National Wildfire Coordinating Group

Receiving/Distribution Manager

RCDM decorative banner: photos depicting RCDM position. RCDM Position Description: The Receiving/Distribution Manager (RCDM) is responsible for receiving and distributing all supplies and equipment (other than primary resources) and the service and repair of tools and equipment.

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RCDM Incident Position Description

The Receiving and Distribution Manager (RCDM) is responsible for coordinating operations related to the Logistics Supply area at wildland fire incidents. RCDMs receive incoming deliveries, package and document shipments leaving the incident, maintain and report inventories, track accountable property, and initiate the delivery of supplies to incident personnel while maintaining a safe, secure, and functional supply storage area. The RCDM may supervise Camp Crews and works for the Supply Unit Leader (SPUL) or the Logistics Section Chief (LSC) and works in the Logistics functional area.
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Leadership Level 2, New Leader (Convey Intent)

  • For additional information review Level 2 description, expected behaviors and knowledge, suggested development goals, and self-study opportunities.

Prepare and Mobilize

  • Ensure individual readiness.
  • Obtain and assemble information and materials needed for kit.
  • 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 Lead RCDM or SPUL.
  • Obtain briefing from previous shift/assignment RCDM as necessary.

Build the Team

  • Identify assigned resources and maintain accountability.
  • Brief and organize assigned personnel to meet the needs of the incident.
  • 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.

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 Receiving Distribution Manager-Specific Duties

  • Organize the physical layout of a safe and secure supply area.
  • Coordinate with the SPUL to identify any possible shortages or upcoming critical needs and to release any identified excess supplies.
  • Maintain communications with the Ordering Manager (ORDM) and SPUL regarding receipt of ordered supplies and equipment.
  • Reconcile inventory received and shipped.
  • Provide for proper shipping, handling, and storage of supplies, equipment, and materials.
  • Ensure orders for materials and supplies are filled and prepared for delivery in a timely manner.
  • Maintain safety by properly labeling any flammable or hazardous substances and designating a safe area for the storage and collection of those supplies.
  • Designate a safe location for the loading and off-loading of heavy trucks.
  • Create a procedure for the collection and storage of damaged/used items for salvage and/or rehabilitation.
  • Set up and maintain a system for tracking the distribution of consumable, durable, and accountable supplies.
  • Clearly identify ordering authority for different levels of supplies and keep subordinates briefed if any changes occur.
  • Provide and label a point of issue that is safe, secure, and organized; allow for a clear and organized traffic pattern.
  • Maintain and provide daily inventory and any other reports as requested by the SPUL.
  • Monitor all activities within the supply yard to ensure for safe operations.
  • Coordinate with the Ground Support Unit Leader (GSUL) for transport of supplies to line personnel or drop point locations.

Communicate and Coordinate

  • Maintain working communications with SPUL and ORDM to maintain situational awareness with the Supply Unit.
  • Follow established processes and chain of command for collecting, producing, and distributing information.
  • Ensure clear understanding of expectations and timely communication within and across Incident Command System (ICS) functional areas and chain of command.
  • Establish communications and exchange necessary briefings/information with the following:
    • Support resources (Camp Crew)
    • Adjacent resources (ORDM)
    • Supervisor (SPUL)
    • Other ICS functional areas (GSUL)
  • Conduct and/or participate in functional briefings and daily After Action Reviews (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
  • Utilize Safety Officers (SOFs) to assist with risk management process and provide input into safety of operations.
  • 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, the 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.
  • Monitor for safe and qualified operation of machinery (i.e., forklifts and loaders).
  • Submit accident/incident reports with pertinent forms (SAFECOM, SAFENET, agency-specific forms) through established chain of command.
  • Comply with applicable health and safety regulations.
  • Follow transport guidelines for hazardous material shipping.
  • Maintain security of supply area to prevent theft, and to mitigate non-supply personnel traveling into the path of heavy trucks or machinery involved in loading, off-loading, or movement within the supply yard.

Document

  • Maintain an inventory of supplies and equipment.
  • Prepare and submit reports as required by immediate supervisor.
  • Complete, authorize, ensure timeliness of, and route as required:

Demobilize

  • Anticipate demobilization, identify excess resources, and communicate with supervisor.
  • Plan for demobilization. Brief assigned resources on demobilization procedures and responsibilities. Ensure incident and agency demobilization procedures are followed.
  • Coordinate the efficient transfer of position duties/responsibilities to incoming personnel.
  • During transfer of command:
    • Ensure continuity of operations.
    • Exchange critical safety information.
    • Communicate transfer of authority through established chain of command.
  • 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.
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Page Last Modified / Reviewed: 
2023-02-02

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