Airtanker Base Manager

Duties

• Maintains adequate supplies of water and retardants/suppressants at operations base by secure local water source and schedule retardant/suppressant deliveries in a timely manner.
• Maintains quality control standards during mixing operations of retardant/suppressant products.
• Understands function of refractometer and its use.
• Understands mixing ratios of all products.
• Obtains and post MSDS sheets on products.
• Conducts and document periodic inspections to maintain quality control standards for retardants and suppressants.
• Monitors all ground operations for safety. These include but are not limited to loading procedures, crowd control, hazardous materials spill cleanup and disposal, ‘hot’ reloading and ‘hot’ refueling.
• Coordinates and maintain a safe flight environment.
• Maintains flight following procedures.
• Ensures sterile cockpit compliance.
• Ensures that base planning documents (NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations, Base Supplement, Pilot Briefing and Orientation Guide, Reference Library) are updated as necessary.
• Ensures all subordinate positions at base are filled as required; if base is approved for hot loading ensures all personnel are trained in those procedures.
• Conducts daily or more frequent briefings with pilots, other contract personnel, and government incumbents assigned to base.
• Ensures that all administrative forms and reports are completed according to procedure.
• Maintains accurate information on all aircraft and aircrews assigned to base.
• Coordinates all airtanker flights with local dispatcher, ATGS, ATCO, and/or ASGS; obtains daily or more frequent briefings from one or all of these positions regarding mission priorities, quality of retardant, problems, etc.
• Ensures the maintenance and readiness of all ground facilities, supplies, and services required at the base; ensures pilot and aircraft needs are met.
• Responsible for regulating the movement of all aircraft, motor vehicles, and personnel on the base.
• Maintains time and use records on aircraft, equipment, retardant and personnel assigned to the base; provides aircraft use and cost information upon request.
• Is thoroughly familiar with and enforces all safety requirements of the operation; responsible for maintenance and update of the base’s safety, crash rescue, and incident/accident action plans.
• Serves as liaison with airport management.
• Coordinates with IMT air operations as necessary (start-up times, costs, etc.).
• In conjunction with the agency representative, establishes and maintains safety plans, plant safety and follows the OHSA regulations as they pertain to federal and state entities.
• Ensures retardant supply meets or exceeds demand.

Position Knowledge and/or Requirements (recommended by the NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations)

• S-130, Basic Firefighter
• I-200, Basic ICS
• S-260, Fire Business Management
• S-270, Basic Air Operations
• Fixed-wing Base Manager, Mixmaster (locally developed training)
• Basic fixed-wing Safety (OAS)
• Airtanker types and capabilities
• Basic first aid and basic supervision
• Interagency Aviation Management and Safety
• Air Base Radio Operator
• COR/PI Contract administration
• Fire Ext. Training
• Hazardous Material training