View source for VSF 03.03.02: Debris Removal Task Force Member

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A [[Volunteer Support Functions Introduction and Directory|Volunteer Support Function (VSF)]] is a functional area under which volunteers carry out their responsibilities. Each VSF is broken into position assignments. VSF 03.03.02 is the position assigned to NETs when volunteering with the [https://urbanfloodsafetyor.gov/about-us/ Urban Flood Safety & Water Quality District] (UFSWQD) as a Debris Removal Task Force Member.

The UFSWQD drainage system is made up of interconnected basins, each served by a pump station and supported by ditches, culverts, and channels that move water away from homes, businesses, and infrastructure. These systems work together to reduce flood risk by keeping water flowing efficiently, especially during storms.

Routine inspections and debris removal are essential to keeping this system functioning. Clearing vegetation and other obstructions helps prevent blockages, protects infrastructure, and supports emergency response. Volunteer support plays a direct role in safeguarding public safety and preventing localized flooding.

UFSWQD and PBEM project that Debris Removal Task Force volunteers will be called on to deploy once or twice a year.<div class="noautonum">
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=== Summary ===
Work in teams under the direction of UFSWQD Operations staff to remove vegetative or man-made debris from key drainage and levee areas. Volunteers will assist the District’s team by helping ensure that water can flow freely and that the system maintains its capacity during storm events. Debris Removal Task Force Volunteers contribute to:

* '''Keeping water flowing:''' Debris can block drainage and cause localized flooding. Removing it helps maintain flow and system capacity.
* '''Enables quick response:''' After storms or high winds, fast debris removal restores system function and reduces flood risk.
* '''Protects people and property:''' Clear drainage channels keep water away from homes, roads, and critical infrastructure.
* '''Critical during emergencies:''' Blocked culverts and channels delay emergency actions. Volunteer support helps prevent bigger problems by keeping the system accessible and operational.

{| class="wikitable" style="width: 50%"
|+
! colspan="2" style="background-color:white;" |[[Acronyms_and_Technical_Terms_Used_in_PBEM_Community_Resilience_Programs/Blue_Skies_and_Grey_Skies|<big>Blue Skies/Grey Skies Summary</big>]]
|-
| style="width: 50%; text-align: center; background-color:deepskyblue;" |'''During Blue Skies, these volunteers...'''
| style="width: 50%; text-align: center; background-color:gray; color:white;" |'''During Grey Skies, these volunteers...'''
|-
| style="background-color:skyblue; padding:15px;" |...train with UFSWQD personnel as needed to be ready to deploy during a high water event.

| style="background-color:lightgray; padding:15px;" |...work in UFSWQD-led teams to conduct visual inspections of system infrastructure and remove blockages.
|}

=== Related Volunteer Positions ===
[[VSF 03.03.01: Levee Inspection Team Member]]

=== Responsibilities ===

* Be familiar with Levee Threat Monitoring Guidelines (UFSWQD Flood Emergency Action Plan, Appendix M, 2016).
* Patrol levees in teams of two to identify sand boils, erosion, and overtopping.
* Monitor floodwalls for leaks in the monolith joints and for other sources of seepage.
* Use radios for communications (radios provided by UFSWQD during deployment).
* Report immediate concerns to UFSWQD Division Supervisor or Operations Section Chief, or otherwise hourly.
* Use cell phone to take photos of issues as they arise and change to document the incident for reporting.
* Use cell phone to document levee inspection forms.

* Participate in scheduled training, drills, and activation exercises to maintain operational competence.
* Represent PBEM professionally and follow safety and operational guidelines at all times.
* Log all volunteer hours.

{|class="wikitable" style="width: 50%"
|-
|style="background: #13135a; color: white" width="105px"|'''Position ID'''
|style="text-align: center; background: #13135a; color: white"|<big>'''VSF 03.03.02: Debris Removal Task Force Member'''</big>
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="width: 50%; "
|+
|style="background: #13135a; color: white" width="25%" |'''Mission Area'''
|style="text-align: center; background: firebrick; color: white" width="25%"|'''<big>Preparedness</big>'''
|style="text-align: center; background: darkgray; color: gainsboro" width="25%"|'''<big>Response</big>'''
|style="text-align: center; background: darkgray; color: gainsboro" width="25%"|'''<big>Recovery</big>'''
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="width: 50%"
|-
| style="background: #13135a; color: white" width="105px" |'''Lead Agency'''
| style="background: white; padding: 10px" |Urban Flood Safety & Water Quality District (UFSWQD); deployments issued by PBEM.
|-
| style="background: #13135a; color: white" width="105px" |'''Active NET Required?'''
| style="padding: 10px" |Yes.
|-
| style="background: #13135a; color: white" width="105px" |'''Structure'''
| style="background: white; padding: 10px" |Levee Inspection Team Members work in pairs and report to an UFSWQD Division Supervisor or Operations Section Chief.
|-
| style="background: #13135a; color: white" width="105px" |'''Relevant Knowledge, Skills, Abilities'''
| style="padding: 10px" |Basic radio operation principles, including radio etiquette.  
|-
| style="background: #13135a; color: white" width="105px" |'''Licenses and Certifications'''
| style="background: white; padding: 10px" |None required.
|-
| style="background: #13135a; color: white" width="105px" |'''Currency'''
| style="padding: 10px" |Required to complete a [[Background Checks|Criminal Background Check]] at PBEM's expense every three years.
✍️ Completion of a training refresher at the start of each rainy season with UFSWQD.
|-
| style="background: #13135a; color: white" width="105px" |'''Physical Requirements'''
| style="background: white; padding: 10px" |✍️ Volunteers must travel along unpaved inspection routes [approx distance or shift duration?], often in rough weather. They should carry a personal daypack. 
|-
| style="background: #13135a; color: white" width="105px" |'''Task Book'''
| style="padding: 10px" |None at this time.
|-
| style="background: #13135a; color: white" width="105px" |'''PPE and Recommended Equipment'''
| style="background: white; padding: 10px" |'''PPE:''' Weather appropriate/watertight clothes and watertight footwear designed for trails. 
'''Equipment:''' UFSWQD issued radio, personal cell phone (for emergency communications and to document levee trouble spots), personal daypack with drinking water and snacks.
|-
| style="background: #13135a; color: white" width="105px" |'''Forms'''
| style="padding: 10px" |✍️ Levee Inspection Form
|-
| style="background: #13135a; color: white" width="105px" |'''Updated'''
| style="background: white; padding: 10px" |2025.09.15
|-
| style="background: #13135a; color: white" width="105px" |'''Released'''
| style="padding: 10px" |2025.05.12
|}

=== Training for VSF 03.03.02: Debris Removal Task Force Member ===
<mark>'''Important note: ONLY the trainings listed as REQUIRED are required!'''</mark> Optional training and supplemental resources are presented as a path for a volunteer to increase their knowledge and confidence carrying out their volunteer responsibilities. However, no volunteer's Active status depends on completing training marked as "Optional" or "Supplemental". For more information, please visit the article on [[PBEM Volunteer Position Descriptions#Training Section|Position Descriptions: Training Section]].
{| class="wikitable" style="width: 75%"
|+
!style="background: #13135a; color: white"|<big>Training or Resource</big>
!style="background: #13135a; color: white"|<big>Type</big>
!style="background: #13135a; color: white"|<big>Delivery</big>
!style="background: #13135a; color: white"|<big>Duration</big>
!style="background: #13135a; color: white"|<big>Learning Objective</big>
|-
|UFSWQD Levee Inspection Training
|style="background: #d35d30; color: white"|'''Required'''
|In-person
|✍️ hours
|Learn everything needed to qualify as a Levee Inspection Team Member, including how to spot trouble areas and reporting.
|}

=== VSF VSF 03.03.02: Debris Removal Task Force Member ===
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width: 75%"
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!<big>File/Resource</big>
!<big>Description</big>
!<big>Author</big>
!<big>Publish Date</big>
|-
|Levee Threat Monitoring Guidelines (UFSWQD Flood Emergency Action Plan, Appendix M, 2016)
|✍️
|✍️
|✍️
|}