ID
8-509-1168
Name
Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Task Force Leader
Status
Published
Version
1.4
Updated
9/8/2020 10:01:36 AM
Original Release
12/11/2014
Last Major Release
09/08/2020
Resource Category
Search and Rescue
Primary Core Capability
Mass Search and Rescue Operations
Secondary Core Capability
 
Resource Kind
Personnel
Overall Function
The Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Task Force Leader provides general leadership, direct supervision, wellness and safety to task force members.
Single resource
In conjunction with a NIMS typed team
NIMS Typed Team
Urban Search and Rescue Task Force
In conjunction with a NIMS typed unit
NIMS Typed Unit
 
Description Notes
Not Specified
Supporting Core Capabilities
None
Types
Type Description
Type 1The US&R Task Force Leader: 1. Provides: a. Leadership b. Direct supervision c. Wellness d. Safety of the task force 2. Provides oversight on safety, medical, logistics, and planning associated with the mission, including: a. Safety of self, task force members, and operations b. Medical care of self, task force members, and subjects c. Simple decontamination of self and task force members 3. Coordinates use of ground vehicles, watercraft, and aircraft for support 4. Operates in environments with and without infrastructure including those affected by disasters and terrorism; with compromised access to roadways, utilities, transportation, and limited availability of shelter, food, and water 5. Manages all administrative, operational and tactical functions of the task force 6. Reports work progress, status of the task force, and other important information to their supervisor, such as the Incident Management Team, Incident Support Team, or the AHJ
Components
Component Notes  
EducationNot Specified
Component Types
Type Criteria
Type 1Not Specified
TrainingNot Specified
Component Types
Type Criteria
Type 1Completion of the following: 1. IS-100: Introduction to Incident Command System or ICS-100 2. IS-200: Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response, ICS-200 3. ICS-300: Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents 4. ICS-400: Advanced ICS for Command and General Staff 5. IS-700: National Incident Management System (NIMS) An Introduction 6. IS-800: National Response Framework, An Introduction 7. National US&R Response System Task Force Leaders’ Training, or equivalent 8. AHJ-approved Critical Incident Stress Management Training 9. The US Department of Homeland Security’s Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Awareness Training (AWR160), or equivalent
ExperienceNot Specified
Component Types
Type Criteria
Type 1Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 1. Knowledge of Emergency Support Function 9, the National Response Framework, National Search and Rescue Supplement, and any associated state or local search and rescue plans at the task force level 2. Knowledge of the Catastrophic Incident Search and Rescue Addendum (CISAR) 3. Strong interpersonal communication skills, both oral and written 4. Strong leadership and organizational management skills 5. Skilled in performing critical thinking abilities Experience 1. Successful completion of the National Qualification System (NQS) Position Task Book (PTB) for the NIMS US&R Task Force Leader, or equivalent AHJ documentation 2. Five years of experience in a mid-level supervisory role
Physical/Medical FitnessThe NIMS Guideline for the National Qualification System (NQS) defines Physical/Medical Fitness levels for NIMS positions.
Component Types
Type Criteria
Type 11. Arduous 2. Minimum physical fitness Job Related Physical Ability Test (JRPAT) set by AHJ
CurrencyNot Specified
Component Types
Type Criteria
Type 1Functions in this position during an exercise, drill, or simulation at least once every three years and an operational incident at least once every five years
Professional and Technical Licenses and CertificationsNot Specified
Component Types
Type Criteria
Type 1Not Specified
Composition and Ordering Specifications
Specification
Can be ordered as an individual asset or in conjunction with a National Incident Management System (NIMS) typed team (Urban Search and Rescue Task Force)
Logistics for deploying this position, such as working conditions, length of deployment, security, lodging, transportation, and meals, prior to deployment
Operations in search and rescue environments may be recognized as immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH), per ASTM F2890 Standard Guide for Hazard Awareness for Search and Rescue Personnel or equivalent. The requesting authority must consider the need for additional recognized capability or endorsement
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Notes
References
Reference
FEMA, NIMS 508: Urban Search and Rescue Task Force
FEMA, National US&R Response System, Operations Manual, September 2012
FEMA, National US&R Response System, Training Program Administration Manual, February 2013
ASTM International (ASTM), F-2890-12 Standard Guide for Hazard Awareness for Search and Rescue Personnel, latest edition adopted
US Department of Homeland Security’s Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Awareness Training (AWR160)
National Search and Rescue Committee (NSARC), United States National Search and Rescue Supplement to the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Manual Version 2.0, April 2018
NSARC, Catastrophic Incident Search and Rescue Addendum to the National Search and Rescue Supplement to the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Manual Version 3.0, June 2012