Incident Communications Center Manager

INCM Incident Position Description

The Incident Communications Center Manager (INCM) is responsible for managing the administrative documentation and inventory of the Communications unit and acts as a Radio Operator (RADO) in the absence of an operator. The INCM supervises RADOs in the Communications unit and reports to the Communications Unit Leader (COML). The INCM works in the Logistics functional area.

Prepare and Mobilize

• Ensure individual readiness.
• Gather critical information pertinent to the assignment.
• Travel to and check in at assignment.
• Check in with the incident supervisor and/or dispatch when arriving at the incident.
• Review Incident Action Plan (IAP) and obtain briefing, objectives, and intent from supervisor.
• Obtain briefing from the previous shift/assignment position as necessary.

Build the Team

• Assemble and validate the readiness of assigned personnel and equipment.
• Establish and communicate the chain of command, reporting procedures, risk management processes, and radio frequency management.
• Establish a common operating picture with supervisors and assigned resources.
• Participate in operational briefings as directed.
• Brief assigned personnel.
• Identify assigned resources and maintain accountability.

Supervise and Direct Work Assignments

• Establish and communicate objectives, priorities, work assignments, and performance expectations.
• Identify, analyze, and use relevant situational information to make informed decisions and take appropriate actions.
• Adjust actions based on changing information and evolving situation awareness. Develop and implement contingency plans. Communicate changing conditions to assigned resources and supervisor.
• Ensure incident objectives and performance standards are met.
• Monitor performance and provide immediate and regular feedback to assigned personnel.
• Establish and maintains positive internal and external interpersonal working relationships.

Perform Incident Communications Center Manager-Specific Duties

• Establish the incident communication center with the Facilities Unit Leader.
• Supervise incident communications center.
• Maintain equipment accountability and inventories.
• Establish and maintain issue accountability system and issue hand-held radios.
• Ensure issued equipment is operational.
• Label non-functioning equipment upon return.
• Order necessary equipment/supplies for unit and incident.
• Recognize basic communications network malfunctions (low battery on repeater, intermittent repeater transmissions, dead spots, etc.) and report them to COML.
• Complete lost radio reports.
• Track frequencies in use and determine the location of repeaters.

Communicate and Coordinate

• Follow established processes and chain of command for collecting, producing, and distributing information. 
• Assist operations and other personnel with interpreting Communications Plan.
• Establish message center procedures. Receive and transmit messages internally and externally.
• Ensure a clear understanding of expectations and timely communication within and across ICS functional areas and chain of command.
• Establish communications and exchange necessary briefings/information with the following:
  • Support resources
  • Adjacent resources
  • Supervisor
  • Other ICS functional areas
• Communicate effectively using multichannel radios. Prepare and program radios for assignment. Use plain language and ICS terminology.
• Conduct and/or participate in After Action Reviews (AAR).

Manage Risk

• Work with the Communications Unit Leader (COML) to create an incident emergency plan within the communications unit.
• Instruct Radio Operators (RADO) on the execution of the incident emergency plan for radio traffic.
• Apply the Risk Management Process as stated in the NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461:
  • Identify Hazards
  • Assess Hazards
  • Develop Controls and Make Risk Decisions
  • Implement Controls
  • Supervise and Evaluate
• Plan for medical emergencies. Ensure assigned resources are prepared to execute the Medical Plan (ICS 206 WF). Ensure familiarity with medical responders, communication procedures, and the transportation plan. Manage the medical emergency based on procedures stated in the IAP, Medical Incident Report, or other relevant guidelines.
• Monitor for signs and symptoms of fatigue, illness, or injury. Mitigate appropriately.
• Account for location, health, safety, and welfare of assigned personnel.

Document

• Complete, authorize, ensure timeliness of, and route as required:
  • Crew Time Report (CTR), SF-261 (Watch: How to correctly fill out a CTR)
  • Resource Status Change (ICS 210)
  • General Message (ICS 213)
  • Activity Log (ICS 214)
  • Resource Status Card (T-Card) (ICS 219)
  • Incident Personnel Performance Rating (ICS 225 WF)
  • Radio Station Log
  • Agency-specific forms

Demobilize

• Plan for demobilization. Brief assigned resources on demobilization procedures and responsibilities. Ensure incident and agency demobilization procedures are followed.
• Prepare plan for the demobilization of communication resources in conjunction with Communications Unit Leader or immediate supervisor.
• Brief assigned resources on demobilization procedures and responsibilities. Ensure incident and agency demobilization procedures and work/rest driving standards are followed.
• Return equipment and supplies to appropriate units.
• Complete demobilization checkout process before being released from the incident.
• Upon demobilization, report status to home unit including reassignment or estimated time of arrival (ETA) to home unit.
• Anticipate demobilization, identify excess resources, coordinate with operations to prepare demobilization schedule, and communicate with supervisor.
• During the transfer of command:
  • Ensure continuity of operations.
  • Exchange critical safety information.
  • Communicate transfer of authority through the established chain of command.