See Wildland Fire Management Technician.

Supervises wildland firefighters and performs the full range of wildland fire prevention, suppression and mitigation duties; or serves as a fire technician.

Positions at this level are the supervisory component of a single resource. A single resource is deployed as a unit on a fire incident with an identified work supervisor. A single resource is defined as either:

a) a supervisor and a piece of equipment, such as a fire engine or helicopter, and its personnel complement; or

b) a supervisor and a crew of individuals.

Examples of supervisory positions at this level include engine boss, assistant crew boss, or helicopter manager.

Positions serving as a fire technician perform technical wildland fire program assignments such as providing assistance to a Fire Investigator by gathering information to determine fire cause and origin, enforcing fire laws and writing burning permits in an assigned geographic area within a district.

Supervises wildland firefighters in the prevention, suppression and mitigation of forest wildfires. Suppression work includes responding to incidents, evaluating situations, initiating appropriate response, and organizing responding resources for safe and efficient firefighting;

Interviews and recommends selection of applicants, conducts training, assigns and schedules work, acts upon leave requests, conducts performance evaluations and recommends disciplinary action;

Serves as a unit instructor for National Wildfire Coordinating Group fire courses for an assigned geographic area;

Reviews and approves burn permits for an assigned geographic area; researches and investigates burning violations; issues citations;

Participates in a region fire prevention program, including conducting community Firewise workshops, presenting information about fire prevention at public events and meetings, and other educational activities;

Assists region natural resources investigator by gathering fire data in order to determine the cause and origin of forest wildfires;

May lead lower level Wildland Firefighters and crews in fire prevention, suppression and mitigation;

Performs the duties of the lower levels in the series;

Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge of: fire behavior, suppression, resources, equipment, tools, methods and techniques; Incident Command System; accepted safety practices; forest fire regulations (e.g., Forest Protection Assessment and Outdoor Burning regulations) supervisory methods, personnel practices and procedures; National Wildfire Coordinating Group standards.

Ability to: evaluate and select appropriate level of command required for the safe, efficient and effective management of an incident; recognize changing environmental or situational conditions; supervise and direct a fire suppression module; serve as an instructor of fire training; perform duties under stressful and adverse operating conditions; operate communication hardware including multi-channel two-way radios, computers, and GPS units

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

High School diploma or GED equivalent and 24 months of experience in wildland fire suppression and regulation, including at least twelve months leading others.


One year as a Wildland Fire Management Lead.

National Wildfire Coordinating Group qualified as a Single Resource Boss (e.g. Engine Boss, Helicopter Manager) and as an Incident Commander Type 4.

Establishment, adopted 6/13/2019, effective 7/1/2019.
Add class series concept, adopted 11/10/2021, effective 1/1/2022.
Revised title, definition, distinguishing characteristics, typical work, knowledge and abilities, desirable qualifications, adopted June 22, 2023, effective July 1, 2023.