ID
2-509-1035
Name
Operations Section Chief (NQS)
Status
Published
Version
2.0
Updated
6/14/2021 11:12:45 AM
Original Release
10/01/2006
Last Major Release
06/14/2021
Resource Category
Incident Management
Primary Core Capability
Operational Coordination
Secondary Core Capability
Planning
Resource Kind
Personnel
Overall Function
The Operations Section Chief manages tactical incident activities to achieve incident objectives and oversees Incident Action Plan (IAP) implementation.
Single resource
In conjunction with a NIMS typed team
NIMS Typed Team
Incident Managemet Team
In conjunction with a NIMS typed unit
NIMS Typed Unit
 
Description Notes
Not Specified
Supporting Core Capabilities
None
Types
Type Description
Type 1Same as Type 2, PLUS: 1. Coordinates operations at the state level or across jurisdictions 2. Incorporates branch-level tactical planning within the Operations Section as necessary
Type 2Same as Type 3, PLUS: 1. Participates in the development and implementation of a transition plan based on escalating incident complexity 2. Supervises the development of Operations Section-related contingency plans for the incident 3. Works with the Logistics Section to define support needs for remote incident facilities (camps, staging areas and so on)
Type 3The Operations Section Chief: 1. Establishes or transitions into the Operations Section 2. Supervises and configures the Operations Section with branches, divisions, groups and units to support the incident 3. Manages all operations and progress related to the incident 4. Makes the tactical assignments documented in the IAP and directs the plan’s execution 5. Makes expedient changes to current operations based on incident complexity or scope; reports changes to the Incident Commander (IC) 6. Ensures the safety and welfare of Operations Section personnel
Components
Component Notes  
EducationNot Specified
Component Types
Type Criteria
Type 1Not Specified
Type 2Not Specified
Type 3Not Specified
Training1. Identified equivalent trainings should meet or exceed course learning objectives. 2. The NIMS Training Program defines a national baseline to guide and promote NIMS training. It provides recommendations to assist Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) in developing their own training plans, tailored to their specific needs.
Component Types
Type Criteria
Type 1Same as Type 2
Type 2Same as Type 3
Type 3Completion of the following: 1. IS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS-100 2. IS-200: Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response, ICS-200 3. ICS-300: Intermediate Incident Command System for Expanding Incidents 4. ICS-400: Advanced Incident Command System for Command and General Staff – Complex Incidents 5. IS-700: National Incident Management System, An Introduction 6. IS-800: National Response Framework, An Introduction 7. E/G/L 0191: Emergency Operations Center/Incident Command System Interface 8. E/L 0958: National Incident Management System Incident Command System All-Hazards Operations Section Chief Course, or equivalent 9. United States Fire Administration (USFA) O-0305: Type 3 All-Hazards Incident Management Team (AHIMT) Introduction, or equivalent
ExperienceNot Specified
Component Types
Type Criteria
Type 1Same as Type 2, PLUS: 1. Successful completion of the National Qualification System (NQS) Position Task Book (PTB) for the NIMS Type 1 Operations Section Chief, or equivalent AHJ documentation 2. Satisfactory performance as a NIMS Type 2 Operations Section Chief
Type 2Same as Type 3, PLUS: 1. Successful completion of the NQS PTB for the NIMS Type 2 Operations Section Chief, or equivalent AHJ documentation 2. Satisfactory performance as a NIMS Type 3 Operations Section Chief
Type 31. Successful completion of the NQS PTB for the NIMS Type 3 Operations Section Chief, or equivalent AHJ documentation 2. Experience in incident management in a subordinate position within the Operations Section
Physical/Medical FitnessThe NIMS Guideline for the NQS defines Physical/Medical Fitness levels for NQS positions.
Component Types
Type Criteria
Type 1Same as Type 2
Type 2Same as Type 3
Type 3Light
CurrencyA higher position is one for which this position is a prerequisite.
Component Types
Type Criteria
Type 1Functions in this position during a qualifying incident, planned event, exercise, drill or simulation at least once every five years
Type 2Same as Type 3
Type 3Functions in this position or a higher position during a qualifying incident, planned event, exercise, drill or simulation at least once every five years
Professional and Technical Licenses and CertificationsNot Specified
Component Types
Type Criteria
Type 1Not Specified
Type 2Not Specified
Type 3Not Specified
Composition and Ordering Specifications
Specification
Discuss logistics for deploying this position, such as working conditions, length of deployment, security, lodging, transportation and meals, prior to deployment.
Requestor specifies any additional qualifications necessary, based on incident complexity and needs.
14091409
Notes
References
Reference
FEMA, NIMS 508: Incident Management Team
FEMA, NIMS 509: Incident Commander
FEMA, National Qualification System (NQS) Position Task Book for Operations Section Chief, latest edition adopted
FEMA, National Incident Management System (NIMS), October 2017
FEMA, NIMS Guideline for the NQS, November 2017
FEMA, NIMS Training Program, May 2020
FEMA, National Response Framework, October 2019
National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG), Position Catalog, latest edition published
United States Fire Administration (USFA), O-0305: All-Hazards Incident Management Team (AHIMT) Introduction, latest edition published