Resource Advisor (READ/REAF)

Resource Advisor positions inform effective decision-making to meet land and resources management objectives during all phases of wildland fire management. The position requirements can be found in the Federal Wildland Fire Qualifications Supplement (Federal Supplement). Also, individual agencies have the option to establish agency-specific positions and standards based on missions and needs. 

The Resource Advisor (READ/F) program on the Forest is overseen by the Forest READ Cadre. In addition to requirements stated in the Federal Wildland Fire Qualifications Supplement (Federal Supplement), employees must complete the approved READ/F Performance Checklist. In addition, it is recommended trainees obtain 10 days experience as a FFT2 prior to becoming fully qualified.

The Resource Advisor Guide establishes NWCG standards for Resource Advisors to enable interagency consistency among Resource Advisors. The guide provides detailed information on decision-making, authorities, safety, preparedness, and rehabilitation concerns as well as considerations for interacting with all levels of incident management. Additionally, the guide standardizes the forms, plans, and systems used by Resource Advisors for all land management agencies. 

The Forest hosts an in-person instructor-led N-9042 training annually. The next N-9042 is tentatively scheduled for May 2024.

Contact the Forest Training Officer or a member of the Forest READ Cadre if you are interested in attending N-9042 as there may be additional opportunities offered throughout the year. Training opportunities may also be available in the Wildland Fire Learning Portal; search N-9042.

The Performance Checklist will be initiated by the Forest Training Officer, or delegated alternate, with approval from the Forest Fire Staff Officer. All READ/F Performance Checklist requests must be formally submitted on a "Recommendation for Certification for Non-PTB Position Form". 

1. Download and complete a "Recommendation for Certification for Non-PTB Position Form" (see Documents below). 

2. Check the "Trainee" box.

3. Route the completed form to your Unit Training Officer for processing. 

IMPORTANT: If requesting to become "Qualified" in the position, forms must be submitted to the Forest Training Officer five business days in advance of a scheduled Forest Qualifications Review Committee (FQRC) meeting. Documentation received outside of the stated timeframe will be held for the next regularly scheduled FQRC meeting.

Upon completion, the Performance Checklist must be routed to the Forest Training Officer to facilitate initial review by the Forest Fire Staff Officer. The Performance Checklist will be processed by the Forest Training Officer in the same manner as agency Task Books following Forest Qualifications Review Committee (FQRC) procedures. Individuals will remain in ‘trainee’ status until a Performance Checklist has been certified. All READ/F Performance Checklist requests must be formally submitted on a "Recommendation for Certification for Non-PTB Position Form". 

1. Download and complete a "Recommendation for Certification for Non-PTB Position Form" (see Documents below). 

2. Check the "Trainee" box.

3. In the "Rationale" box, write: Completed READ/F Performance Checklist.

4. Attach READ/F Performance Checklist.

5. Route the completed form and any supporting documentation to the Forest Training Officer for processing. 

IMPORTANT: If requesting to become "Qualified" in the position, forms must be submitted to the Forest Training Officer five business days in advance of a scheduled Forest Qualifications Review Committee (FQRC) meeting. Documentation received outside of the stated timeframe will be held for the next regularly scheduled FQRC meeting.