VSF 03.03.02: Debris Removal Task Force Member
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.
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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
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
Responsibilities
Responsibilities could 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.
- 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.
| 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 | Levee Inspection Team Members work in pairs 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 | ✍️ Volunteers must travel along unpaved inspection routes [approx distance or shift duration?], often in rough weather. They should carry a personal daypack. |
| Task Book | None at this time. |
| PPE and Recommended Equipment | 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. |
| Forms | ✍️ Levee Inspection Form |
| 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 | ✍️ 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
| File/Resource | Description | Author | Publish Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Levee Threat Monitoring Guidelines (UFSWQD Flood Emergency Action Plan, Appendix M, 2016) | ✍️ | ✍️ | ✍️ |
