CA-TF5 US&R Task Force Leader
Orange County Fire Authority
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Job summary
Orange County Fire Authority seeks an experienced US&R Task Force Leader to oversee the CA-TF5 operations during deployments, ensuring safety, accountability and efficient section supervision.
The role requires fire service leadership, strong communication with multi-agency partners, and readiness to train and participate in FEMA courses. OCFA offers a career path with mission-driven opportunities and comprehensive benefits.
Qualifications
- Current OCFA Fire Battalion Chief.
- Participation in the OCFA "WEFIT" program.
- Basic knowledge of US&R and GPS operations.
- Ability to follow orders and personnel management skills.
- Must communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- Be flexible, resolve conflicts, and problem solve.
Responsibilities
- Oversee US&R Task Force during deployments, including personnel accountability and section management.
- Coordinate with US&R Duty officer for daily technical rescue operations and administrative tasks.
- Communicate with local, state, and federal officials; operate in disaster zones and harsh conditions.
- Represent the local US&R Task Force and participate in training/onboarding processes.
- Attend quarterly Task Force Leader and Section Coordinator meetings.
- Complete all General Administrative and Training Requirements within three months of selection.
Skills
Job description
The Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) California Task Force 5 (CA-TF5) Task Force Leader (TFL) recruitment is an Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) internal recruitment.
Successful candidates will be placed on a Candidate Pool List, which will be used to fill future vacancies.
The US&R Task Force Leader is responsible for the overall management of the US&R Task Force during deployments including, but not limited to, personnel accountability and management of various sections during deployments, participating with US&R Duty officer coverage for daily technical rescue truck/heavy rescue operations and related administrative concerns.
This position requires participation in physically and mentally challenging base camp and field operations. Task Force Leaders must have the skills to effectively communicate, both verbal and written, with all sections of the federal US&R program; this includes local, State, and Federal officials. The position also requires working in disaster zones, in adverse weather conditions, in hazardous atmospheres, and flight in military or civilian aircraft (fixed and rotary). As a member of the US&R Task Force, you will be asked to represent the local.
- Current OCFA Fire Battalion Chief
- Participation in the OCFA "WEFIT" program
- Have a basic knowledge of US&R and GPS operations
- Demonstrate the ability to follow orders and personnel management skills
- Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
- Have the ability to be flexible, resolve conflicts, and problem solve
- Be willing to work and live in poor conditions for extended periods of time
- Maintain journey-level knowledge of the use of specialized Task Force equipment and strong understanding of the support resources related to Task Force Leader
- Maintain and respond timely to communication with Task Force and section administration through email and phone
- Complete an annual medical examination
- Adhere to the Federal "Code of Conduct" for US&R Task Force members
- Attend quarterly Task Force Leader and Section Coordinator meetings
- Complete all General Administrative Requirements and General Training Requirements for all Task Force members within three (3) months of selection (see "Task Force General Requirements" under Supplemental Information for details)
- Attendance at US&R Task Force Leader System Overview
- Prior experience on US&R CA-TF5
- Strike Team Leader experience
Selected individuals will begin the training and onboarding process immediately after selection, with required attendance at the FEMA TFL course in December 2026.
Placement on the candidate pool list will be established based on the successful completion of all recruitment process components. The candidate pool list will remain in effect for a period of one (1) year from the date of establishment or until all names on the list are exhausted. The candidate pool list may be extended or abolished at the discretion of the Assistant Chief of Human Resources/Human Resources Director.
The task force will do the following for each member:
- Maintain a current memorandum of agreement with DHS/FEMA, as well as participating agency agreements, and/or affiliated personnel agreements, as applicable
- Maintain a file for each rostered member that includes the following completed forms:
- Application for Federal Employment; Optional Form 612 or a standard FEMA US&R resumé
- Appointment Affidavits; Standard Form 61
- Document each member's successful completion of a quantitative respiratory protection fit test required per 29 CFR 1910.134, as defined in Program Directive
- Ensure that each member has maintained current inoculations, as defined in Program Directive 2005- 008, unless medically contraindicated or refusal is documented
- Document that each member has a current Physician Clearance for Deployment documented as defined in Program Directive 2005-008
- Document each member has signed a Code of Conduct as defined in Program Directive 2018-006
- Complete critical incident stress awareness training
- Complete IC S-100, IC S-200, IC S-700 and IC S-800.B courses
- Complete the FEMA National US&R Response System Orientation course (Course Code: 9G6100)
- Complete initial training at the first responder operations level for hazardous materials (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120)
- Complete annual refresher training as required for first responder operations level for hazardous materials (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120)
- Maintain certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Task force members currently licensed or EMT (all levels) or licensed board-certified emergency physicians inherently meet this requirement
- Complete respiratory protection training per OSHA 29 CFR 19110.134 (k)
- Complete refresher training as required for respiratory protection training per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 (k)
- Complete an initial blood-borne pathogen training in accordance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030
- Complete the FEMA US&R Enhanced Operations in the Contaminated Environment - Instructor-Led Training (Course Code: 9G5420)
- Complete NFPA 1670 awareness level training for the following
- Confined Space Search and Rescue
- Water Rescue
- Structural Collapse Search and rescue
All questions regarding this position should first be directed to US&R Program Manager Battalion Chief Michael Yeun at michaelyeun@ocfa.org.
Please contact the assigned recruiter, Brad Stephens, Senior Human Resources Analyst at bradstephens@ocfa.org or 714-573-6816.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, anyone who needs an ADA accommodation for the purposes of employment testing should contact Brad Stephens, Senior Human Resources Analyst at bradstephens@ocfa.org within 72 hours of the need for an accommodation.
Whenever an applicant chooses to withdraw from a recruitment process, he/she is required to submit an email notification to the assigned recruiter, Brad Stephens, at bradstephens@ocfa.org requesting a withdrawal from the process. The email to the recruiter must include the applicant's current phone number.
The Orange County Fire Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Fire Battalion Chiefs and Fire Division Chiefs classifications are represented by the COA. Please contact COA President Tim Perkins for information about joining the COA.
Employees are eligible for performance salary increases from 2.75% to 5.5% annually based on their work performance and until they reach the top of their salary ranges. Note: An employee hired or promoted into a classification in this Unit shall be eligible to receive a performance salary increase at the completion of their first performance rating year period of employment or promotion and each year thereafter.
- 100% of cost for employee only premium
- 75% of cost for family premium
Employees with group health insurance through their spouses' or domestic partners' employment (or other acceptable sources) may waive coverage and receive $59.58 in bi-monthly taxable cash or may apply $59.58 bi-monthly credit towards the cost of voluntary accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
Please visit CalPERS for more information regarding the various plans offered under the CalPERS Health Benefits Program, as well as the current premium rates.
Dental, orthodontia, and vision insurance are provided, at no cost to the employee, for the employee and dependents. Coverage begins on the first of the month following date of hire/promotion.
An annual cash allotment of $2,100 (pro-rated for mid-year hire/promotion date) will be provided to cover the cost of non-taxable benefits or as taxable cash, based on personal preferences. OBP begins on the 1st day of the month following a 28-day waiting period.
Short-term and long-term disability insurance coverage are provided to Administrative Managers at no cost.
A life and AD&D policy is provided to Chief Officers at no cost. Insurance coverage is based on the employee's annual base salary rounded to the nearest $10,000. Chief Officers may purchase additional employee paid life, dependent life, and accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
All regular OCFA employees are members of the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) - a defined benefit retirement program. Employees are enrolled in one of the following retirement formulas based on date of hire.
Legacy Safety Members (Closed): Employees hired on or prior to June 30, 2012 shall receive the 3% at age 50 retirement formula (Plan F).
Legacy Safety Members: Employees hired on or after July 1, 2012 who establish reciprocity with OCERS are enrolled in the 3% at age 55 retirement formula (Plan R). Please visit OCERS to view compensation and benefit limits.
New Safety Members: Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 without reciprocity are enrolled in the 2.7% at age 57 retirement formula (Plan V). Please visit OCERS to view compensation and benefit limits.
For more information about OCERS retirement, please visit OCERS, or view the Retirement Plan HERE.
Employees in regular or limited-term positions may voluntarily participate in the Authority’s deferred compensation plan. This plan is provided by Nationwide Retirement Services and allows for pre- and post-tax deferrals.
Employees hired prior to January 1, 2007 participate in the Retiree Medical Insurance Grant program. Employees newly hired on/after January 1, 2007 are enrolled in a defined contribution retiree medical savings plan (Health Care Reimbursement Account). All employees contribute 4.0% of base salary to their applicable plan.
Employees promoted into this unit may choose to continue contributing 1% of their base salary towards the Orange County Professional Firefighters Association Supplemental Retiree Medical Plan Trust Fund. You have the option to discontinue contributing, but must notify Human Resources and complete the appropriate paperwork.
Orange County Fire Authority employees are not covered under the provisions of Federal Social Security (OASDI); therefore, they are not required to contribute 6.2% of salary towards Social Security.
Employees contribute 1.45% to Medicare. Employee’s whose wages exceed $200,000 in a calendar year shall contribute an additional 0.9%.
- 60+ college-level semester units OR California State Fire Marshal Chief Officer Certification (or Chief Fire Officer after January 1, 2017) = 2.5% of base salary per month; OR
- 60+ college-level semester units AND California State Fire Marshal Chief Officer Certification (or Chief Fire Officer after January 1, 2017) = 5% of base salary per month; OR
- Bachelor’s Degree or higher OR National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Certification (or Executive Chief Fire Officer after January 1, 2017) = 7.5% of base salary per month
- Master's Degree or higher OR California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection office of the State Fire Marshal State Fire Training Executive Chief Officer Certification AND either a) Bachelor's Degree, or b) National Fire Academy Executive Chief Officer Certification (NFA) = 10.0%
Employees receive 6.5% of base salary for an EMT Certification and/or paramedic license.
Employees shall receive three percent (3%) of their base pay as longevity pay at the commencement of their third year in a bargaining unit position. Effective July 1, 2023 on the commencement of their sixth year in a bargaining unit position, this amount will increase to six percent (6%).
If qualified, bilingual pay is $0.25 per hour (approximately $43 per month).
Fire Division Chief shall be assigned as Duty Officer and shall receive duty officer compensation of nine and one half percent (10.0%) percent of base salary per month, prorated on an hourly basis for all regular hours paid.
Tuition reimbursement is $2,000 per fiscal year to cover certain expenses associated with academic pursuits.
Chief Officers are provided a voluntary annual physical examination by an Authority-designated physician at no cost.
The Authority provides uniforms to Chief Officers.
Chief Officers accrue vacation based on hours of completed continuous service:
Staff Battalion Chiefs (Except BCs assigned to 56-hour workweek in ECC) and Fire Division Chiefs
- 0 to 3 years: Approx 120 hours per year;
- After 3 years but less than 10 years: Approx 160 hours per year;
- After 10 years: Approx 200 hours per year.
Shift Battalion Chiefs (Including BCs assigned to 56-hour workweek in ECC)
- 0 to 3 years: Approx 168 hours per year;
- After 3 years but less than 10 years: Approx 224 hours per year;
- After 10 years: Approx 280 hours per year.
Sick leave is accumulated from year-to-year and accrues as follows:
Staff Battalion Chiefs (Except BCs assigned to 56-hour workweek in ECC) and Fire Division Chiefs
- 0 to 3 years: Approx 72 hours per year;
- After 3 years: Approx 103 hours per year.
Shift Battalion Chiefs (Including BCs assigned to 56-hour workweek in ECC)
- 0 to 3 years: Approx 101 hours per year;
- After 3 years: Approx 144 hours per year.
Chief Officers observe 13 holidays within the calendar year:
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday
- Lincoln's Birthday
- President's Day
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Indigenous Peoples' Day/Columbus Day
- Veteran's Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Day after Thanksgiving
- Christmas Eve
- Christmas Day
Please see the MOU for additional information on holiday compensation pay as it varies by classification and/or shift in this bargaining unit.
The OCFA offers regular, limited-term, and probationary employees both a Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), which allows you to contribute pre-tax dollars into an account that can be used throughout the year on qualified medical or dependent care expenses. Participants pay fewer taxes and take home more money.
The OCFA has partnered with United Pet Care to offer a pet healthcare program. This program helps employees reduce the cost of escalating veterinary bills at an affordable rate. All pets are eligible regardless of their age or medical condition.
Employees have the option to join OCFA’s Benevolent Association which was created to “Take Care of Their Own.” Included in your $8.00 per pay period cost is $10,000 Member Death Benefit, $4,000 Dependent Death Benefit, $30,000 Annual Scholarships for Members and Dependents, Hardship Grants/Loans, Annual Picnic for Members, Holiday Ball, and Retiree Tribute. In addition, Discount Offers – Recreation/Amusement Parks, fitness 19 and 24-Hour Fitness gym membership, discount movie tickets, Angels Baseball game with tailgate party, etc.
Revised 08/2026
This benefit summary is intended to provide an easy way for current and prospective employees to access fringe benefit information, including voluntary options. This summary is intended to be accurate, but it is not an official plan document, and has no legal or binding effect as an expressed or implied contract, or otherwise, and does not alter or amend any provision of the Memoranda of Understanding, Personnel and Salary Resolution, retirement contract, insurance policy contract, or any other official document of the Orange County Fire Authority, including Standard Operating Procedures and General Orders. All insurance benefits described in the summary are subject to the terms and limitations of the Orange County Fire Authority's insurance contracts with individual insurance providers.
Should you have any questions pertaining to information in this summary, please contact Human Resources Department at (714) 573-6800.
The Orange County Fire Authority uses e‑mail to notify applicants of important information relating to the status and processing of applications. We do so as part of our ongoing efforts to increase efficiency, conserve resources, and minimize delays and costs. Therefore, as an applicant, please ensure that the e‑mail address you provide is current, secure, and readily accessible to you. Please read each e‑mail notice carefully and in a timely manner. Follow further instructions, if any. Please acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to the above.
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