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Geographic Information System Specialist

GISS Incident Position Description

The Geographic Information System Specialist (GISS) is responsible for providing timely and accurate spatial information about the incident to be used by all facets of the Incident Management Team (IMT) and the national coordination system. The GISS reports to the Situation Unit Leader (SITL) or other assigned supervisor, and works in the Planning functional area.

The GISS will operate according to the NWCG Standards for Geospatial Operations, PMS 936, and should review the publication annually.

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.
  • Read and demonstrate understanding of the NWCG Standards for Geospatial Operations (GeoOps), PMS 936 and NWCG GISS Workflow, PMS 936-1.
  • Secure required hardware including laptop, mouse, power strip, mobile device, and suggested hardware including external monitor, and mobile internet hot spot.
  • Install required software (ArcGIS Pro and FTP client). Ensure appropriate account credentials.
  • Gather critical information pertinent to the assignment.
  • Travel to and check in at assignment.
  • Check in with incident supervisor and/or dispatch when arriving at the incident.
  • Review Incident Action Plan (IAP) and obtain briefing, objectives, and intent from supervisor.
  • Obtain briefing from previous shift/assignment position as necessary and establish workspace.

Perform Geographic Information System Specialist-Specific Duties

  • Data Preparation:
    • Gather Incident Information data elements required to populate the National Incident Feature Service (NIFS).
    • Create the PMS 936 incident directory structure.
    • Configure the ArcGIS Pro Project Template for incident.
    • Create an Offline Copy of the NIFS for editing.
    • Follow PMS 936 naming conventions when creating or modifying incident folders and data.
    • Create and share web maps.
  • Edit Incident Data:
    • Secure information and data under the supervision of the SITL to create/edit the incident dataset.
    • Work with a variety of spatial data types (raster and vector) from multiple sources and in a variety of formats, such as services, GDBs, and shapefiles.
    • Process, convert, import incoming data; follow naming conventions; and store per PMS 936 incident directory structure.
    • Edit the Offline copy of the NIFS using ArcGIS Pro.
    • Populate all required attributes.
    • Populate the progression GDB following the GISS Workflow.
    • Perform analysis and calculate necessary attributes such as fire acres, point lat/long, ownership acres, line length, and percent containment.
  • Update Master Incident GDB:
    • Backup Offline Copy of the NIFS following the GISS Workflow.
    • Replace Master Incident GDB following the GISS Workflow.
  • Create Incident Maps and Digital Products:
    • Use ArcGIS Pro to create incident maps using the Master Incident GDB.
    • Ensure that all essential cartographic map elements are present and correct per PMS 936.
    • Produce map products following PMS 936 map product standards and incident symbology standards.
    • Export geospatial PDF maps per PMS 936.
    • Create products meeting the SITL’s timelines and priorities.
    • Backup map documents and PDF maps per PMS 936.
  • Backup and Sharing:
    • Post map products to National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) FTP site.
    • Backup incident directory structure.
    • Download and backup any external incident data sources, custom hosted feature services, and data collection forms nightly and place in an appropriate location in the incident folder structure.
    • Complete required documentation.
  • Transition:
    • Effectively transfer incident data, projects, and products to incoming team/local unit.
    • Transfer all non-NIFS data embedded in web maps and web applications to the incoming team/local unit, along with copies of data present in any web map or application.
  • Advanced Duties:
    • Manage incident data in the NIFC ArcGIS Online Organization using web maps and apps.
    • Work with ArcGIS Online and manage mobile devices using the Field Maps application (iOS & Android).
    • Work with the Survey123 for ArcGIS application and national surveys (e.g., structure triage, accountable property).
    • Make incident maps available for, and assist incident personnel in using, the Avenza Maps application (iOS & Android).
    • Troubleshoot hardware and software problems sufficient to stay operational. (e.g., basic software installs, license management, printer drivers, and plotter connection).

Communicate and Coordinate

  • Communicate and exchange technical information with people inside and outside the Situation Unit, following established processes and chain of command for collecting, producing, and distributing information. Inform others of product contents and application.
  • Answer incident situation questions such as number of acres burned, acres by ownership, or other questions requiring basic GIS analysis and geoprocessing.
  • Explain technical issues or concerns to Lead GISS, SITL or Incident Technology Support Specialist (ITSS).
  • Communicate field data collection procedures to Field Observers (FOBS), Resource Advisors (READs), and other incident staff.
  • Ensure clear understanding of expectations and timely communication within and across Incident Command System (ICS) functional areas and chain of command.
  • Demonstrate skills that establish and maintain a positive team climate.
  • Demonstrate critical thinking and decision-making skills by contributing to team tasks.
  • Participate in After Action Reviews (AAR) as requested.
  • Maintain awareness of the changing responsibilities and expectations throughout the assignment. Communicate when expectations exceed capacity, and work with SITL to adjust expectations or augment resources.
  • Communicate to SITL when map and task requests are made outside the ICS chain of command.
  • Perform assigned GISS duties within the constraints of typical incident conditions.

Document

Demobilize

  • Anticipate demobilization, identify excess resources, prepare demobilization schedule, and communicate with supervisor.
  • Return equipment and supplies to appropriate unit.
  • Ensure incident and agency demobilization procedures are followed.
  • Complete demobilization checkout process before being released from the incident.
  • Upon demobilization, report status to home unit including reassignment or estimated time of arrival (ETA) to home unit.
  • Ensure incident and agency work/rest driving standards are followed.

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NWCG Latest Announcements

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for UASD, UASM, UASL and UASP

Date: July 31, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Interagency Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Subcommittee
 

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for all four Unmanned Aircraft Systems positions:

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The Performance Support Packages for these positions were 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 January 2026.

References:

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Data Specialist Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Manager Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Module Leader Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot Position Page

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for RADO and INCM

Date: July 30, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Incident Logistics Subcommittee
 

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Radio Operator (RADO) and Incident Communications Center Manager (INCM).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were 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 January 2026.

References:

NWCG Radio Operator Position Page

NWCG Incident Communications Center Manager Position Page

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-004 NEW Aquatic Invasive Species – Golden Mussels

Date: July 29, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee
 

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) issued Equipment Bulletin: 25-004, notifying the wildland fire community about a newly discovered invasive species and actions to take if found. Golden mussels, a highly invasive species recently identified in California, pose a significant risk to native ecosystems, infrastructure, and fire equipment. These mussels rapidly colonize hard and soft surfaces, including aquatic plants and fire equipment, clogging pipes, fouling motors, disrupting water systems, and impacting native species.

To help prevent their spread, fire personnel must follow the decontamination procedures outlined in the NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444. Additionally, report any sightings immediately to your Lead Resource Advisor and include clear, close-up photos and location details.

Read the complete ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-004 to learn more. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-004

NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for ICT5 and FFT1

Date: July 29, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Incident Command Subcommittee
Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5) and Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss (FFT1).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were 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 January 2026.

References:

NWCG Incident Commander Type 5 Position Page

NWCG Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss Position Page