KAERC FAQ's

• What is the KAERC?

  The KAERC is the first effort of its kind in the nation – bringing together individuals with specific skill sets needed in an agricultural emergency to work alongside local, state, and federal government employees to respond to and recover from an agricultural incident. While there are many volunteer organizations specifically for veterinarians to assist in an emergency, the KAERC expands that model to all facets of the agricultural industry.
  
  

• How do I join the KAERC?

  To join the KAERC, individuals must submit an official application and sign a Memorandum of Understanding and Code of Conduct. Applicants will be selected on the following criteria: professional certifications or employment, related experience, email and Internet capability, availability, and commitment as demonstrated by signing of the Memorandum of Understanding and Code of Conduct.
  
  

• Is there an age requirement or limit for belonging to the KAERC?

  Because of the nature of the KAERC’s role in an agricultural emergency, members must be 18 years of age or older.
  
  

• What types of tasks can I perform as a KAERC volunteer?

  KAERC members will provide critical support and assistance during an agricultural emergency. From providing appraisals for indemnity purposes to assisting in identifying potentially affected plants or animals, KAERC members may work in nearly every aspect of an agricultural incident. 23 specific positions have been created and are available to review online at http://agriculture.ks.gov/kaerc. If you have an interest in becoming a member of the KAERC, please contact the program manager to discuss membership opportunities.
  
  

• Who manages the KAERC?

  The Kansas Department of Agriculture Emergency Management program provides staff support for the KAERC.
  
  

• Will I be a state employee if I join the KAERC?

  Joining the KAERC does not automatically make a volunteer a state employee. During non-emergency operations, volunteers will be part of a pool of available volunteers who are eligible to respond if an incident arises. During this time, volunteers may be given the opportunity to participate in exercises, public education, training, or outreach events. Once activated during an actual agricultural incident, however, members of the KAERC may become part-time temporary state employees and may be compensated at prescribed rates. Authorized travel expenses and incidentals may also be paid while on active assignment. Upon completion of the incident, volunteers’ active status will be terminated.

  
  

• Where do I get more information?

  More information about the KAERC is available online at http://agriculture.ks.gov/kaerc. Interested individuals are also encouraged to contact David Hogg, KAERC Program Manager, at david.hogg@ks.gov.
  
  

• How can I obtain KAERC outreach materials?

  More information about the KAERC is available online at http://agriculture.ks.gov/kaerc. Interested individuals are also encouraged to contact David Hogg, KAERC Program Manager, at david.hogg@ks.gov.
  
  

• Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to be a KAERC volunteer?

  KAERC volunteers must be able to provide proof of United State citizenship or legal resident status.
  
  

• How many KAERC volunteers are there?

  Initially, the goal is to have more than 300 volunteer members.
  
  

• Are there standards of behavior for KAERC volunteers and their programs?

  Yes, KAERC volunteers will be required to sign and follow a Code of Conduct. Deviations from this Code of Conduct may result in suspension or termination of a volunteer’s affiliation with the KAERC.
  
  

• What are the benefits of affiliation with KAERC?

  Agriculture is the largest industry in the state of Kansas. Being a member of the KAERC allows you to take an active role in protecting the industry in the event of an agricultural incident. KAERC members receive valuable emergency preparedness training which may also be eligible for continuing education credit in some cases. 

  
  
  

• Is it mandatory to join?

  No. Joining the KAERC is voluntary.
  
  

• Are there training requirements for KAERC volunteers?

  All KAERC members must complete five core training courses related to the KAERC mission and basic emergency management to gain an understanding of the state and national emergency management systems, which are the basis for the KDA emergency response plan. All five training courses will be taught in one-day workshops led by the KAERC Program Manager in various locations throughout Kansas. While volunteers are encouraged to attend one of these workshops, the five core courses will also be made available online.

  • The five core training courses are as follows:
    • KAERC Volunteer Orientation - an overview of the type and scope of emergencies in which KAERC members may be called upon to participate.
    • IS-100.b: Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS-100
    • IS-700.A: National Incident Management System (NIMS), An Introduction
    • IS-800.b: National Response Framework, An Introduction
    • IS-811: Emergency Support Functions (ESF) #11 - Agriculture and Natural Resources Annex

  In addition to the basic training courses above, position-specific training courses—or equivalent courses—may be required for each KAERC member. Course requirements are listed on all position descriptions.

  KAERC members will be encouraged to participate in planned KDA emergency exercises and events to help them become familiar with the entire KDA emergency response structure. Involving KAERC members in planned events and exercises will give volunteers firsthand experience with the KDA emergency response plan and procedures.
  
  

• Will this program be in alignment to the Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) and the National Incident Management Systems (NIMS)?

  Yes. The KAERC was developed by the Kansas Department of Agriculture to ensure the program is in alignment with recognized emergency response and management systems.
  
  

• Once I’m a member of the KAERC, can I volunteer at any disaster?

  KAERC members may be activated in any agricultural incident if the KDA Incident Management Team deems it necessary. While they cannot self-deploy, members can contact the KAERC program manager to volunteer to assist in a response.
  
  

• Will I need to undergo a background check?

  Some positions within the KAERC may require a background check.
  
  

• Can I get paid for being a volunteer?

  When activated, members of the KAERC become either part-time temporary state employees or unpaid volunteers and may be compensated and reimbursed for expenses. 

  
  
  

• How long could I be deployed?

  The expectation is that most volunteer assignments will be for a limited period of time. This may include a few days or potentially a few weeks. Activated volunteers will work specific operational periods as determined by the KDA IMT. Efforts will be made to demobilize volunteers as quickly as possible after an incident is determined to be under control or completed. If conflicts or personal emergencies occur, volunteers will be allowed to demobilize before an incident is considered completed. No volunteer will be permitted to work more than 999 hours during a 365-day period beginning on the date of any state employment.

  
  

• Will I be deployed out of state?

  No. The KAERC program will only deploy members within the state of Kansas.
  
  

• What if I get hurt?

  As temporary part-time employees of the KDA, volunteers will have the same protection provided to state employees regarding injuries suffered while performing required work tasks.

  
  
  

• Does membership in KAERC provide job protection if I am activated and deployed to a response?

  No. It is the responsibility of KAERC volunteers to obtain permission from their employers (if applicable) to respond during an activation. This may be in the form of administrative leave, personal leave, or any other agreement made between the employee and employer. Failure to obtain this permission, and any resulting action, is not the responsibility of the KAERC.