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Structures Specialists (StS)

Within the Urban Search & Rescue (US&R) environment, there is a large need for structural specialists (STSs) when US&R teams deploy to large-scale disasters or incidents. A Structures Specialist performs various structural assessments for an Urban Search & Rescue Task Force during incident operations. The StS reports directly to the Planning Team Manager, but will often be assigned to the Search Team or Rescue Team Manager. The StS may be assigned other duties working directly in support of the IST Structural Unit Leader or as a Technical Liaison to the AHJ (Agency Having Jurisdiction) or some other Agency.

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Description of Duties
The Structures Specialist is responsible for:

  • Assessing the immediate structural condition of the affected area of Task Force operations, which includes identifying structure types, specific damage and structural hazards.

  • Recommending the appropriate type and amount of structural hazard mitigation in order to minimize risks on site to task force personnel.

  • Cooperating with and assisting other search and rescue resources.

  • Monitoring assigned structures for condition changes while rescue and recovery operations are proceeding.

  • Assuming an active role in implementing approved structural hazard mitigation as a designer, inspector, and possibly a supervisor.

  • Coordinating and communicating the structural related hazard mitigation with IST Structural Unit Leader.

  • Accountability, maintenance, and minor repairs for all issued equipment.

  • Adhering to all safety procedures.

 

Position Requirements and Criteria
In addition to the basic US&R System requirements the StS must:

  • Have completed the FEMA Structural Specialist Course (StS1), facilitated by the US Army Corps of Engineers.

  • Be currently licensed as a Professional Engineer with specialization in structures or equivalent as sanctioned by the FEMA US&R Structures Sub-Group.

  • Have a minimum of 5 years experience in structural design and analysis to include evaluation of existing structures, field investigation or construction observation/inspection experience.

Structures Specialist Resources

Name

STS Training & Engagement

Name

  • 2024 STS Course Dates

  • 2025 STS Course Dates

  • STS Feedback Portal

  • STS Profile Submitted

  • Intention to Attend STS Course

  • STS Course Application

STS News and Updates

Name

  • STS FAQ

  • IST STS FAQ

  • STS Hangout

  • SUSAR STS Support Statement

  • SSG Minutes

STS Job Aids

Name

  • STS Job Aids

STS Training Materials - (This link goes to a folder where all documents are housed)

Name

Revision Date

Responsible

  • GPS Computer Interface Lesson Plan

  • HERS 1-2 Rigging Intro Student Manual

  • HERS 1-3 Burn Cutting Student Manual

  • HERS 2-1 Site Protocal PPT-HO & Stu Manual 

  • HERS 2-2 Calc Weight & CG Student Manual

  • HERS 2-3 Crane Basics PPT-HO & Stu Manual

  • HERS 3-1 Crane Charts PPT-HO & Stu Manual

  • HERS 3-2 Crane Accid & Non Tridit. Use PPT-HO & SM

  • HERS 3-3 Demo Equip & Helo Ops PPT-HO & Stu Manual

  • NFPA Fire Protection Manual 2003 Sect 12, Ch 11

  • Shore Testing Article in Fire Engineering Sep 2011-Draft

  • SCT01c Structural Engineering Systems Student Manual ver4

  • SCT01d Tool Lab Student Manual

  • SCT02a Shoring Basics Student Manual

  • SCT02b Shore Construction Student Manual

  • SCT03 Conc B&B Student Manual

  • SCT04 Lifting & Moving Student Manual 

  • StS1 Tenative Class Schedule - Oct 2016 

  • StS1 Course Description 

  • StS2 Course Description

  • StS1-1-5 Intro to Mitigation & Monitoring Methods-HO & SM 

  • StS2-1-3 FMA StuManual May10

  • StS1-2-0 Principles of Wood Design Student Manual

  • StS1 Regional Training Course Description

  • Structure Collapse Awareness Student Manual - Jan2012 Version 1

  • Summary of Laced Post Tests 2010

  • Summary of Raker & Picket Tests - 2010

  • USR IB 2023-015 - USACE StS2 Trng Course, May 19-24, 2023.pdf

1/21/2011

1/13/2010

1/13/2010

1/13/2010

1/13/2010

1/13/2010

1/13/2010

1/13/2010

1/13/2010

2003

8/10/2011

1/21/2012

1/21/2011

1/21/2011

1/21/2011

1/21/2011

1/21/2011

3/21/2020

8/22/2016

8/22/2016

3/24/2010

5/23/2010

1/13/2010

8/22/2016

1/21/2012

8/22/2016

8/22/2016

4/25/2023

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