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Unmanned Aircraft System Data Specialist

UASD Incident Position Description

The Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Data Specialist collects, stores, and disseminates data and intelligence collected by agency and contracted Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) for wildland fire incidents. The UASD works in conjunction with an Unmanned Aircraft System Pilot (UASP) or Unmanned Aircraft System, 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), etc.].

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.
  • Obtain and assemble information and materials needed for kit:
    • UAS sensors.
    • Hardware and software.
    • Communications equipment.
    • UAS support equipment.
  • Gather critical information pertinent to the assignment:
    • Resource Order.
    • Spatial data and base maps.
    • Special needs (UAS/hardware/software/data).
    • Transportation/lodging arrangements.

Arrival at Incident

  • Check in at Incident Command Post (ICP).
  • Verify chain of command.
  • Discuss communication protocols/procedures.
  • Coordinate with Supervisor to determine:
    • Data objectives (deliverable and timeline).
    • Required meeting/briefing attendance.
    • Hours of operation.
  • Develop data for Launch and Recovery Zone (LRZ) and provide GIS data to incident through established protocols.
  • Determine Ground Control Station map and data requirements.
  • Determine final data product(s), delivery location, and delivery time/method.
  • Review the Incident Action Plan (IAP) and obtain briefing, objectives, and intent from supervisor.
  • Request necessary incident dependent equipment (i.e., external hard drive) through incident ordering channels. 

Perform Unmanned Aircraft System, Data Specialist-Specific Duties

  • Acquire data in accordance with:
  • Conceptualize UAS intelligence products based on incident objectives, fire behavior, risk assessment, and leader’s intent.
  • Evaluate sensor applicability, capabilities, and limitations.
  • Coordinate with UAS team members to direct sensor employment for data and imagery requirements.
  • Collect, store and manage data, and maintain metadata necessary to facilitate incident UAS operations.
  • Maintain and update UAS LRZ locations as needed.
  • Create and update maps and data for Ground Control Station (GCS) operability using appropriate system and incident standards.
  • Process and analyze UAS imagery using appropriate software.
  • Disseminate intelligence products, data, and imagery to incident personnel per established protocols or as necessary for the situation.
  • Utilize Crew Resource Management (CRM) principles to maximize the collective skill set of the team.

Communicate and Coordinate

  • Establish communications and data exchange protocol with incident Geographic Information System Specialist (GISS) and Situation Unit Leader (SITL).
  • Communicate imagery and data requirements with flight crew.
  • Conduct and/or participate in After Action Reviews (AAR).

Document

  • Deliver requested geospatial data to GISS and SITL per established data dissemination protocol and timeframe, to include proper geometry, attribution, and metadata.
  • Manage and deliver intelligence products for incident documentation history.
  • Crew Time Report (CTR), SF-261 (Watch: How to correctly fill out a CTR).
  • Submit personnel time daily.
  • Document lessons learned as necessary.

Demobilize

  • Plan for demobilization. Ensure incident and agency demobilization procedures and work/rest driving standards are followed.
  • Coordinate with GISS, SITL, and/or Planning Section Chief to ensure data package is complete.
  • Return equipment and supplies to appropriate unit.
  • Complete demobilization checkout process before being released from the incident.
  • Upon demobilization, report status to home unit including reassignment or estimate time of arrival (ETA) to home unit.
  • If required, facilitate orderly handoff to incoming UASD to ensure continuity of operations and exchange critical safety information.

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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:
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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:

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Date: April 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
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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)