Forest Fire Fighting and Prevention Supervisors

Communicate fire details to superiors, subordinates, or interagency dispatch centers, using two-way radios.

Evaluate size, location, and condition of forest fires.

Serve as a working leader of an engine, hand, helicopter, or prescribed fire crew of three or more firefighters.

Maintain fire suppression equipment in good condition, checking equipment periodically to ensure that it is ready for use.

Train workers in skills such as parachute jumping, fire suppression, aerial observation, or radio communication, in the classroom or on the job.

Request and dispatch crews and position equipment so fires can be contained safely and effectively.

Operate wildland fire engines or hoselays.

Recruit or hire forest firefighting personnel.

Observe fires or crews from air to determine firefighting force requirements or to note changing conditions that will affect firefighting efforts.

Maintain knowledge of forest fire laws and fire prevention techniques and tactics.

Monitor prescribed burns to ensure that they are conducted safely and effectively.

Direct and supervise prescribed burn projects and prepare postburn reports, analyzing burn conditions and results.

Schedule employee work assignments and set work priorities.

Identify staff training and development needs to ensure that appropriate training can be arranged.

Monitor fire suppression expenditures to ensure that they are necessary and reasonable.

Direct investigations of suspected arson in wildfires, working closely with other investigating agencies.

Drive crew carriers to transport firefighters to fire sites.

Inspect stations, uniforms, equipment, or recreation areas to ensure compliance with safety standards, taking corrective action as necessary.

Regulate open burning by issuing burning permits, inspecting problem sites, issuing citations for violations of laws and ordinances, or educating the public in proper burning practices.

Perform administrative duties, such as compiling and maintaining records, completing forms, preparing reports, or composing correspondence.

Review and evaluate employee performance.

Appraise damage caused by fires and prepare damage reports.

Recommend equipment modifications or new equipment purchases.

Investigate special fire issues, such as railroad fire problems, right-of-way burning, or slash disposal problems.

Lead work crews in the maintenance of structures or access roads in forest areas.

Educate the public about forest fire prevention by participating in activities such as exhibits or presentations or by distributing promotional materials.