VSF 03.03.02: Debris Removal Task Force Member

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A 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 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.

Summary

NETs learning how to clear levee debris. Photo by Glenn Devitt, November 14 2025.

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. Blocked culverts and channels delay emergency actions. Volunteer support helps prevent bigger problems by keeping the system accessible and operational. 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.
• Enabling quick response: After storms or high winds, fast debris removal restores system function and reduces flood risk.
• Protecting people and property: Clear drainage channels keep water away from homes, roads, and critical infrastructure.

Blue Skies/Grey Skies Summary
During Blue Skies, these volunteers...	During Grey Skies, these volunteers...
...train with UFSWQD personnel as needed to be ready to deploy during a high water event.	...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

• 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.

Deployment responsibilities could also include:

Debris monitoring and removal

• Conduct visual inspections for clogged culverts, especially at known chokepoints within the system.

• Remove debris blockages at culvert inlets that could obstruct water flow.

• Inspect upstream areas for early signs of clogs or buildup before they become larger issues downstream.

System monitoring during drainage events

• Participate in system-wide monitoring during rain events to ensure the drainage system is functioning as intended.
• Early identification of issues—such as backed-up water, unusual flow patterns, or localized flooding—can prevent small problems from escalating.

Documentation and reporting

• Use geo-tag-enabled devices (e.g., smartphones/tablets) to take clear photos of any issues observed.
  • For new issues: Choose a consistent angle for documentation, mark (stake) the location, and photograph the issue.
  • For existing issues: Revisit the staked location and take photos from the same angle to track progression or resolution.
• Submit all findings and photos to the designated Operations contact for tracking and incident reporting.

Position ID	VSF 03.03.02: Debris Removal Task Force Member
Mission Area	Preparedness	Response	Recovery
Lead Agency	Urban Flood Safety & Water Quality District (UFSWQD); deployments issued by PBEM.
Active NET Required?	Yes.
Structure	Debris Removal Task Force Members work in groups and report to an UFSWQD Division Supervisor or Operations Section Chief.
Relevant Knowledge, Skills, Abilities	Basic radio operation principles, including radio etiquette.
Licenses and Certifications	None required.
Currency	Required to complete a Criminal Background Check at PBEM's expense every three years. Completion of a training refresher at the start of each rainy season with UFSWQD.
Physical Requirements	Work is primarily performed in the field; exposure to variable and/or extreme weather conditions, flowing water, water-borne pathogens found in floodwater, and off-road driving conditions; standing, walking, driving, hiking, digging, and may be required to lift up to 50 pounds.
Task Book	None at this time.
PPE and Recommended Equipment	PPE: Weather appropriate/watertight clothes (rain gear) and steel-toed boots. NET vest, ID, and hard hat. Equipment: Personal cell phone with camera (for emergency communications and to document incidents), PBEM-issued 800 MHz radio, personal daypack with drinking water and snacks. Additionally, UFSWQD will issue the following equipment: head lamp, stakes and flagging tape, emergency blanket and ponchos, notebook, rakes.
Forms	UFSWQD Volunteer Support Function Checklist
Updated	2025.09.15
Released	2025.05.12

Training for VSF 03.03.02: Debris Removal Task Force Member

Important note: ONLY the trainings listed as REQUIRED are required! 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 Position Descriptions: Training Section.

Training or Resource	Type	Delivery	Duration	Learning Objective
UFSWQD Levee Inspection Training	Required	In-person	4 hours	Learn everything needed to qualify as a Debris Removal Task Force Member, including how to spot trouble areas, reporting, and debris removal.

VSF VSF 03.03.02: Debris Removal Task Force Member

File/Resource	Description	Author	Publish Date
Levee Threat Monitoring Guidelines (UFSWQD Flood Emergency Action Plan, Appendix M, 2016)	Establishes a set of “Best Practices” based on field-tested techniques used by levee maintaining agencies, their engineers, flood fight specialists, and levee inspectors to mark and monitor a levee threat.	State of California Department of Water Resources and The Urban Flood Safety & Water Quality District	2012.04.__ & 2016.__.__