Call for CVs: Urban Search & Rescue Subject Matter Experts

LEVEL: Subject Matter Expert

LOCATION: Various - primarily National Guard installations nationwide

TYPE: Consultant / Contract - Short-Term / Intermittent

McColm & Company (McColm) is a mission-driven and customer-focused consulting firm that equips change makers with the knowledge, skills, and insights they need to succeed in an increasingly complex world. McColm specializes in supporting U.S. federal customers with emergency response, national security, human services, and foreign affairs focused portfolios by managing bespoke professional training programs, delivering effective capacity building solutions, and providing highly specialized technical assistance and analysis expertise to decision makers.

McColm is expanding our bench of qualified Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Subject Matter Experts in support of CERFP (CBRN Enhanced Response Force Package) exercise support services. These opportunities are short term, intermittent contract opportunities in which the SMEs will need to be available to provide services on customer established dates and travel to perform work at the Government's site - typically for 3-7 days per assignment. The position description below details the anticipated duties and qualifications of the role, contingent upon contract award.

USAR SMEs will serve as an on-site technical experts and liaisons during the training exercises and/or External Evaluation (EXEVAL). The USAR SME's responsibilities are as follows:

• Serve as a liaison to the Incident Command System (ICS), providing technical search and rescue expertise throughout the exercise operational period.
• Provide training support and oversight for the Search & Extraction (S&E) team operating within the Structural Collapse Venue Site (SCVS).
• Assist Observer/Controller-Trainers (OC/Ts) in ensuring the maximum training and exercise value is achieved.
• May serve as an ICS role player or Subject Matter Expert on the evaluation day, as exercise requirements dictate.
• Ensure scenario-specific exercise requirements are understood and adhered to; supply technical input and direction to the S&E team within the limits of the exercise scenario.
• Safely direct the placement and recovery of role players and weighted manikins within the rubble pile / SCVS during operational periods.
• Participate in daily hot wash / after-action review briefings and provide input as required.
• Operate in an outdoor, physically demanding environment.

Requirements

Qualified candidate must possess all of the following certifications and experience:

• Current certification meeting OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120(q)(6) (HAZWOPER Operations/Technician level, with current annual refresher).
• Current certification meeting OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 (Permit-Required Confined Space Entry).
• Current certification in NFPA 472 (Hazardous Materials/WMD Response Competencies for Responders).
• Current certification in NFPA 1006 (Technical Rescue Personnel Professional Qualifications).
• Current certification in NFPA 1670 (Technical Search and Rescue Operations - Structural Collapse, Confined Space, and/or Rope Rescue at the Operations or Technician level).
• Credentialed Fire Service Instructor (NFPA 1041 or equivalent state-recognized Fire Instructor credential).
• Demonstrated experience at Technical Rescue Level 2 or higher, with expertise in one or more of the following specializations: structural collapse rescue, confined space rescue, rope rescue, heavy equipment operations in disaster environments.
• Demonstrated experience supporting training venues and exercises, including CERFP, HRF, or equivalent CBRNE/FEMA USAR exercises
• Ability to pass a background check and be listed on the installation Entry Access List (EAL).
• Must be physically capable of working in a simulated disaster environment (rubble pile), potentially in inclement weather.

Benefits

McColm offers a competitive compensation and benefits package to all of our staff. Compensation is offered according to job requirements, market dynamics, and experience/skills of the successful candidate. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, and life insurances, generous Paid Time Off, 11 paid federal holidays, and annual performance-based bonuses.

We are an equal opportunity employer offering employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, gender identity or expression, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Due to the high volume of applications McColm receives and to ensure we comply with our internal hiring policies, we regret we are not able to respond to individual phone calls or emails regarding application status.