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Safety Officer, Field

SOFF Incident Position Description

The Safety Officer, Field (SOFF) is responsible for monitoring operations on an incident from a risk management perspective to provide for the welfare of incident resources and the public. The SOFF can be assigned to incidents of any complexity level; may serve as the primary or only safety officer on initial and extended attack incidents reporting to the Incident Commander (IC); or function as a subordinate safety officer on complex incidents, assigned to a geographic area within the incident. The SOFF works in the Command functional area.  

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Leadership Level 3, Leader of People (Develop Intent)

  • For additional information review Level 3 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.
  • Obtain briefing from previous shift/assignment position, as necessary.

Build the Team

  • Interact with all incident personnel to build trust and develop positive interpersonal relationships.

Perform Safety Officer, Field-Specific Duties

Identify Risk

  • Obtain computer analytics and modeling of the incident.
  • Attend briefings and review the operational plan to understand overall tactics and strategy.
  • Compare analytic and briefing information to incident reality (ground truth).
  • Work with operational resources to verify location and description of values at risk.
  • Monitor incident operations to identify risks and hazards.
  • Monitor overall health and well-being of incident personnel.
  • Monitor high-risk activities and common denominator mechanisms of injury.
  • Serve as a consultant for the Division/Group Supervisors (DIVS).

Assess Risk

  • Evaluate the likelihood (probability) of identified hazards impacting incident personnel and the public.
  • Evaluate the severity of the potential consequences/risks to incident personnel and the public.
  • Prioritize hazards.
  • Gauge the level of responder risk.
  • Evaluate strategies and tactics to determine if they are still commensurate with the risk involved.
  • Regularly report observed field information back to the Incident Management Team (IMT) Safety Officer/Incident Commander (IC) so they can complete their initial and ongoing risk assessments.

Mitigate Risk

  • Recommend mitigations to influence severity/probability of hazards.    
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of mitigations and adjust accordingly.
  • Assist Division/Group Supervisor (DIVS) with safety-related needs.
  • Monitor and engage with the public as needed.
  • Coordinate with medical resources.
  • Present safety message at division/group breakout briefing.
  • Stop and correct unsafe acts or conditions.
  • Evaluate adequacy of resources to manage an Incident Within an Incident (IWI).
  • Review and evaluate the process for an Incident Within an Incident (IWI).
  • Support the Incident Within an Incident (IWI) response.

Communicate and Coordinate

  • Attend, participate in, and/or conduct briefings.
  • Provide and receive Incident Command Post (ICP) feedback and updates.
  • Actively engage with field resources.
  • Manage conflict and facilitate difficult conversations regarding safety. 

Document

  • Complete all administrative tasks and documentation in an accurate and timely manner.

Demobilize

  • Coordinate an efficient transfer of duties and outline any issue or unresolved items.

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2025/2026 Leadership Campaign Quarter 2 Now Available!

Date: February 13, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

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

This quarter focuses on Leadership Level 2: New Leader (Conveying Intent). Conveying intent is a crucial leadership competency in the high-risk, dynamic environment of wildland firefighting. Months 4 - 6 will concentrate on how successfully conveying intent enhances situational awareness, promotes shared understanding, and empowers firefighters to exercise initiative and adapt to changing conditions.

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2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

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Date: February 10, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG SME Specialist

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. The intent of IPTM is to transition NWCG’s training and qualification system to a performance-based model through updated position descriptions, Incident Position Standards, Next Generation Position Task Books (Next Gen PTBs), and updates to training where needed.

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Projects begin April/May 2026 and require 15–20 hours per month for 6–8 months, including a five-day workshop in Boise, Idaho this May. Apply by February 27, 2026, at the link below and review the attached document for details.

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NEW! M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) Course Available Now

Date: January 29, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Resource Advisor Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) course is now available. This training supports individuals working towards Resource Advisor, Fireline (REAF) incident qualifications.

M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) training prepares students to serve as a Resource Advisor, Fireline (REAF) as defined in NWCG Incident Position Standards for Resource Advisor, Fireline, PMS 350-112. This course presents scenarios that reflect the diverse challenges a REAF may encounter during an incident. Through these scenarios, participants gain hands-on experience and an understanding of REAF responsibilities in a controlled learning environment.

References:

Resource Advisor, Fireline Position Page

NWCG Position Standards for Resource Advisor, Fireline, PMS 350-112

M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led)

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2026 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

Date: January 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident and Position Standards Committee

The Incident and Position Standards Committee has updated the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

These updates address changes to incident position names and requirements for qualification, training, and experience. Updates related to the implementation of Complex Incident Management (CIM) and Incident Performance Training Modernization (IPTM) are also included.

The NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308 has also been updated to reflect the recent changes.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308

IPSC Memo 26-01: January 2026 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Positions Qualifications, PMS 310-1