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Human Resource Specialist 

HRSP Incident Position Description

The Human Resource Specialist (HRSP) is responsible for monitoring the work environment and related human resource activities to ensure that appropriate practices are followed. Work is normally conducted in a base camp environment but may involve tours of the fireline, spike camps, and rest and recuperation (R&R) facilities. The HRSP reports to the Incident Commander (IC) and works in the Command functional area.

Leadership Level 2, New Leader (Convey Intent)

  • For additional information review Level 2 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.
  • Check in with the 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.

Build the Team

  • Order additional HRSP if needed.
  • Participate in operational briefings and Command and General Staff (C&G) meetings.
  • Brief assigned personnel.
  • Identify assigned resources (such as trainees) and maintain accountability.
  • Establish and maintain positive interpersonal and interagency working relationships.

Supervise and Direct Work Assignments

  • Communicate expectations of conduct and behavior.
  • Recognize potential problems before they escalate into serious problems.
  • Recognize human behaviors as they relate to operating in emergency and stressful situations.
  • Monitor incident objectives to assure conduct standards are met and are consistent with a positive work environment.

Perform Human Resource Specialist-Specific Duties

  • Maintain current working knowledge of human resource practices regarding the scope of potential issues that may arise in a fire camp situation.
  • Maintain awareness of union and other potential regulations involving personnel issues.
  • Maintain professionalism and diplomacy as primary factors for successful performance.
  • Observe work behaviors and conditions and provide that information to the IC.
  • Provide contact information to individuals for counseling resources as needed.
  • Interact and coordinate with C&G by informing them of inappropriate practices or activities and assist staff in resolving inappropriate acts or conditions by facilitating the appropriate process.
  • Contact home units of individuals involved in inappropriate activities. Provide accurate and timely advice and assistance in response to requests for information or resolution of problems and issues.
  • Monitor whether a positive working environment, supportive of cultural diversity, is maintained, and enhanced for all personnel.
  • Conduct awareness sessions as needed, using digital resources on civil rights or human resources.
  • Compile and submit Contact Information Report to HRSP Geographic Area Coordinator.

Communicate and Coordinate

  • Communicate effectively through in-person or virtual meetings and briefings with multiple resources and other ICS functional areas.
  • Follow established processes and chain of command for collecting, producing, and distributing information.
  • Ensure clear understanding of expectations and timely communication within and across ICS functional areas and chain of command.
  • Conduct and/or participate in After Action Reviews (AAR).
  • Assemble agency information for use in briefings and IAPs, for answering requests, and for resolving problems.
  • Conduct appropriate periodic briefings to keep cooperating agencies informed of problems, concerns, and issues.
  • Ensure oral and written human resources messages are consistent with relevant federal/local laws, regulations, and policies.
  • Coordinate with the Incident Contract Project Inspector (ICPI) and the Contracting Officer Technical Representative (COTR) regarding contractor issues.

Manage Risk

  • Apply the Risk Management Process as stated in the NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461:
    • Identify Hazards.
    • Assess Hazards.
    • Develop Controls and Make Risk Decisions.
    • Implement Controls.
    • Supervise and Evaluate.
  • Monitor for signs and symptoms of fatigue, illness, or injury. Mitigate appropriately.
  • Identify potential conflicts and resolve within the same operational period, if possible.

Document

  • Complete, authorize, ensure timeliness of, and route as required: 
  • Complete contact information sheet for contacts involving civil rights or requiring fact-finding or conflict/problem resolution.
  • Provide appropriate documentation for the Incident Management Team (IMT) as well as home and host units.

Demobilize

  • Anticipate demobilization, identify excess resources, and coordinate with the Planning functional area to prepare a demobilization schedule.
  • Plan for demobilization.
  • Ensure incident and agency demobilization procedures are followed.
  • Return equipment and supplies to the appropriate unit.
  • Complete demobilization checkout process before being released from the incident.
  • Upon demobilization, report status to the home unit including reassignment or estimated time of arrival (ETA) to the home unit.
  • During the transfer of command:
    • Ensure continuity of operations.
    • Exchange critical safety information.
    • Communicate transfer of authority through the established chain of command.
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NWCG Latest Announcements

Updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

Date: May 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Fire Use Subcommittee

The updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431 serves as a supplemental resource for wildland fire module operations, providing information frequently used in the field.

PMS 431 defines the organizational structure, staffing, and qualifications for Type 1 and Type 2 Wildland Fire Modules, outlining their roles in wildland fire suppression, prescribed fire, and resource management. The NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431, should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430.

References:

NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430

Updated NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 Now Includes Off-Highway Vehicle Typing Standards

Date: May 13, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Mobile Fire Equipment Subcommittee 

The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 has been updated to include newly developed Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) typing standards. These standards organize OHV information into logical categories and outline key safety requirements for occupants.

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 establishes minimum typing standards for aircraft, crews, and equipment used in national mobilization to wildland fire incidents. Typing designations are assigned based on measurable capability and performance criteria.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200

NEW! S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers Now Available

Date: May 12, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Risk Management Committee

The S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers self-directed online course is now available! Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Safety Officer, Field (SOFF) incident qualifications.

S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers focuses on facilitating hazard mitigation conversations and building trust to influence safety-related decisions. Individuals can self-enroll through the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP).

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

References:

S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers 

NWCG Safety Officer, Field (SOFF) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Great Basin Cache Upgrading to New Inventory System

Date: May 7, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Great Basin Cache
Phone: (208) 387-5104
Fax: (208) 387-5573

The Great Basin Cache (GBK) is transitioning to a new inventory system to better serve the wildland fire community. During this upgrade, GBK will be unable to process standard orders from Part 1: Fire Supplies and Equipment and Part 2: Publications between May 8-20, 2025, with exceptions made for emergency fire orders. Orders will be accepted through close of business May 7.

To browse the latest available items, please refer to the National Fire Equipment System (NFES) catalogs. 

References:

NWCG NFES Catalog-Part 1: Fire Supplies and Equipment, PMS 449-1

NWCG NFES Catalog-Part 2: Publications, PMS 449-2