Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Data Specialist

UASD Incident Position Description

The Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Data Specialist (UASD) manages, synthesizes, and disseminates intelligence collected by agency and contracted unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for wildland fire incidents. The UASD works in conjunction with an Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (UASP) or for an Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Manager (UASM) to provide tactical and strategic information for incident command teams. The UASD works in the Air Operations functional area.

All UAS missions shall be conducted in accordance with the NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515, and applicable federal/state policies (e.g., Federal Aviation Administration [FAA], Department of Interior [DOI], United States Forest Service [USFS]).
 

Prepare and Mobilize

• Ensure individual readiness.
• Gather critical information pertinent to the assignment.
• Obtain and assemble incident materials needed for assignment.
• Travel to and check in at the assignment.
• Obtain briefing from incident supervisor.

Build the Team

• Establish a common operating picture. 

Perform Unmanned Aircraft System, Data Specialist-Specific Duties

• Determine final data product(s), delivery location, and delivery time/method.
• Coordinate travel to and from the fireline.
• Locate the Launch and Recovery Zone (LRZ).
• Establish work area.
• Assist with UAS pre-mission-related activities.
• Assist with UAS pre-flight preparation as needed.
• Acquire, store, and manage data, and maintain metadata necessary to facilitate incident UAS operations.
• Create intelligence deliverable(s).
• Disseminate intelligence products, data, and imagery to incident personnel per established protocols or as necessary for the situation.

Communicate and Coordinate

• Communicate effectively using multichannel radios.
• Participate in After Action Reviews (AARs).
• Establish communications and exchange necessary briefings/information with relevant team members.

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, and supervise and evaluate.
• Ensure Lookouts, Communications, Escape Routes, and Safety Zones (LCES) are in place.  
• Use Look Up, Down, and Around in the NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461 to help maintain situational awareness and adjust actions accordingly.
• Plan for medical emergencies.
• Identify and appropriately act on hazardous situations.
• Participate in and respond to mishaps as directed.

Document

• Manage and provide intelligence deliverables for incident documentation history.
• Complete all administrative tasks and documentation in an accurate and timely manner.

Demobilize

• Plan for demobilization, brief assigned resources on demobilization procedures and responsibilities, and ensure incident and agency demobilization procedures and work/rest driving standards 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 home unit including reassignment or estimated time of arrival (ETA) to home unit.
• Anticipate demobilization, identify excess resources, coordinate and prepare demobilization schedules, and communicate with the supervisor.
• During transfer of command, ensure continuity of operations, exchange critical safety information, and communicate transfer of authority through established chain of command. 
   

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