Why Join New Jersey Task Force 1
Why Join Our Team
Joining New Jersey Task Force One is a commitment to both you and to our national emergency response capability. Members of this team are considered to be the “best of the best” in their respective fields. With this comes pride, respect, and a specialized knowledge not obtainable in any other arena. Below are what we feel to be the top reasons to become a member of this elite team.
Training – Effectiveness in structural collapse rescue requires many other supporting disciplines. Among these include high-angle rope use, confined space entry, vehicle/machinery extraction, trench rescue, and hazardous materials response. Team members are trained in all of these technical rescue fields, and bring this knowledge back to their local agencies.
Tools – New Jersey Task Force 1’s equipment cache contains over 27,000 pieces of specialized search and rescue equipment. This includes heavy breaching and breaking tools, sensitive search equipment, communications gear, and detection monitors for hazardous materials and weapons of mass destruction.
No where else can one get this much hands-on training.
Networking – Members of New Jersey Task Force 1 come from 86 Participating agencies throughout the state. These professional bring with them the knowledge and experiences of their particular department and specialized field. National training and deployments afford members the opportunity to share their knowledge, experiences, and techniques across the country.
Experience – Whether it is Super Storm Sandy or the devastation of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, New Jersey Task Force 1 has been there through the worst. With this comes a level of emergency response experience obtainable no where else. Team members observe first-hand how all of the pieces fit into a national response effort, and are better able to manage and command local emergencies.
Pride – This team, and the national US&R system, is truly comprised of the very best response professionals. Being counted among these ranks is not an easy endeavor, but is one that will bring with it the utmost pride and respect
Position Descriptions
Each task force position has its own specific requirements along with general requirements.
Please carefully review the general requirements along with the position you are interested in.
Command Staff
Medical Team
Planning Team
Rescue Team
Logistics Team
Application Process
GENERAL TEAM REQUIREMENTS:
- Members are required to attend a minimum of 40 hours of training every 12 months, calculated on a calendar year.
- Members must also commit to a minimum of 20 hours of service time every 12 months, calculated on a calendar year. Service time is NJ-TF1 support that does not occur on a regular training day.
- Attendance at various specific training days is required.
- Mandatory attendance at the annual team meeting which is always held on the 2nd Saturday in February.
- Members must attend a 3-day mobilization exercise at least once every three years.
- Members MUST be available to be deployed for up to 21 days.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Step 1: Review the FEMA General Requirements. Training items #2 (IS courses) and # 5 (CPR) must be completed prior to applying.
Step 2: Review the FEMA Position Description for the position for which you wish to apply for.
Step 3: Obtain a FEMA Student ID Number.
Step 4: Complete the following online training. (if you have not already done so)