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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.].

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  • 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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NWCG Latest Announcements

The Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Status/Check-In Recorder (SCKN)

Date: August 27, 2024
Contact: Incident Planning Subcommittee 

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Status/Check-In Recorder, PMS 350-32, NWCG Position Task Book for Status/Check-In Recorder (SCKN), PMS 311-32, and Checking In Resources Customer Service Job Aid, J-111 are now available.

The Performance Support Package, which for SCKN includes the Incident Position Standards, Next Generation Position Task Book, and job aid were developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. The Performance Support Package will support trainees, those qualified in the position, and evaluators.

References:

NWCG Status/Check-In Recorder Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Status/Check-In Recorder, PMS 350-32

NWCG Position Task Book for Status/Check-In Recorder (SCKN), PMS 311-32

Checking In Resources Customer Service Job Aid, J-111

The Next Generation Position Task Book and Incident Position Standards are now available for Safety Officer, Field (SOFF)

Date: July 26, 2024
Contact: Risk Management Committee 

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Safety Officer, Field, PMS 350-81 and NWCG Position Task Book for Safety Officer, Field (SOFF), PMS 311-81 are now available.

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 new Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book are developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort.

References:

NWCG Safety Officer, Field (SOFF) Position

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Safety Officer, Field, PMS 350-81

NWCG Position Task Book for Safety Officer, Field (SOFF), PMS 311-81

Updated NWCG Standards for Electronic Documentation (eDoc), PMS 277

Date: July 25, 2024
Contact: Incident Planning Subcommittee 

The Incident Planning Subcommittee has updated the NWCG Standards for Electronic Documentation (eDoc), PMS 277.

The NWCG Standards for Electronic Documentation (eDoc) establishes the standards for collection and retention of records on wildland fires. This July 2024 update will provide incident management teams the most current standards required to maintain incident records and submit them to host units at the close of an incident.

References:

NWCG Standards for Electronic Documentation (eDoc), PMS 277

eDoc Box Directory (zip file)

NWCG Off-Highway Vehicle Typing Standard Request for Comment

Date: July 24, 2024
Contact: Mobile Fire Equipment Subcommittee 

The Mobile Fire Equipment Subcommittee has released Equipment Bulletin 24-002 NWCG Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Typing Standard - Request for Comment. This bulletin outlines the proposed NWCG OHV typing standard, as well as the business need for establishing the standard. Comments on the proposed standard will be accepted through August 15th using the comment form linked below.

References:

ETC-EB-2024-02: NWCG Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Typing Standard - Request for Comment

NWCG Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Typing Standard Comment Form