ICS Manual #2 ICS POSITIONS
What is a Agency Representative?
-At many multi-jurisdictional incidents, an agency or jurisdiction will designate a representative to assist in the coordination of resources. -An Agency Representative is an individual assigned to an incident by an assisting or cooperating agency with delegated authority to make decisions on matters affecting that agencies participation at the incident. -
What is the job of the Branch Director?
-Branches may be functional or geographical (e.g., Medical, Law Enforcement, Haz-Mat, Fire Control, Exposure 2, Air Branches). -Branch Directors are under the direction of the Incident Commander(s), or the Operations Section Chief(s) when staffed, and are responsible for the implementation of the appropriate portion of the Incident Action Plan.
The Field Observer determines:
A. Location of assignment B. Type of information required C. Priorities D. Time limits for completion E. Method of communication F. Method of transportation
Who are the three positions that report directly to the Situation Unit Leader?
A. Display Processor B. Field Observer C. Weather Observer
General Staff positions of the ICS consist of the following
-Operations Section Chief(s) -Planning Section Chief -Logistics Section Chief -Finance / Administration Section Chief -Intelligence / Investigation **
What's the job of the Demobilization Unit Leader?
-The Demobilization Unit Leader is responsible for developing the Incident Demobilization Plan. -On large incidents, demobilization can be quite complex, requiring a separate planning activity. Note that not all agencies require specific demobilization instructions.
What is the job of the Documentation Unit Leader?
-The Documentation Unit leader is responsible for the maintenance of accurate, up-to-date incident files. -The Documentation Unit Leader will also provide duplication services. Incident files will be stored for legal, analytical, and historical purposes.
What is the job of the Safety Officer?
-The Safety Officer will develop and recommend measures for assuring personnel safety, and to assess and/or anticipate hazardous and unsafe situations. -One Safety Officer will be assigned for each incident, -The Safety Officer will normally correct unsafe acts or conditions through the regular chain of command. However, the Safety Officer may exercise emergency authority to alter, suspend, or stop unsafe acts when immediate action is required. The Safety Officer must maintain constant awareness of active and developing situations.
What is the job of the Situation Unit Leader?
-The collection, processing and organizing of all incident information takes place within the Situation Unit. -The Situation Unit may prepare future projections of incident growth, maps and intelligence information.
What is the IC responsible for?
-the overall management of all incident activities -for building a command structure that matches the organizational needs of the incident to achieve the completion of the tactical objectives for the incident
What are incident priorities?
A. Life safety and removal of endangered occupants B. Incident stabilization C. Property and the environmental conservation D. Safety, accountability and welfare of personnel
The Display Processor determines:
A. Location of work assignment B. Numbers, types and locations of displays required C. Priorities D. Map requirements for Incident Action Plans E. Time limits for completion F. Field Observer assignments and communications means
Incidents that usually require an expanded ICP include
A. Multi agency incidents run under a Unified Command B. Long-term incidents C. Incidents requiring an on-scene communications center D. Incidents requiring a separate Planning function E. Incidents requiring the use of Command Staff and Agency Representative positions
Planning Section Chief Responsibilities include
A. Collect and process situation information about the incident B. Supervise preparation of the Incident Action Plan C. Provide input to the Incident Commander(s) and the Operations Section Chief(s) in preparing the Incident Action Plan D. Reassign out-of-service personnel already on-site to ICS organizational positions as appropriate E. Establish information requirements for Planning Section units (Resources,Situation, Documentation and Demobilization Units) F. Establish reporting schedules for Planning Section units (Resources, Situation, Documentation and Demobilization Units) G. Determine need for any specialized resources in support of the incident H. If requested, assemble and disassemble Strike Teams and Task Forces not assigned to Operations I. Establish special information collection activities as necessary, e.g., weather, environmental, toxics J. Assemble information on alternative strategies K. Provide periodic predictions on incident potential L. Report any significant changes in incident status M. Compile and display incident status information N. Oversee preparation and implementation of Incident Demobilization Plan O. Incorporate plans (e.g. Traffic, Medical, Site Safety, Communication) and other supporting materials into the Incident Action Plan P. Maintain Unit Log
Liaison Officer's Responsibilities include:
A. Contact point for agency representatives B. Maintain a list of assisting and cooperating agencies and representatives C. Assist in establishing and coordinating interagency contacts D. Keep agencies aware of incident status E. Monitor incident operations to identify current or potential inter- organizational problems F. Participate in planning meetings, providing current resource status, including limitations and capability of assisting agency resources G. Maintain Unit Log
PIO Responsibilities include
A. Determine the limitations on information release from the IC B. Prepare information and material for use in media briefings C. Obtain IC approval of media release D. Inform media and conduct media briefings E. Arrange tours and other interviews or briefings that may be required F. Obtain media information that may be useful to incident planning G. Maintain current information summaries and/or displays on the incident H. Maintain Unit Log
Operations Section Chief(s) Responsibilities include
A. Develop the Operations Section of the Incident Action Plan B. Manage tactical operations • Interact with the next subordinate level of Section (Branch, Sector/Group) to develop the Operations Section portion of the Incident Action Plan • Request resources needed to implement tactics as a part of the Incident Action Plan development C. Assign and brief Operations Section personnel in accordance with the Incident Action Plan D. Supervise the execution of the Incident Action Plan for Operations • Maintain close contact with subordinate positions • Ensure safe tactical operations E. Review suggested list of resources to be released and initiate recommendation for release of resources F. Approve the release of resources from assigned status (not the release from the incident) G. Make or approve expedient changes to the Incident Action Plan during the Operational Period as necessary H. Assemble and disassemble strike teams and task forces assigned to the Operations Section I. Maintain close communication with the Incident Commander(s) J. Maintain Unit Log
Agency Representative Responsibilities include:
A. Ensure that all agency resources are properly checked-in at the incident B. Obtain briefing from the Liaison Officer or Incident Commander(s) C. Inform assisting or cooperating agency personnel that the Agency Representative position has been filled D. Attend briefings and planning meetings as required E. Provide information on agency resources unless resource technical specialists are on the scene F. Cooperate fully with the Incident Commander(s) and General Staff on agency involvement at the incident 7 G. Ensure the well being of agency personnel assigned to the incident H. Advise the Liaison Officer of any agency needs I. Report to assigned agency on a regular basis J. Ensure that all agency personnel and equipment are properly accounted for and released prior to departure K. Ensure that all required agency reports and documents are complete prior to departure L. Conduct a debriefing session with the Liaison Officer or Incident Commander(s) prior to departure M. Maintain Unit Log
Some Responsibilities of the IC
A. Establish and announce Command B. Establish an effective operating position for the Incident Command Post C. Assess the situation (size up) and/or obtain a briefing from the prior IC D. Determine incident objectives and strategy E. Establish the immediate priorities F. Approve and implement an Incident Action Plan (IAP) G. Develop an effective incident command organization H. Ensure that adequate safety measures are in place I. Review, evaluate and revise (as needed) the IAP J. Ensure planning meetings are scheduled as required K. Coordinate activity for all Command and General Staff L. Coordinate with key agencies and officials M. Approve requests for additional resources or for release of resources N. Authorize release of information to the news media O. Order demobilization of the incident, when appropriate P. Provide for the continuity, transfer, and termination of Command
Resource Unit Leader Responsibilities?
A. Establish check-in function at incident locations B. Prepare Organization Assignment List and Organization Chart C. Prepare appropriate parts of Assignment Lists D. Prepare and maintain the Command Post display (to include organization chart and resource allocation and deployment) E. Maintain and post the current status and location of all resources F. Maintain master roster of all resources checked in at the incident G. A Check-In Recorder reports to the Resources Unit Leader and is responsible for accounting for all resources assigned to an incident H. Maintain unit log
Single Resource Responsibilities include
A. Obtain briefing from immediate supervisor, Incident Commander(s), Operations Section Chief(s), Branch Director, Sector/Group Supervisor or Task Force/Strike Team Leader B. Review assignments C. Obtain necessary equipment and supplies D. Review weather and environmental conditions for assignment area E. Brief subordinates on safety measures F. Monitor work progress G. Ensure adequate communications with supervisor and subordinates H. Keep supervisor informed of progress and any changes I. Inform supervisor of problems with assigned resources J. Brief relief personnel and advise them of any change in conditions K. Return equipment and supplies to appropriate unit L. Complete and return required documentation and equipment
Task Force/Strike Team Leader Responsibilities include:
A. Obtain briefing from supervisor (Sector/Group Supervisor, Branch Director, Operations Section Chief(s) or Incident Commander(s), depending upon how the incident is organized) B. Review assignments with subordinates and assign tasks C. Travel to and from active assignment area with assigned resources D. Monitor work progress and make changes as necessary E. Coordinate activities with adjacent Task Force/Strike Team, single resources or with a functional group working in the same location F. Keep supervisor advised of situation and resource status G. Retain control of assigned resources while in available, or out-of-service status H. Maintain Unit Log
Branch Director's Responsibilities include
A. Obtain briefing from the Incident Commander(s) or Operations Section Chief(s) when staffed B. Supervise Branch operations C. Develop alternatives for Branch control operations assisted by subordinates D. Interact with the Operations Section Chief(s) and other Branch Directors to develop tactics to achieve incident strategies E. Attend incident planning meetings at the request of the Incident Commander(s) or Operations Chief(s) F. Review Sector/Group assignments within the Branch and report status to the Operations Section Chief(s) G. Assign specific work tasks to Sector/Group Supervisors H. Monitor and inspect progress and make changes as necessary I. Resolve logistics problems reported by subordinates J. Notify the Incident Commander(s) or Operation Section Chief(s) if: 1. Incident Action Plan is modified 2. Additional resources are needed 3. Surplus resources are available 4. Hazardous situations or significant events occur K. Maintain Unit Log
Sector/Group Supervisor Responsibilities include
A. Obtain briefing from the Incident Commander(s), Operations Section Chief(s) or appropriate Operations Branch Director B. Review assignments with subordinates and assign tasks C. Implement the Incident Action Plan for the Sector/Group D. Identify increments assigned to the Sector/Group E. Inform the Resources Unit, if staffed, of status changes of resources assigned to the Sector/Group F. Coordinate activities with adjacent Sectors/Groups G. Monitor and inspect progress and make changes as necessary H. Keep supervisor informed of situation and resources status information I. Report hazardous situations, special occurrences and/or significant events to immediate supervisor J. Resolve tactical assignment and logistics problems within the Sector/Group K. Determine need for assistance on assigned tasks L. Ensure that assigned personnel and equipment arrive at and depart from their assignments in a timely and orderly manner M. Participate in the development of tactical plans for the next operational period N. Maintain Unit Log
Safety Officer's Responsibilities include
A. Participate in planning meetings B. Identify hazardous situations associated with the incident C. Review Incident Action Plan for safety implications D. Exercise emergency authority to stop and prevent unsafe acts E. Investigate accidents that have occurred within the incident area F. Assign assistants as needed G. Review and approve the Medical Plan H. Review and approve the Site Safety Plan I. Maintain Unit Log
The following general guidelines are to be used to establish an ICP:
A. Position the ICP outside the present and potential hazard zone B. Establish a visual layout of the incident C. Expand the ICP as the incident grows D. Provide for security and control access to the ICP as necessary E. Identify the location with a visible banner or sign F. Announce to all personnel the ICP activation and location via radio or other means of communication
staging area manager Responsibilities include
A. Proceed to the Staging Area B. Establish layout of Staging Area C. Determine any support needs for equipment, food, sanitation and security D. Post areas for identification and traffic control E. Provide check-in for incoming resources F. Determine required resource reserve levels from the Operations Section Chief(s) or Incident Commander(s) G. Advise the Operations Section Chief(s) or Incident Commander(s) when reserve levels reach minimums H. Maintain minimum number of units at Staging as set by the Incident Commander(s) or Operations Section Chief(s) I. Maintain and provide status to Resources Unit of all resources in Staging Area J. Respond to Operations Section Chief(s) or Incident Commander(s) requests for resources K. Request logistical support for personnel and/or equipment and security as needed L. Maintain Staging Area in an orderly condition M. Demobilize or relocate Staging Area as required N. Maintain Unit Log
Who does the Agency Representative report to?
Agency Representatives report to the Liaison Officer when staffed, or to the Incident Commander(s).
What's the job of the Technical Specialists?
Certain incidents or events may require the use of Technical Specialists who have specialized knowledge and expertise. Technical Specialists may function within the Planning Section, or be assigned anywhere in the incident organization where their services are required.
What is the job of the Check-In / Status Recorder
Check-In/Status Recorders are needed at each check-in location to ensure that all resources allocated to an incident are accounted for.
The following list describes personnel assigned to manage at each level of the ICS organization
Incident Command----- Incident Commander Command Staff--------- Officer Section------------------- Section Chief Branch ------------------- Branch Director Sector/Group------------ Sector Supervisor/Group Supervisor Unit ---------------------- Unit Leader Area ---------------------- Manager
Three important staff functions that are the responsibility of the IC
Information, Safety and Liaison.
What is the job of the Compensation / Claims Unit Leader?
Manages all documentation and record keeping functions related to compensation for injury (worker's compensation; line-of-duty injury) -Investigates and documents all claims involving property associated with or involved in the incident.
What is the job of the Procurement Unit Leader?
Manages all financial matters pertaining to vendor contracts, leases and fiscal agreements.
What is the job of the Cost Unit Leader?
Provides all incident cost analysis; identify all equipment and personnel requiring payment; records all cost data; analyzes and prepares estimates of incident costs; and maintains accurate records of incident costs.
What is the the job of the Communications Unit Leader?
The Communications Unit Leader, under the direction of the Service Branch Director, or Logistics Section Chief, is responsible for developing the plans for effective use of incident communications equipment and facilities; installing and testing of communications equipment; supervision of the Incident Communications Center; distribution of communications equipment to incident personnel and the maintenance and repair of communications equipment.
What is the job of the Display Processor?
The Display Processor displays incident status information obtained from Field Observers, resource status reports, aerial photographs etc. Information is posted on maps and status boards as appropriate.
What is the job of the Facilities Unit Leader?
The Facilities Unit Leader is primarily responsible for the layout and activation of incident facilities, e.g., Base, Camp(s) and Incident Command Post. The Unit provides sleeping and sanitation facilities for incident personnel and manages Base and Camp(s) operations. Each facility (Base, Camp) is assigned a manager who reports to the Facilities Unit Leader and is responsible for managing the operation of the facility. The basic functions or activities of the Base and Camp Managers are to provide security service and general maintenance.
What is the job of the Field Observer?
The Field Observer is responsible for collecting situation information from personal observations at the incident and providing this information to the Situation Unit Leader.
What is the job of the Finance / Administration Section Chief?
The Finance / Administration Section Chief may have a deputy who may be from the same agency or from an assisting agency. Deputies must have the same qualifications as the person for whom they work, as they must be ready to take over that position at any time.
What is the Finance/Administration Section?
The Finance / Administration Section is responsible for managing all financial and administrative aspects of an incident. Not all incidents will require a Finance /Administrative Section.
What is the job of the Food Unit Leader?
The Food Unit Leader is responsible for supplying the food needs for the entire incident, including all remote locations (Camp, Staging Areas) as well as food for personnel unable to leave tactical field assignments.
What is the job of the Ground Support Unit Leader?
The Ground Support Unit Leader is primarily responsible for: A. Support of out of service resources B. Transportation of personnel, supplies, food and equipment C. Fueling, service, maintenance and repair of vehicles and other ground support equipment D. Implementing Traffic Plan for the incident
What is the incident command post?
The Incident Command Post (ICP) is the location at which the primary command functions are performed. The IC will be located at the ICP.
What is the job of the Liaison Officer?
The Liaison Officer is the point of contact for personnel assigned to the incident by assisting or cooperating agencies. The Liaison Officer and any assistant are not directly involved in incident operations, tactical assignments or unified command.
What is the Job of the Logistics Section Chief?
The Logistics Section Chief, a member of the General Staff, is responsible for providing the equipment, supplies and other services required in the support of an incident.
What is the Logistics Section?
The Logistics Section provides all incident support needs.
Who is the Operations Section Chief(s)?
The Operations Section Chief(s) is a member of the General Staff and is responsible for the management of all operations directly applicable to the primary mission. The Operations Section may be a single or Unified Operations Section. This will depend on the CIMS Response Matrix. • Single Operations Section: In general, at incidents managed by a single Primary Agency, the IC will designate a single Operations Chief. -The Operations Section Chief(s) activates and supervises organization elements in accordance with the Incident Action Plan (IAP) and directs its execution. The Operations Section Chief(s) directs the preparation of unit operational plans, requests or releases resources, makes expedient changes to the IAP as necessary, and reports such to the Incident Commander(s).
What is the job of the planning section Chief?
The Planning Section Chief is a member of the general staff and is responsible for the collection, evaluation, dissemination and use of information about the development of the incident and status of resources.
What is the job of the Planning Section?
The Planning Section collects, evaluates, processes and disseminates information for use at the incident. When activated, the Planning Section Chief, as a member of the General Staff, manages the Planning Section.
What is the job of the Public Information Officer PIO?
The Public Information Officer (PIO) is responsible for developing and releasing information about the incident to the news media, incident personnel and other agencies and organizations. -Only one Public Information Officer will be assigned for each incident
What is the job of the Rehabilitation Unit Leader?
The Rehabilitation Unit Leader, under the direction of the Service Branch Director or Logistics Section Chief, is primarily responsible for the rehabilitation of incident personnel who are suffering from the effects of strenuous work and/or extreme conditions, and preparation of reports and records.
What is the Job of the Resources Unit Leader?
The Resources Unit Leader is responsible for maintaining the status of all allocated resources (primary and support) at an incident. This is achieved through: A. Overseeing the check-in of all resources B. Maintaining a status-keeping system indicating current location and status of all resources (Maintain Lobby Command Log or similar log) C. Maintenance of a master list of all resources, e.g., key supervisory personnel, primary and support resources
What is the job of the Sector/Group Supervisor?
The Sector/Group Supervisor reports to the Incident Commander(s), Operations Section Chief(s), or Branch Director when staffed. The Supervisor is responsible for the implementation of the appropriate portion of the Incident Action Plan, the assignment of resources within the Sector/Group and reporting on the progress of operations.
What is the job of the Service Branch Director?
The Service Branch Director is responsible for the management of all service activities at the incident, including the supervision of the Communications, Rehabilitation and Food Units.
What is the job of the staging area manager?
The Staging Area Manager reports to the Incident Commander(s) or Operations Section Chief(s) when staffed. The Staging Area Manager is responsible for managing all activities within a Staging Area.
What is the job of the Supply Unit Leader?
The Supply Unit Leader is responsible for ordering personnel, equipment and supplies; receiving, processing and storing all supplies for the incident; maintaining an inventory of supplies; and servicing non-expendable supplies and equipment.
What is the Job of the Support Branch Director?
The Support Branch Director, when activated, is under the direction of the Logistics Section Chief, and is responsible for the development and implementation of Logistics plans in support of the Incident Action Plan.
What is the job of the Task Force/Strike Team Leader?
The Task Force/Strike Team Leader reports to the Incident Commander(s), Operations Section Chief(s), Branch Director, or Sector/Group Supervisor and is responsible for performing tactical assignments assigned to the Task Force/Strike Team. -The Leader reports work progress, resource status and other important information to a Sector/Group Supervisor.
What is the job of the Time Unit Leader?
The Time Unit Leader is responsible for ensuring the accurate recording of daily personnel time, in compliance with specific agency(s) time recording policies.
What is the job of the Weather Observer?
The Weather Observer is responsible to collect current incident weather information and provide the information to an assigned meteorologist or Situation Unit Leader.
What is the Single Resource?
The person in charge of a single tactical resource will carry the unit designation of the resource.
How many ICPs will there be for each incident?
There will be only one ICP for each incident. This also applies on multi agency or multi-jurisdictional incidents operating under a single or unified command.
Investigative Operations may be responsible for:
• Intelligence management • Forensics • Electronic communications, surveillance and evidence collection • Human remains processing
What are four units within the Planning Section that can be activated as necessary:
• Resources Unit • Situation Unit • Documentation Unit • Demobilization Unit
