[Note: I've updated this article and changed the name of the position to be consistent with the ICS structure. Thanks to our great ARES partner Paul Guthrie, EC Marion County, for pointing this out to me. }
One of my goals is to have an identified training track that leads those who are interested into a leadership position within the unit.
With that in mind, we've established the Incident Communications Center Manager position. This position is the next step up from Radio Operator, and can ultimately lead to an appointment as an AEC based on the skills of the individual, and the needs of the unit.
We've used people in this position during the April SET both this year and last year, and it proved to be a very worthwhile function, so we're formalizing the position and the process of qualifying.
The new position requires some added IS self paced training courses, as well as a number of identified skills important to a leadership/management type position within the unit.
Those who are interested should schedule a time to talk with the AEC- Operations (once we have one), or the EC about the responsibilities and requirements, and then plan on going through the added courses.
Below is a description of the position:
Incident Communications Center Manager
Purpose
The Incident Communications Center Manager (ICM) is implemented to provide supervisory oversight of operations in the radio room during activation.
Responsibilities:
The Incident Communications Center Manager is responsible for implementing the operational plans and procedures within the radio room set forth in the Operations Plan during the time of their shift. They are ultimately responsible to make sure message traffic flows in and out of OEM expeditiously.
Tasks
- Assignment of operators to operating positions.
- Insuring each operator has the skills necessary for their individual assignment.
- Watching for operational bottlenecks and making changes necessary to solve the problem
- Assigning or reassigning radio frequencies covered at each position in order to balance out workload.
- Assisting operators in the performance of their duties.
- Monitoring operator fatigue factor, and rotating or replacing operators as necessary in order to minimize mistakes..
- Briefing the Communications Team Leader for the following shift.
- Maintaining the ICS-214 for activity within the radio room.
- Making recommendations to the AEC Operations regarding changes in procedures, processes, and plans.
- Make recommendations to the AEC- Training based on observed operations in the radio room
Qualifications
- Fully qualified member of the unit
- Good judgment and decision making skills
- Good supervisory and people skills
- The ability to problem solve in the midst of a stressful situation.
- Certified in each piece of equipment and capability in the radio room
- IS-240, IS241, IS-242, IS-244, IS-802
Supervisor
The Incident Communications Center Manager administratively reports to the Assistant Emergency Coordinator – Operations, and during an activation, reports to whichever member of the unit leadership is acting in a command function during their shift.
