Task Force Leader

Duties

• Ensures resources have all equipment and supplies required to meet tactical assignment.
• Identifies what impacts modified suppression objectives will have on resource assignments.
  • Determines situations that might modify tactics.
  • Identifies effective use of assigned resources.
  • Identifies and assesses values to be protected and assign resources.
• Ensures transportation needs are met as specified in the IAP.
  • Coordinates any additional transportation needs through the Ground Support Unit.
  • Informs supervisor if transportation needs cannot be met.
  • Ensures assigned resources arrive at assignment location.
• When at assigned work location, briefs and assigns tasks to resources based on IAP objectives, division/group assignments, and resource capabilities following Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG) format.
  • Briefs Single Resource Bosses using information from IAP.
    • IAP objectives and division/group control assignments.
    • Work standards, expectations, and Incumbent Code of Conduct.
    • Weather (in conjunction with IAP).
    • Communication (in conjunction with IAP).
    • Expected fire behavior.
    • Explains organization.
  • Applies the Risk Management Process utilizing IRPG checklists throughout each operational period.
  • Applies minimum impact suppression tactics.
• Coordinates activities with adjacent Strike Team/Task Force Leader(s) and single resources.
  • Contacts adjoining resources.
  • Makes list of supervisors of adjoining resources.
  • Informs adjoining resources of status.
  • Receives status of adjoining resources.
  • Determines communication channels with adjoining resources from IAP.
  • Maintains communication with assigned resources.
• Monitors progress/work during operational period.
  • Receives reports from subordinate supervisors, based on your briefing and work expectations.
  • Conducts personal observations based on your work expectations.
  • Inspects and locates line in advance of line construction.
  • Assesses values to be protected.
• Determines and provides for assistance or corrections to assigned work task(s) during operational period.
  • Identifies needs for corrections in work tasks to meet objectives and preserve safety.
  • Identifies fatigue producing factors and take corrective measures.
  • Contacts Division/Group Supervisor, etc., to review tactical effectiveness.
  • Identifies need for additional assistance, logistical support and replacements due to slow progress or unexpected events.
    • Identifies types of resources (air, equipment, hydraulics, etc.).
    • Take action to correct.
  • Determines assistance, logistical support, and replacements required to implement correction action. Evaluates recommendations from subordinate supervisors; i.e., split assignment with another division.
  • Assigns qualified personnel to scout line in critical areas.
• Uses tactics applied to structure protection.
  • Sizes up the situation and identifies associated risks for current assignment utilizing the IRPG.
    • Identifies appropriate tactics for current resources.
    • Requests specialized resources if applicable.
  • Safely and effectively utilizes the resources available based on capabilities and limitations.
• Completes operational period After Action Review (AAR) with single resource bosses.
• Submits situation and resource status information to supervisor.
  • Informs supervisor of any change in conditions or events based on amended or adjusted work assignment or assigned resources.
  • Requests additional resources, logistical support, and/or replacements through supervisors based on IAP, briefings, and discussions.
  • Documents and reports hazards, special considerations or events in the Unit Log ICS 214 and to supervisor.
• Fulfills administrative responsibilities.
  • Provides updated status and location of assigned resources to supervisor.
  • Establishes and confirms out-of-service time frame with supervisor.
  • Establishes contact or communication procedures for incident camp.
  • Submits completed Unit Log to Documentation Unit.
  • Submits personnel and equipment time to Time Unit.
  • Meets with Training Specialist as required.
• Identifies tactical capabilities and limitations of task force resources.
  • Matches resource capabilities with needed tasks.
  • Determines resource limitations and makes adjustments.
• Briefs task force members on the capabilities and limitations of each component of the task force. Briefings should include typical uses of equipment/crews and safety considerations associated with each.
• Compares objectives with accomplishments; adjusts use of combinations of resources as conditions warrant to maximize effectiveness.
• Identifies and plans for logistical needs associated with mixed resources.
• Obtains briefing from supervisor.
• Plans tactical action on assigned area based on objectives of IAP.
• Briefs relief resource on progress, reference points and hazards or special considerations.
• Establishes communication links.
• Determines and obtains logistics needs for assigned personnel while in staging.
• Briefs supervisor and IARR on staging area arrangements and procedures.
• Confirms demobilization instructions with supervisor and brief subordinates.

Position Knowledge and/or Requirements

• S-215, Fire Operations in the Wildland/Urban Interface.
• S-330, Task Force/Strike Team Leader.
• Qualified as a Strike Team Leader OR any two Single Resource Boss positions (one must be crew or engine) AND ICT4.
• Successful position performance as a TFLD on a wildland fire incident.

Physical Demands

• Duties involve rigorous fieldwork requiring above average physical performance, endurance and superior conditioning. Work requires prolonged standing, walking over uneven ground, and recurring bending, reaching, lifting and carrying of items weighing over 50 pounds and shared lifting and carrying of heavier items, and similar strenuous activities requiring at least average agility and dexterity.
• Duties include demands for strenuous activities in emergencies under adverse environmental conditions and over extended periods of time. Operation of some specialized fire equipment can place extended physical stress on incumbent during fire activities.

Work Environment

• The work is primarily performed in forest and range environments in steep terrain where surfaces may be extremely uneven, rocky, covered with vegetation, and in smoky conditions, etc. Temperatures vary from above 100 degrees F to below freezing. Risks include smoke inhalation, fire entrapment, snake or insect bites and stings, exposure to excessive machinery noise, and falling and rolling material. Personnel must adjust and cope with exposure to weather elements, dust and smoke, poor sleeping and eating conditions and unpredictable sets of circumstances. Incumbent may be required to live in backcountry camps for extended periods of time. The hazardous nature of the work requires that personal protective equipment be worn (boots, hardhat, gloves, flame resistant clothing, etc.) Work may require travel by light fixed wing or rotor wing aircraft.