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Incident Training Specialist

TNSP Incident Position Description

The Incident Training Specialist coordinates training opportunities on Type 1 and 2 incidents. They provide training expertise to incident trainees and ensures training documentation is complete for incident and trainee records.  The TNSP reports to the Planning Section Chief or other assigned supervisor. The TNSP works in the Planning 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

Build the Team

  • Obtain work area, supplies, and communications equipment necessary to complete assignment.
  • Participate in operational briefings as directed.
  • Share knowledge of training/qualification system and processes as appropriate with trainees and evaluators.
  • Establish and maintain positive interpersonal and interagency working relationships.

Perform Training Specialist-Specific Duties

  • Identify trainees from various sources, including incident-assigned, host agency, and geographic area Priority Trainee Program.
  • Evaluate the incident for training potential. Discuss training with Command and General Staff and other incident personnel.
  • Initiate and maintain the Training Assignment List Form (fillable version).
  • Identify trainees and evaluators who are willing and available to participate in the training program.
  • Ensure the trainee has an initiated Position Task Book (PTB) and trainee position indicated on Incident Qualification Card.
  • Share current information about status of incident trainees using Incident Trainee Data Form and Incident Training Summary Form, as needed.
  • Facilitate individual trainee interviews. Interview trainees, coaches, and evaluators; first individually, then together.
  • Verify trainee qualifications, prepare trainee data forms, and develop goals and tasks.
  • Monitor the quality and effectiveness of the training assignments and schedule progress reviews for trainees.
  • Conduct the final incident trainee interview, using Incident Trainee Exit interview form.

Communicate and Coordinate

  • Meets regularly with both trainee and trainer to evaluate and ensure proper progress with an assignment.
  • Coordinate with sections and units involved with the training program.
  • Participate in functional area briefings and section After Action Reviews (AARs).

Manage Risk

  • Identify potential conflicts and resolve within the same operational period, if possible.
  • 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

Document

Demobilize

  • Coordinate an efficient transfer of position duties when mobilizing/demobilizing (e.g., incoming IMT, host agency). Ensure continuity of operation and exchange all critical information.
  • Return equipment and supplies to the appropriate unit.
  • Demobilize and check out, upon receiving demobilization instructions from the incident supervisor.
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NWCG Latest Announcements

Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book Available for Helicopter Crewmember

Date: April 28, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Interagency Helicopter Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22, and the NWCG Position Task Book for Helicopter Crewmember (HECM), PMS 311-22, are now available.

These resources, part of the Performance Support Package developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators.

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:

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22

NWCG Position Task Book for Helicopter Crewmember (HECM), PMS 311-22

Updated NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515

Date: April 23, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Interagency Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Subcommittee

The NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515 standardizes processes and procedures for the interagency use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), including pilot inspections and approvals. This updated publication provides the aviation community with standards to ensure UAS are used safely, effectively, and efficiently in support of fire management goals and objectives.

References:

NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515

NWCG National Interagency Aviation Committee

ETC Bulletin 25-001: Retrofitted Hot/Cold Beverage Kits - 2025 Field Season

Date: April 16, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

Due to spout failures and the associated risk of burn injuries, manufacturers have retrofitted the Hot/Cold Beverage Kits using a heat-shrinking band to secure the black spout at the insertion site. The updated kits feature a fluorescent label on each full kit assembly for easy identification. Catering units are encouraged to confirm the clear heat-shrinking bands are intact around each spout before filling.

ETC Bulletin 24-001 regarding Hot/Cold Beverage Kits has been archived and replaced by ETC Bulletin 25-001 for the 2025 season.

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC-EB-25-001 Retrofitted Hot/Cold Beverage Kits

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212, and Next Generation Position Task Book for Basic Faller Are Now Available

Date: April 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Hazard Tree and Tree Felling Subcommittee

The updated NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212, and NWCG Position Task Book for Basic Faller (FAL3), PMS 311-19 are now available.

The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212 includes position standards designed to be used in conjunction with the Next Generation Position Task Book (Next Gen PTB). The Next Gen PTB for Basic Faller (FAL3) includes an evaluation guide with suggested rating elements to consider when assessing trainees.

References:

NWCG Standards For Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212

NWCG Position Task Book for Basic Faller (FAL3), PMS 311-119

NWCG Basic Faller (FAL3)