Service Branch Director

SVBD Incident Position Description

The Service Branch Director (SVBD) is responsible for managing, organizing, and supervising the service units in the Logistics Section. The SVBD coordinates work assignments for Communications (COML), Food (FDUL), and Medical (MEDL) Unit Leaders and assists the Logistics Section Chief (LSC) in managing section assignments and meeting incident objectives The SVBD reports to the LSC and 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 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 previous shift/assignment position as necessary, including the status of the incident and assigned resources, the status of existing Logistics section and the status of agreements (land use, cost share, blanket purchase, water, etc.).

Build the Team

• Assemble and validate readiness of assigned personnel and equipment.
• Establish and communicate chain of command, reporting procedures, risk management processes, and radio frequency management.
• Establish a common operating picture with supervisors and subordinates.
• 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.

Perform Service Branch Director-Specific Duties

• Coordinate with Agency Administrator (AA) or designee, and Incident Commander (IC) to identify location for incident facilities, including the Incident Command Post (ICP), base/camp(s), helibase, staging areas, contingency/expansion sites.
• Evaluate needs of the section.
• Provide service and support for assigned resources.
• Communicate changes in logistical support to incident resources.
• Coordinate with other section chiefs to complete required documentation, objectives, and assignments.
• Evaluate needs of the section.
• Plan for potential changes in incident based on current and forecasted information, such as weather, incident escalation/de-escalation, political considerations, and Incident-within-Incident (IWI).
• Monitor restrictions/work requirements for each resource to maximize safe and efficient assignments and demobilization.
• Establish and maintain positive internal and external interpersonal working relationships.
• Assess and order needed unit leader positions.
• Brief unit leaders on current and anticipated activity.
• Provide internal operating instructions to section resources.
• Participate in AA closeout/After Action Review (AAR).
• Evaluate and monitor current situation to determine if present plan of action will meet incident objectives.
• Coordinate an efficient transfer of position duties when mobilizing/demobilizing.
• Assume role and responsibility and any absent unit leader.
• Document all complaints and suspicious occurrences.
• Participate in the preparation of the IAP or relevant plan.
  • Review tactical plans for operational periods.
  • Advise on current capabilities and limitations for service and support.
  • Discuss long range plans and identify potential or future requirements.
• Ensure completion of IAP parts, including the Medical Plan (ICS 206 WF), Incident Radio Communication Plan (ICS 205), and any special instruction inserts.
• Apply agency policy, legal and fiscal constraints, and political considerations to all decisions.
• Ensure incident documentation is completed as required by the IC.
  • Activity Log (ICS 214)
  • Personnel and equipment time records
  • Incident reports and Logistics section narrative
  • Transition plan

Communicate and Coordinate

• Communicate effectively using multichannel radios. Use plain language and Incident Command System (ICS) terminology.
• Ensure personnel know radio operating procedures.
• Keep assigned resources updated.
• Coordinate with other individuals and organizations to meet section needs (law enforcement, health department, resource advisors, and city, county, and state officials).
• Update IC on current accomplishments and/or concerns.
• Ensure Logistics expectations are communicated to other functional areas during meetings and briefings.
• Follow established processes and chain of command for collecting, producing, and distributing information.
• Ensure 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
• Conduct and/or participate in AAR.

Manage Risk

• 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 that assigned resources are prepared to execute the Medical Plan (ICS 206 WF). Ensure familiarity with medical responders, communication procedures, and transportation plan. Manage the medical emergency based on procedures stated in the IAP, Medical Incident Report, or other relevant guidelines.
• Monitor personnel for signs and symptoms of fatigue, illness, or injury. Mitigate appropriately.
• Identify potential conflicts and resolve within the same operational period, if possible.

Document

• Complete, authorize, ensure timeliness of, and route as required:
  • General Message (ICS 213)
  • Activity Log (ICS 214)
  • Incident Personnel Performance Rating (ICS 225 WF)
  • Incident Radio Communication Plan (ICS 205)
  • Medical Plan (ICS 206 WF)
  • Resource Order Form (ICS 260-1)
  • Support Vehicle Inventory (ICS 218)
  • Vehicle/Heavy Equipment Inspection Checklist, OF-296
  • Crew Time Report (CTR), SF-261 (Watch: How to correctly fill out a CTR) and/or Incident Time Report, OF-288 (Watch: How to Correctly fill out an Incident Time Report)
  • Agency-specific forms

Demobilize

• Assist in the development and implementation of the incident demobilization plan.
• Ensure release priorities address contractual requirements.
• Anticipate demobilization, identify excess resources, coordinate with operations to prepare demobilization schedule, and communicate with supervisor.
• Plan for demobilization. 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 unit.
• 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.
• During transfer of command:
  • Ensure continuity of operations.
  • Exchange critical safety information.
  • Communicate transfer of authority through established chain of command.