Resources Unit Leader

RESL Incident Position Description

The Resources Unit Leader (RESL) establishes all incident check-in activities including preparing and processing resource status information and maintaining a master list of resources assigned to the incident and their assignment at the incident. The RESL supervises the Status/Check-in Recorder (SCKN) and reports to the Planning Section Chief (PSC). The RESL works in the Planning functional area.

Prepare and Mobilize

• Ensure individual readiness.
• Gather critical information pertinent to the assignment.
• Travel to and check in at the assignment.
• Obtain Interagency Resource Ordering Capability (IROC) access from hosting Dispatch Center, obtain a list of resources on scene, and compile a list of resources ordered and their status (pending, filled, etc.) before team transition.
• Obtain briefing, objectives, and intent from the incident supervisor.

Build the Team

• Assemble and validate the readiness of assigned personnel and equipment.
• Coordinate with Planning Section Chief and other functional areas to obtain resources for workspace, etc.
• Establish a common operating picture with supervisors and subordinates.
• Participate in operational briefings as directed.

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. Communicate changing conditions to incident supervisor.
• Ensure daily objectives and performance standards are met.
• Monitor performance and provide immediate and regular feedback to assigned personnel.
• Establish and maintain positive interpersonal and interagency working relationships.
• Complete daily review of staffing requirements and ensure adequate personnel to meet needs.
• Develop schedule/assignments based on Incident Action Plan (IAP) or relevant plan. 

Perform Resources Unit Leader-Specific Duties

• Work with operations to determine what resources are needed or can be cancelled.
• Collect check-in data at staging areas, drop points, helibases, spike camps, etc., during the first operational period or as necessary.
• Manage check-in functions and assist SCKN at the first briefing to get Initial Attack (IA) Resources checked-in following Incident Management Team Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Establish time frames and protocols for information exchange for IAP components.
• Ensure availability, qualifications, and capabilities of resources to complete assignments.
• Provide information on the current status of resources to Situation Unit Leader (SITL) for completion of Incident Status Summary (ICS 209), within established time frames.
• Coordinate with Supply Unit/expanded dispatch on the status of outstanding resource orders.  Coordinate with Finance, Logistics, and Operations Sections to verify status of current resources.
• Set up and maintain a resource status system to reflect the function, organization, status, and location of resources on the incident.
• Coordinate with Demobilization Unit Leader to provide access to resource status system and other information.
• Establish organization structure, reporting procedures, and chain of command of assigned resources.
• Ensure incident resource qualifications match incident resource assignments.
• Monitor incident resource status (number of days worked in succession, R&R requirements, contract limitations, etc.).
• Prepare a preplanning worksheet, prepare IAP, and ensure e-ISuite database is current.
• Place resource orders upon direction from the Planning Section Chief to reconcile resource needs. 
• Assign resources to fill needs identified on Operational Planning Worksheet (ICS 215) at the planning meeting.
• Prepare Division Assignment List (ICS 204 WF), for the next operational period. 
• Complete the Operational Planning Worksheet (ICS 215) or Division Assignment List (ICS 204 WF) with Operations and provide resource information as requested.
• Facilitate resource assignment extensions.

Communicate and Coordinate

• Brief and keep subordinates informed and updated.
• Attend incident operational briefings and meetings as directed.
• Participate in functional area briefings as directed.
• Compile unit documentation for preplanning/strategy meetings. 
• Attend planning and strategy meetings as directed.
• Respond to requests for information about resources.
• Ensure relevant information is exchanged during briefings and debriefings.
• Coordinate with Operations, Logistics, Finance, Demobilization Unit Leader (DMOB), SITL, and Expanded Dispatch regarding disposition and availability of resources.
• Conduct and/or participate in After Action Reviews (AAR).

Manage Risk

• Ensure established guidelines are followed for work/rest, PPE, and communication.
• Monitor for signs and symptoms of fatigue, illness, or injury. Mitigate appropriately.
• Account for location, health, safety, and welfare of assigned personnel.
• Ensure compliance with all safety practices and procedures for yourself and those around you.

Document

• Prepare and submit completed original documents as appropriate for each operational period.
• Compile unit documentation for the final incident package.
• Ensure SCKN provides input to Incident Status Summary (ICS 209) for SITL. 
• Complete, authorize, ensure timeliness of, and route as required:
  • Original and corrected IAP
  • Crew Time Report (CTR), SF-261 (Watch: How to correctly fill out a CTR)
  • Incident Personnel Performance Rating (ICS 225 WF)
  • General Message (ICS 213)
  • Activity Log (ICS 214)
  • Organization Assignment List (ICS 203)
  • Incident Organization Chart (ICS 207)
  • Operational Planning Worksheet (ICS 215)

Demobilize

• Prepare input to the final narrative and transition plan as requested.
• Coordinate an efficient transfer of the position duties and complete the transition document or the closeout report for the Resources Unit at the end of the assignment. Outline any issues or any unresolved items.
• Brief assigned resources on demobilization procedures and individual responsibilities.
• Coordinate demobilization for incident resources:
  • Anticipate the demobilization of resources.
  • Coordinate with the DMOB.
  • Identify excess resources.
  • Prepare a schedule for demobilization.
  • Ensure incident and agency demobilization procedures are followed.
• Complete the demobilization checkout process before being released from the incident.
• Upon demobilization, report your status to your home unit and incident supervisor, including estimated time of arrival (ETA) to the final destination.