This unit of competency involves the skills and knowledge required by an Operations Officer to manage operational resources and to resolve a Level 2 incident in accordance with the objectives identified by the Incident Controller. It includes establishing command and developing operational structure, contributing to the development of the incident action plan, managing operations, establishing communications, participating in incident management teams and monitoring and reviewing operations functions.

An individual performing the role of Operations Officer is delegated responsibility by the Incident Controller. They support the Incident Controller and works with other members of the incident management team. Operations Officers are required to implement strategies to resolve an incident; manage all activities that are directly related to resolving the incident; manage all resources, personnel and equipment assigned to the operations section and the identification of risks at an incident.

Level 2 incidents are characterised by the need for deployment of resources beyond the initial response, sectorisation of the incident, establishment of functional sections due to the levels of complexity or a combination of the above. Authorisation to perform this role is subject to organisational policies and procedures.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Establish command and develop operational structure

1.1

Initial briefing is obtained from Incident Controller with Incident Controller’s intent confirmed and questions asked

1.2

Command of operations function is established

1.3

Principles of span of control are applied to operational resources

1.4

Sectors are delineated taking account of geographic and functional requirements

1.5

Strike teams, task forces or units are formed from allocated resources

2

Contribute to development of the Incident Action Plan

2.1

Incident Action Plan (IAP) for the operational period is monitored and reviewed

2.2

Input into incident objectives and operational strategies is provided

2.3

Operations component of the IAP is developed, in accordance with organisational policies, procedures, safe work practices, industrial awards and agreements

2.4

Need for logistical support is determined and documented

3

Manage operations

3.1

Security arrangements are established

3.2

Records of activities and decisions are kept, in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

3.3

Operations function is established to achieve objectives and tasks are delegated, in accordance with the requirements of a Level 2 incident

3.4

Operations requirements are identified, and resources are sought to meet incident requirements

3.5

Operations personnel are briefed, and tasks are allocated, in accordance with the IAP objectives

3.6

Resources are deployed, in accordance with the IAP objectives

3.7

Operations progress is monitored against the IAP and operational activities are adjusted, as required, throughout the incident

3.8

Operational effectiveness is reviewed and changes to operational structure, resources and logistical support are determined and communicated to the Incident Controller

3.9

Operations resources are managed, in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

3.10

Safe work practices, Work, Health and Safety (WHS)/Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and welfare arrangements for work area are implemented and monitored

3.11

Agreed protocols are followed when managing personnel from other organisations

3.12

Action is taken to protect and preserve incident scene, in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

3.13

Staging areas are established and maintained, as required, and this is communicated to the incident management team and participating organisations and/or agencies

4

Establish communications

4.1

Incident communication plan is implemented, monitored and reviewed

4.2

Communication is maintained with incident personnel, in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

4.3

Current and emerging operational risks are communicated to personnel, in accordance with the chain of command

4.4

Communication is maintained with stakeholders and affected parties, in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

4.5

Emerging or anticipated problems with incident communication are reported immediately

5

Participate in Incident Management Team

5.1

Incident Management Team (IMT) planning meetings are attended, in accordance with Incident Controller's requirements

5.2

Incident Controller is advised about incident situation, control progress and risks in a timely manner

5.3

IMT is kept informed of progress of operations plan and operational requirements

5.4

Advice is provided to the IMT on provision of services and resources and prioritisation of requirements

5.5

Incident Controller is briefed on analysis of progress against the operations portion of the IAP

5.6

Liaison with other members of the IMT is undertaken, as required

5.7

Regular information exchange is maintained with planning and logistics section

5.8

Demobilisation of operations resources is undertaken while integrity of the response is maintained

6

Monitor and review operations functions

6.1

Performance of operational objectives and allocation of resources is monitored and reviewed

6.2

Incident reports are produced, as required

6.3

Operational briefings and debriefings are conducted and recorded, in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Non-essential conditions may be found in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

Public Safety

Operations