FEMA US&R Response System
Task Force Position Descriptions
General Requirements
1. Must be able to meet the physical requirements of the sponsoring agency with or without
accommodations.
2. Must be available on short notice to mobilize within six hours of request and be self-sufficient 72
hours for a response assignment of up to 10 days in austere environments.
3. Must be capable of improvising and functioning for Iong hours under adverse conditions.
4. Must maintain current inoculations for Diptheria/Tetanus (or Tetanus only if there is a contraindication
to Diphtheria), Hepatitis A & B, Measles/Mumps/Rubella (if born after 1957), and Polio.
5. Must be able to function safely at heights and on or around rubble.
6. Must be aware of the signs, symptoms and corrective measures of critical incident stress syndrome.
7. Must understand and adhere to safe working practices and procedures as required in the urban
disaster environment.
8. Must have a working knowledge of FEMA's US&R Response System, organizational structure,
operating procedures, safety practices, terminology, knowledge of all task force equipment, and
communications protocols.
9. Must have successfully completed the First Responder Awareness Level for Hazardous Materials
as per OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.120 Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency
Response.
10. Must be currently certified in at least Standard First Aid.
11. Must be currently certified in America Heart Association Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation - Basic
Life Support
12. Must have a working knowledge of the Incident Command System.
13. Must understand the needs of and provide support to their counterparts within the task force for
specific operations, techniques and application of tools and equipment.
14. Must possess training and experience in personal safety in US&R environments.