWPT)**
  • Mixmaster (MXMS)*
  • Public Information Officer Complex (PIOC)*
  • Retardant Crewmember (RTCM)*
  • Strike Team Leader Crew (STCR)*
  • Strike Team Leader Engine (STEN)*
  • Strike Team Leader Heavy Equipment (STEQ)*
  • Task Force Leader (TFLD)**
  • Wildland Fire Investigator (INVF)** 

Projects begin October 2026. Sign up by July 10, 2026, at the link below and review the attached document for additional details. 

References:

NWCG SME Interest Sign-up

IPTM Subject Matter Expert Duties and Expectations Document

Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM)