Crew Boss, Single Resource

Job Description form NWCG

The Crew Boss, Single Resource (CRWB) leads a hand crew and is responsible for its safety on wildland and prescribed fire incidents. The CRWB supervises assigned crew members and reports to a Strike Team Leader Crew (STCR), Task Force Leader (TFLD), Incident Commander (IC), or other assigned supervisor. The CRWB works in the Operations functional area.​ 

Leadership Level 2, New Leader (Convey Intent)

• For additional information review Level 2 description, expected behaviors and knowledge, suggested development goals, and self-study opportunities.

Prepare and Mobilize

• Ensure individual and crew readiness.

• Prepare crew for readiness.

• Gather critical information pertinent to the assignment.

• Prior to mobilization, confirm crew meets English language/crew language requirements.    

• Travel to and check-in at assignment.

• Review Incident Action Plan (IAP) and obtain briefing, objectives, and intent from supervisor.

Build the Team

• Assemble and validate readiness of crew, equipment, and vehicles.

• Ensure that IAP or relevant plan lists correct crew status. Report any corrections up chain of command.

• Brief assigned personnel using IAP and/or NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461, Briefing Checklist.

• Establish and communicate chain of command, reporting procedures, risk management processes, and radio frequency management.

• Establish a common operating picture with supervisors and subordinates.

• Participate in operational briefings as directed.

Supervise and Direct Work Assignments

• Establish and communicate performance expectations.

• Ensure incident objectives and leader’s intent (task, purpose, end state) are met.

• Identify, analyze, and use relevant situational information to make informed decisions and take appropriate actions.

• Base actions on evolving situational awareness and communicate changes to appropriate personnel.

• Monitor personnel's daily performance and provide feedback.

• Model leadership values and principles. Provide positive influence. Emphasize teamwork.

Perform Crew Boss-Specific Duties

• Effectively lead crew operations: Determine appropriate fireline tactics, including indirect and direct attack strategies.

• Effectively lead crew operations: Properly locate fireline and determine appropriate fireline construction methods necessary to stop fire spread. Ensure completion to acceptable standards.

• Effectively lead crew operations: Supervise water handling logistics and operations for crew (e.g., portable pumps, hoses, fold-a-tanks).

• Effectively lead crew operations: Supervise felling operations, including appropriate snag mitigation.

• Effectively lead crew operations: Prepare control lines for burnout operations.

• Effectively lead crew operations: Plan, direct, and supervise firing operations.

• Effectively lead crew operations: Scout line in critical areas and patrol fireline for spot fires and slopovers. Coordinate and communicate issues with fireline supervisor and adjoining resources.

• Effectively lead crew operations: Supervise mop up and suppression repair efforts on assigned portion of line.

• Ensure proper refurbishing and resupply of tools, vehicles, food, water, and supplies.

• Verify driver/operator qualifications and ensure adherence to vehicle safety procedures when transporting personnel, fuel, and equipment.

• Coordinate safe travel to and from the fireline.

• Assess work area to meet assigned objectives.

• Develop and implement tactics based on incident objectives, fire behavior, risk assessment, and leader's intent.

• Organize and deploy crew based on current objectives and resource capabilities.

• Request, direct, and provide feedback to aerial resources through established chain of command.

• Provide status updates on conditions affecting operations, hazardous conditions, unresolved conflicts, air operations, etc., to supervisor.

• Report special occurrences (e.g., structure/improved property loss or damage, accidents, sickness) to supervisor.

• Through established chain of command, assist the responsible land management agency and/or assigned Resource Advisor (READ), with the protection of natural, cultural, and other resources. Communicate when such resources are discovered and document suppression impacts.

• Equip crew with appropriate short and long-term logistical needs for assignment and utilize correct procedures to obtain additional supplies.

• Gather and/or disseminate information using maps, compass, Global Position System (GPS), and other tools and applications.

• Assign personnel to collect, document, and report weather observations.

• Provide timely updates of accurate information and recommendations using the chain of command to assist with the planning process.

Perform Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Duties

• Conduct WUI operations according to guidelines stated in the IRPG, incident-specific objectives and guidelines, and agency-specific guidance.

Communicate and Coordinate

• Communicate effectively using multichannel radios. Prepare and program radios for assignment. Use plain language and Incident Command System (ICS) terminology.

• Follow established processes and chain of command for collecting, producing, and distributing information.

• Ensure clear understanding of expectations and timely communication within and across Incident Command System (ICS) functional areas and chain of command.    

• Establish communications and exchange necessary briefings/information with the following: support resources, adjacent resources, and supervisor.

• Conduct and/or participate in After Action Reviews (AAR).

Manage Risk

• Use Look Up, Down, and Around in IRPG to help maintain situational awareness. Adjust actions accordingly.

• Develop and communicate contingency plans and trigger points.

• Provide input into the risk management process to ensure safety of operations.

• Monitor for signs and symptoms of fatigue, illness, or injury. Mitigate appropriately.

• Account for location, health, safety, and welfare of assigned personnel.

• Submit accident/incident reports with pertinent forms (SAFECOM, SAFENET, agency-specific forms) through established chain of command.

• Apply the Risk Management Process as stated in the IRPG.

• Ensure Lookouts, Communications, Escape Routes, and Safety Zones (LCES) are in place.

• Plan for medical emergencies. Ensure that assigned resources are prepared to execute the Medical Plan (ICS 206 WF). Ensure familiarity with medical responders, communication procedures, and transportation plan.

• Manage a medical emergency based on procedures stated in the IAP, IRPG, Medical Incident Report, NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire First Aid, PMS 560, or other relevant guidelines.

Document

• Complete all administrative tasks and documentation in an accurate and timely manner.

Demobilize

• Prepare for and implement demobilization.

• Depart from incident.