Region 5

FAST TRACK

AVIATION TRAINING & QUALIFICATION PROGRAM

INTRODUCTION

There is currently a nationwide shortage of qualified Air Operations Branch Directors (AOBD), Air Support Group Supervisors (ASGS), and Helicopter Managers (HEMG). This shortage will only worsen in the next five years due to the pending retirement of many people currently qualified in these positions.

The current system is unable to provide enough training opportunities and required trainee assignments to fill this void. The Region 5 FAST TRACK Aviation Training & Qualification Program is an “accelerated development” program designed to address this situation by providing the required training and mentoring in a much more condensed timeframe.

OVERVIEW

The training aspects of the program will emphasize providing the required courses for each position to participants in a reduced span of time. For example, a trainee may attend four courses in one year that may have only been available or offered at the rate of one course per year otherwise. This training will be conducted and the experience gained in the shortest timeframe possible, while still meeting the standards of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Wildland Qualifications Guide 310-1.

All major FS incidents in the Region will be required to order trainees for each targeted position that they fill. FAST TRACK program participants will be given priority in receiving trainee assignments on these incidents. Both local and geographic area coordination centers will be required to fill trainee assignments for these positions with program participants as available.

The program will be offered to 20 participants. Each forest/unit will nominate 1 person leaving 2 slots for other agency personnel. Each applicant must be qualified at the Firefighter Type 1 level as a minimum. Participants must have the full support of the sending unit as far time commitment for program completion.

This is targeted as a three year program designed to take participants from their current level of expertise to being fully qualified in one or more of the targeted positions.

IMPLEMENTATION

The Region 5 FAST TRACK Program is scheduled to begin Spring 2001. The program will follow the FAST TRACK Training & Qualification Plan (Appendix 1). Individual plans will consider a person’s current level of aviation aptitudes and skills and will build on those. The final goal being full qualification at the targeted position(s).

Proposed courses, with timelines, to be offered this fiscal year along with targeted trainee assignments can be found in the Region 5 FAST TRACK Aviation Training & Qualification Program – 2001TRAINING & EXPERIENCE SCHEDULE (Appendix 2).

Each individual’s program accomplishments will be documented on the FAST TRACK “Training & Qualifications Documentation” form (Appendix 3). This form will track participant’s progress toward the target position(s) and is a part of the individual’s Training & Qualification Plan.

MENTORING

Every participant will be assigned a mentor for each position they will ultimately be qualified. The Region will identify mentors for each position. They will be recognized as “master performers” in that position and will possess the necessary knowledge, skills, abilities, and desire to be a mentor. The mentors will guide, direct, and oversee the trainee’s progress and “sign-off” their accomplishments on their Training & Qualifications Documentation form.

A mentor may be assigned more than one participant as workload allows.

COMMITMENT

Training for these positions may be a 4-6 week commitment annually. Operational, on-the-job, and trainee assignments (NWCG Task Book completion) may be as long as 30 days, but are normally 14 to 21 days each. Program participants should expect 3-4 of these assignments each season. The program will require a 3 year commitment at a minimum.

For the Region 5 FAST TRACK program to be successful support for these commitments must come from the Region in the form of funding, program development & implementation, and oversight. The program must also be supported at the Unit level by providing participants and encouraging their total involvement in FAST TRACK.

Personnel accepted into the program must be motivated to work to achieve this rapid qualification and have a desire to perform in one or more of the targeted Aviation Management positions.

FUNDING

Regional funding will be provided for all program costs except salary.

Appendix 1

Region 5

FAST TRACK

AVIATION TRAINING & QUALIFICATION PLAN

NOTE: Training & Qualification for each position meets the standards of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Wildland Qualifications Guide 310-1.

Position: AIR OPERATIONS BRANCH DIRECTOR (AOBD)

Required Training:

  • Air Operations Branch Director (S-470)
  • Helibase Manager (S-371)
  • Interagency Helicopter Training Guide (S-217)
  • Fire Operations in the Urban Interface (S-215)

Recommended Training:

  • Advanced ICS (I-400)
  • Interagency Aviation Management & Safety (IAMS)
  • Advanced Management Concepts (S-481)
  • Intermediate ICS (I-300)
  • Air Support Group Supervisor (J-375)
  • Leadership & Organizational Development (S-381)
  • Basic ICS (I-200)
  • Supervisory Concepts & Techniques (S-281)
  • Interagency Incident Business Management (S-260)
  • Contract Administration Skills
  • Initial Attack Incident Commander (S-200)
  • Ignition Operations (S-234)

Prerequisite Experience:

NOTE: Requires successful completion of the following Task Books and resulting full position qualification:

  • Air Operations Branch Director
  • Air Support Group Supervisor
  • Helibase Manager
  • Helicopter Manager
  • Helicopter Crewmember
  • Incident Commander Type 4

Region 5

FAST TRACK

AVIATION TRAINING & QUALIFICATION PLAN

Position: AIR SUPPORT GROUP SUPERVISOR (ASGS)

Required Training:

  • Helibase Manager (S-371)
  • Interagency Helicopter Training Guide (S-217)
  • Fire Operations in the Urban Interface (S-215)

Recommended Training:

  • Intermediate ICS (I-300)
  • Air Support Group Supervisor (J-375)
  • Leadership & Organizational Development (S-381)
  • Basic ICS (I-200)
  • Supervisory Concepts & Techniques (S-281)
  • Interagency Incident Business Management (S-260)
  • Contract Administration Skills
  • Initial Attack Incident Commander (S-200)
  • Ignition Operations (S-234)

Prerequisite Experience:

NOTE: Requires successful completion of the following Task Books and resulting full position qualification:

  • Air Support Group Supervisor
  • Helibase Manager
  • Helicopter Manager
  • Helicopter Crewmember
  • Incident Commander Type 4

Region 5

FAST TRACK

AVIATION TRAINING & QUALIFICATION PLAN

Position: HELIBASE MANAGER (HEBM)

Required Training:

  • Helibase Manager (S-371)
  • Interagency Helicopter Training Guide (S-217)
  • Fire Operations in the Urban Interface (S-215)

Recommended Training:

  • Intermediate ICS (I-300)
  • Leadership & Organizational Development (S-381)
  • Basic ICS (I-200)
  • Supervisory Concepts & Techniques (S-281)
  • Interagency Incident Business Management (S-260)
  • Contract Administration Skills
  • Initial Attack Incident Commander (S-200)
  • Ignition Operations (S-234)

Prerequisite Experience:

NOTE: Requires successful completion of the following Task Books and resulting full position qualification:

  • Helibase Manager
  • Helicopter Manager
  • Helicopter Crewmember
  • Incident Commander Type 4

Region 5

FAST TRACK

AVIATION TRAINING & QUALIFICATION PLAN

Position: HELICOPTER MANAGER (HEMG)

Required Training:

  • Interagency Helicopter Training Guide (S-217)
  • Fire Operations in the Urban Interface (S-215)

Recommended Training:

  • Basic ICS (I-200)
  • Supervisory Concepts & Techniques (S-281)
  • Interagency Incident Business Management (S-260)
  • Contract Administration Skills
  • Initial Attack Incident Commander (S-200)
  • Ignition Operations (S-234)

Prerequisite Experience:

NOTE: Requires successful completion of the following Task Books and resulting full position qualification:

  • Helicopter Manager
  • Helicopter Crewmember
  • Incident Commander Type 4

Appendix 2

Region 5

FAST TRACK

AVIATION TRAINING & QUALIFICATION PROGRAM

2001 TRAINING & EXPERIENCE SCHEDULE

Required Training:

COURSE LOCATION DATES

Interagency Helicopter Training Guide S-217 / Vandenberg Trng. Cntr. / 4/22-26/01

Helibase Manager S-371

/ Vandenberg Trng. Cntr. / 4/30-5/4/01

Fire Operations in the Urban Interface S-215

/

Vandenberg Trng. Cntr.

/

5/7-9/01

Recommended Training:

COURSE LOCATION DATES

Intermediate ICS I-300 / NCTC Redding / 3/19-23/01

Advanced ICS I-400

/ NCTC Redding / 3/27-29/01

Firing Methods/Procedures S-234

/

Olive Drive Trng. Cntr.

/

4/30-5/4/01

Prerequisite Experience:

NOTE: R-5 FAST TRACK Participants will be placed on a priority list with the GACC’s in order to receive Trainee assignments (as qualified) and complete the required Task Books for the following positions:

  • Air Support Group Supervisor
  • Helibase Manager
  • Helicopter Manager
  • Helicopter Crewmember
  • Incident Commander Type 4

Appendix 3

Region 5

FAST TRACK

AVIATION TRAINING & QUALIFICATION PROGRAM

FY 2001

Training & Qualifications Documentation

PARTICIPANT NAME:______

HOME UNIT: ______

TARGET POSITION: ______

Required Training Completed:

COURSE LOCATION DATES MENTOR

Recommended Training Completed:

COURSE LOCATION DATES MENTOR

Prerequisite Experience Record:

POSITION INCIDENT/LOCATION DATES MENTOR

Task Books Completed:

POSITION DATE COMPLETED Approved by MENTOR

USDA - Forest Service / R5-6100-110 (08/06/98)

VERSA-SKILL ANNOUNCEMENT

AREA OF CONSIDERATION:

U.S. FOREST SERVICE - REGION 5 - REGIONWIDE

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT - CALIFORNIA

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE - WESTERN REGION

BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS

COOPERATING FIRE AGENCIES

ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER:

OPENING DATE: CLOSING DATE:

TITLE OF OPPORTUNITY

Region 5 “FAST TRACK” Aviation Training & Qualification Program. Collateral Duties, at the applicant's permanent position of record duty location.

[ ] / 120-DAY DETAIL/TEMP PROMOTION
[ ] / TASK FORCE
[ ] / TRAINING
XX / OTHER (explain in "Comments" below)

TARGETED POSITIONS WITHIN THE PROGRAM

Air Operation Branch Director Air Support Group Supervisor

Air Tactical Group Supervisor Helicopter Manager

Note: Potential assignment will be collateral duties with applicant's regular position.

NAME OF ADVERTISING UNIT

USDA - Forest Service, Region 5

Fire and Aviation Management Staff

DUTIES

Individuals accepted into the FAST TRACK Program will be provided classroom training, on-the-job training, and operational experience in order to qualify them in one or more of the above aviation management positions. This training wiil be conducted and the experience gained in the shortest timeframe possible, while still meeting the standards of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Wildland Qualifications Guide 310-1.

The duties of each incident position are outlined in NWCG Handbook 410-1. More specific duties may be found in the taskbooks for each individual position also available through NWCG.

Inquiries should be directed to Forest Fire Management Officers, Forest Aviation Officers, or the Regional Aviation Officer.

QUALIFICATIONS

As a minimum, all applicants MUST meet the qualifications of Firefighter Type 1 using the National Wildfire Coordinating Group Wildland Qualifications Guide 310-1. Individuals with higher levels of qualification will enter the program at a more advanced level, requiring less training and operational experience. Fire qualification guides may be reviewed at the offices of District Fire Management Officers or Forest Fire Management Officers.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Record of aviation and incident experience (within the last 5 years) as it relates to the above positions will be reviewed by the selecting officials--Use the attached Form #2, Selection Criteria.

Applicant's supervisor is required to complete a statement of availability--Use the attached Form #1, Application Form.

Certifying official must also certify qualifications are correct -- Use the attached Form #1, Application Form.

DURATION

Training for these positions may be a 4-6 week commitment annually. Operational, on-the-job, and trainee assignments can be as long as 30 days, but are normally 14 to 21 days each. 3-4 of these assignments should be expected each season. The FAST TRACK Program will require a 3 year commitment at a minimum.

COMMENTS

Nominate highly qualified and motivated Forest Service employees with a desire to perform in a variety of Aviation Management positions.

Once a person is accepted into the FAST TRACK Program they will be expected to satisfactorily complete the course work and operational/trainee assignments for each required level. Failure to perform may be cause for removal from the program. Personal, as well as organizational, comittment to this program is essential for the program’s success.

HOW TO APPLY

SEPARATE APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED FOR EACH POSITION FOR WHICH AN APPLICANT DESIRES TO APPLY.

Application consists of:

1. Completed Application Form (Form#1) with all appropriate signatures.

2. Completed Selection Criteria (Form#2).

Forest Service applicants should submit applications to USDA, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station, P.O. Box 245, Berkeley, CA 94701, Attention: Personnel

Note: Be sure to indicate the versaskill announcement number on your application.

METHODS OF EVALUATION AND SELECTION

Forest Service applications will be reviewed for completeness and qualifications by the Regional Office Operations Team - Personnel.

Evaluation Group will be assembled to assess the applications and provide recommendations to the selecting official.

WHERE TO MAIL APPLICATION

USDA, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station, P.O. Box 245, Berkeley, CA 94701, Attention: Personnel

Applications must be received at the appropriate offices, shown above, on or before the closing date to receive consideration. Non-selected applicants will be notified.

Announcement No. R5-00-079

APPLICATION FORM -- Form #1

POSITION FOR WHICH YOU WISH TO BE CONSIDERED

(Note: Separate applications must be submitted for each position which applicant desires consideration)

NAME

AGENCY

UNIT

ADDRESS

PHONE NUMBER

IBM (E-MAIL) ADDRESS (IF APPLICABLE)

WORKING TITLE

APPLICANT'S SIGNATUREDATE

======

I certify that the applicant above meets all the certification/qualification requirements as stated in FSH 5109.17 or NWCG 310-1 for the applied for position.

CERTIFYING OFFICIAL AND TITLEDATE

(EXAMPLE: FMO, DFMO, FIRE CHIEF, RANGER UNIT CHIEF, ETC.)

======

I, as immediate supervisor, acknowledge that the applicant will be made available for the Region 5 “FAST TRACK” Aviation Training & Qualification Program. I understand that the commitment to this program is a minimun of three (3) years.

SUPERVISOR SIGNATURE AND TITLEDATE

SIGNATURE OF APPROPRIATE LINE OFFICER (FS ONLY) DATE

Announcement No. R5-00-079

SELECTION CRITERIA -- FORM #2

RECORD OF EXPERIENCE FOR THE POSITION FOR WHICH THE APPLICANT IS APPLYING (LAST 5 YEARS) -- Example provided below.

(TYPE I/II)

(INCIDENT NAME) (LOCATION) (YEAR) (POSITION) (ASSIGNM'T) (# OF DAYS)

------

*** EXAMPLE FORMAT ***

(TYPE I/II)

(INCIDENT NAME) (LOCATION) (YEAR) (POSITION) (ASSIGNM'T) (# OF DAYS)

------

EXAMPLE FIRE OZONE N.F. 1990 DIV. SUP. TYPE I 5