Human Resource Specialist 

HRSP Incident Position Description

The Human Resource Specialist (HRSP) is responsible for monitoring the work environment and related human resource activities to ensure that appropriate practices are followed. Work is normally conducted in a base camp environment but may involve tours of the fireline, spike camps, and rest and recuperation (R&R) facilities. The HRSP reports to the Incident Commander (IC) and works in the Command 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 previous shift/assignment position, as necessary.

Build the Team

• Order additional HRSP if needed.
• Participate in operational briefings and Command and General Staff (C&G) meetings.
• Brief assigned personnel.
• Identify assigned resources (such as trainees) and maintain accountability.
• Establish and maintain positive interpersonal and interagency working relationships.

Supervise and Direct Work Assignments

• Communicate expectations of conduct and behavior.
• Recognize potential problems before they escalate into serious problems.
• Recognize human behaviors as they relate to operating in emergency and stressful situations.
• Monitor incident objectives to assure conduct standards are met and are consistent with a positive work environment.

Perform Human Resource Specialist-Specific Duties

• Maintain current working knowledge of human resource practices regarding the scope of potential issues that may arise in a fire camp situation.
• Maintain awareness of union and other potential regulations involving personnel issues.
• Maintain professionalism and diplomacy as primary factors for successful performance.
• Observe work behaviors and conditions and provide that information to the IC.
• Provide contact information to individuals for counseling resources as needed.
• Interact and coordinate with C&G by informing them of inappropriate practices or activities and assist staff in resolving inappropriate acts or conditions by facilitating the appropriate process.
• Contact home units of individuals involved in inappropriate activities. Provide accurate and timely advice and assistance in response to requests for information or resolution of problems and issues.
• Monitor whether a positive working environment, supportive of cultural diversity, is maintained, and enhanced for all personnel.
• Conduct awareness sessions as needed, using digital resources on civil rights or human resources.
• Compile and submit Contact Information Report to HRSP Geographic Area Coordinator.

Communicate and Coordinate

• Communicate effectively through in-person or virtual meetings and briefings with multiple resources and other ICS functional areas.
• 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.
• Conduct and/or participate in After Action Reviews (AAR).
• Assemble agency information for use in briefings and IAPs, for answering requests, and for resolving problems.
• Conduct appropriate periodic briefings to keep cooperating agencies informed of problems, concerns, and issues.
• Ensure oral and written human resources messages are consistent with relevant federal/local laws, regulations, and policies.
• Coordinate with the Incident Contract Project Inspector (ICPI) and the Contracting Officer Technical Representative (COTR) regarding contractor issues.

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.
• Monitor 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).
  • Crew Time Report (CTR), SF-261 (Watch: How to correctly fill out a CTR).
  • Agency-specific forms.
• Complete contact information sheet for contacts involving civil rights or requiring fact-finding or conflict/problem resolution.
• Provide appropriate documentation for the Incident Management Team (IMT) as well as home and host units.

Demobilize

• Anticipate demobilization, identify excess resources, and coordinate with the Planning functional area to prepare a demobilization schedule.
• Plan for demobilization.
• Ensure incident and agency demobilization procedures are followed.
• Return equipment and supplies to the appropriate unit.
• Complete demobilization checkout process before being released from the incident.
• Upon demobilization, report status to the home unit including reassignment or estimated time of arrival (ETA) to the home unit.
• During the transfer of command:
  • Ensure continuity of operations.
  • Exchange critical safety information.
  • Communicate transfer of authority through the established chain of command.

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