June 2011
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Volunteer Handbook
Welcome volunteers
Dear Volunteer,
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Volunteer Handbook is designed to provide volunteers with a guide to the FWC volunteer program. Individual volunteer programs/projects have varied procedures and policies. Refer to your volunteer coordinator/supervisor for specific information on your responsibilities.
The FWC would like to thank you in advance for volunteering to support fish and wildlife management and conservation programs. We appreciate you for donating your time, efforts, skills and assistance to help the agency achieve its mission:
Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.
Bill Parken
Cover photos: Top left and bottom photos by Bill Parken
Table of contentsAbout the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
FWC history ....................................................................................................................4
FWC vision, mission, goal .................................................................................................4
FWC fast facts ................................................................................................................5
FWC Commissioners ........................................................................................................5
FWC divisions, offices, institute and regions ......................................................................6
FWC Volunteer Program
Volunteer benefits ...........................................................................................................8
Volunteer rights ...............................................................................................................9
Volunteer responsibilities ................................................................................................10
Volunteer requirements ...................................................................................................11
Volunteer policies ...........................................................................................................12
Appendices
Appendix 1: Occasional service volunteer sign-up roster ....................................................14
Appendix 2: Regular service volunteer application .............................................................15
Appendix 3: Regular service volunteer agreement ..............................................................16
Appendix 4: FWC volunteer activity record .........................................................................17
Appendix 5: FWC volunteer activity codes .........................................................................18
4 FWC Volunteer Handbook
About the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
FWC history
The FWC came into existence on July 1, 1999 – the result of a constitutional amendment approved in the 1998 General Election as part of the package proposed by the Constitution Revision Com-mission.
In the implementation of the Constitutional Amendment, the Florida Legislature combined all of the staff and Commissioners of the former Marine Fisheries Commission, elements of the Divisions of Marine Resources and Law Enforcement of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and all of the employees and Commissioners of the former Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission.
Five years later, after consulting stakeholders, employees and other interested parties, the FWC adopted a new internal structure to address complex conservation issues of the new century. The new structure focuses on programs, such as habitat management, that affect numerous species. It focuses on moving the decision-making process closer to the public and did not require any additional funding or additional positions.
FWC vision
Powered by science-based leadership, the FWC and its partners will create a sustainable and healthy future for Florida’s fish, wildlife, water and habitat resources.
FWC envisions a future where the people who live in or visit Florida care for and contribute to the stability of the state’s fish and wildlife resources and the quality of its environment. FWC will be the recognized leader in the science and management of Florida’s fish and wildlife.
Residents and visitors will fully support and fund efforts to maintain the resources that provide recreational opportunities for fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and boating.
FWC mission
Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.
This statement captures the concept that humans are an integral part of the equation and that balancing competing public interests, concerns and uses of natural resources is at the heart of the FWC’s mission.
FWC goal
To provide healthy resources for safe, satisfied customers.
This is the end result that the FWC hopes to accomplish through its mission.
FWC Volunteer Handbook 5
FWC fast facts
Locations
n Headquarters in Tallahassee
n Five regional offices: Panama City, Lake City, Ocala, Lakeland and West Palm Beach
n Fish and Wildlife Research Institute in St. Petersburg
n 73 field offices
Florida has...
n 53,927 square miles of land
n 5,983 square miles of water
n More than 34 million acres of public and private land
n Including 5.8 million acres of wildlife management areas (one of the largest public-hunting systems in the country)
n 2,276 miles of tidal shoreline (8,426 “detailed” miles)
n About 1,700 named rivers, streams and creeks flowing 10,550 miles
n Approximately 12,000 miles of fishable rivers, streams and canals and an overall total of 51,858 miles of flowing water, including minor tributaries, creeks and ditches (20,000 of which consistently have water)
nAbout 7,700 lakes greater than 10 acres, covering 3 million total acres
The FWC protects and manages...
n More than 575 species of wildlife
n More than 200 native species of freshwater fish
n More than 500 native species of saltwater fish
...balancing these species’ needs with the needs of more than 18 million residents and the millions of visitors who share the land and water with Florida’s wildlife
FWC Commissioners
The FWC’s seven Commissioners are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Florida Senate to five-year terms. Their constitutional duty is to exercise the “... regulatory and executive powers of the state with respect to wild animal life and fresh water aquatic life and shall also exercise regulatory and executive powers of the state with respect to marine life, except that all license fees and penalties for violating regulations shall be as provided by law.” The current FWC Commissioners are:
Kathy Barco, Jacksonville, ChairwomanKenneth W. Wright, Winter Park, Vice ChairmanRodney Barreto, Miami, ChairmanRichard A. Corbett, Tampa, Vice ChairmanRonald M. Bergeron, Fort LauderdaleDwight Stephenson, Delray BeachMr. Brian S. Yablonski, Tallahassee
6 FWC Volunteer Handbook
nFish and Wildlife Research Institute
nFreshwater Fisheries Management
nHabitat and Species Conservation
nHunting and Game Management
nLaw Enforcement
nMarine Fisheries Management
FWC divisions, offices, institute and regions
FWC offices
Office of Executive Director: Nick Wiley is the FWCExecutive Director; Greg Holder is the FWC AssistantExecutive Director
Within the Office of Executive Director are the following offices:
nCommunity Relations
nFinance and Budget
nHuman Resources
nInformation Technology
nInspector General
nLegal
nLegislative Affairs
nPlanning and Policy Coordination
nRecreation Services
Regions of the FWC
In addition, the FWC is divided into five administrative regions as follows:
Northwest Region North Central3911 Highway 2321 3377 E. U.S. Highway 90Panama City, FL 32409-1658 Lake City, FL 32055-8795850-265-3676 386-758-0525
Northeast Region Southwest Region1239 SW 10th Street 3900 Drane Field RoadOcala, FL 34471 Lakeland, FL 33811-1207352-732-1225 863-648-3200
South Region8535 Northlake BoulevardWest Palm Beach, FL 33412561-625-5122
FWC Volunteer Handbook 7
Regional mapFlorida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
8 FWC Volunteer Handbook
FWC Volunteer Program
With increasing pressures on Florida’s fish, wildlife and habitats, the FWC cannot accomplish its mission without the assistance of volunteers. The FWC benefits from the skills, experiences and dedication of volunteers, and, in turn, strives to offer its volunteers a fulfilling, meaningful and satisfying volunteer experience.
As an FWC volunteer, you can make a positive impact by assisting with activities such as facilities/grounds maintenance, wildlife research, biological sampling and monitoring, habitat restoration, laboratory work and education and outreach programs or events.
A volunteer for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission becomes part of the FWC team; volunteers are an invaluable resource to FWC!
In 2009-2010, volunteers contributed more than 108,000 hours to FWC at a value of approximately $2.25 million.
Volunteer benefits
As a volunteer for FWC, you can:
nHave a positive impact on Florida’s fish and wildlife species, habitats and ecosystems
nInteract with FWC staff to acquire new skills and gain new experiences
nLearn about Florida’s fish, wildlife and ecosystems and use this knowledge to educate others
nTeach youth hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing ethics and skills
nAssist with important scientific research, including sampling and species monitoring
nBe a part of the FWC community
As a volunteer, you will be provided with ongoing training and education to enable you to efficiently and effectively do your job. You may be assigned a volunteer T-shirt, hat and nametag, as well as other materials or equipment needed to do your assigned job.
FWC Volunteer Handbook 9
Volunteer rights
As an FWC volunteer, you have the right to:
nReceive workers’ compensation benefits as provided under Chapter 440, Florida Statutes
nHave your time used efficiently and effectively
n Be assigned jobs/tasks that are meaningful and worthwhile and that fulfill your goals/ aspirations as a volunteer
nReceive orientation, training and supervision appropriate for your job/task
nReceive clear guidance and support from your supervisor
nReceive feedback on volunteer job performance
nBe kept informed of trainings and activities relevant to your volunteer job/task
nProvide input to your supervisor and to the FWC volunteer program
nBe recognized for your contributions
10 FWC Volunteer Handbook
Volunteer responsibilities
As a volunteer for FWC, you are responsible for upholding the following volunteer agreement standards:
nMaintain loyalty to the FWC mission and policies when you are in communication with the public and employees, except where constructive criticism through proper FWC channels is encouraged
nMaintain a courteous but firm, supportive attitude when discussing or explaining FWC policies to the public
nReflect the image of a qualified and effective volunteer working within a well-defined system to fulfill volunteer duties and responsibilities for the FWC
nRefrain from using language unbecoming of a representative of the FWC and refrain from negative criticism or unfounded statements about fellow volunteers or the FWC
nConduct yourself in such a manner that your behavior does not reflect an antagonistic attitude toward management, supervisors, employees, fellow volunteers or the public nRefrain from using your position to secure special privileges, benefits or exemptions for yourself or others
nRefrain from soliciting or accepting anything of value (gifts, loans, rewards, favors, etc.) that may influence you in carrying out your responsibilities as a volunteer
nOnly participate in tasks for which you have been approved
nReport job-related injuries immediately to supervisory staff
nReport all volunteer hours worked and any other information required by your supervisor, and, if appropriate, notify your supervisor of intent to discontinue your volunteer services
nHave a background screening conducted if working with or around youth
nRequest clarification of any rules and policies that you do not understand
Bill Parken
FWC Volunteer Handbook 11
Volunteer requirements
Volunteer application and agreement
If you are volunteering for a one-day event or workday and will not be volunteering on a regular or continual basis, you should sign up on the Occasional Service Volunteer (OSV) Sign-up Roster (Appendix 1).
If you are volunteering for FWC on a regular or continual basis for one or more projects or tasks, you will be signed up as a regular service volunteer (RSV). Regular service volunteers are required to complete the RSV Application (Appendix 2) and read and sign the RSV Agreement (Appendix 3). Both you and your supervisor should sign these forms and the completed forms should be submitted to your supervisor.
Volunteer time and activity records
The FWC requires all volunteers to report activities and service hours. The tracking of volunteer time allows the agency to compile annual volunteer program reports to highlight the value of
volunteer work and to justify the need for continued funding support of the volunteer program. Reporting your hours is also important so that you can be recognized for your time and efforts as a volunteer.
Once you are registered as an FWC volunteer and you begin volunteering, you should keep track of your hours and activities on the FWC Volunteer Activity Record (Appendix 4). You should sign and submit this form to your supervisor on a monthly basis or as requested by your supervisor. All volunteer work you do for FWC will be assigned an activity code by your supervisor. These codes are explained in Appendix 5.
You may be required to participate in a volunteer orientation, and you may also be required to participate in various trainings or certifications to ensure you are sufficiently qualified and prepared for various job duties.
If you will be working with or around youth as part of your volunteer work duties, please note that background screenings are required.
Bill Parken
12 FWC Volunteer Handbook
Volunteer policies
Workers’ compensation As an official FWC volunteer, you are covered in the event of a work-related injury under state liability protection in accordance with Workers’ Compensation benefits provided in Chapter 440, Florida Statutes. Disability, life insurance and temporary wage benefits are not included.
If you are injured while volunteering for FWC, follow these steps:
nIn case of emergency, call 911 immediately.
nIf your injury is not an emergency, report it to your volunteer supervisor as soon as possible.
nTo file a workers’ compensation claim, your supervisor should immediately report the injury to the state of Florida’s workers’ compensation insurance company, OptaComp, by calling 877-518-2583.
nSeek treatment immediately after OptaComp has provided a case number and has arranged for immediate medical treatment. Volunteer attire
Volunteers should wear clothing and attire that is appropriate for the work involved. If you are issued an FWC volunteer T-shirt, hat or other clothing item, you should only wear this attire when working on or for official volunteer activities/jobs sanctioned by the FWC. Also, remember that when wearing clothing containing the FWC logo, you are acting as a representative of the Commission and should act accordingly.
Youth volunteers
The FWC applies state and federal Child Labor Laws to youth volunteers:
nNo minor under the age of 16 can volunteer for FWC unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
nYouth ages 16 and 17 must have parental permission to volunteer for the FWC. Parents grant this permission by signing the RSV Application and RSV Agreement. OSV youth volunteers who participate in a workday through a scout group, school club/project or other supervised youth group are not required to have signed parent permission; these youth volunteers must sign up on the OSV Sign-Up Roster.
nMinors under the age of 18 are not permitted to participate in hazardous activities such as operating power equipment, climbing ladders and working with hazardous chemicals such as herbicides/pesticides, riding in boats, riding on ATVs, etc.
FWC Volunteer Handbook 13
Volunteer background screenings
Any FWC employee or regular service volunteer who will be working with or around youth under the age of 18 will have a background screening conducted. This background screening includes a Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) sexual offenders and predators registries search and a statewide criminal correspondence check through the Florida Comprehensive Case Information System (CCIS).
Prior convictions, a CCIS record hit or listing in the FDLE sexual offender and predator registry are grounds to deny an individual acceptance into any volunteer program or as just cause for termination.
Volunteer use of state vehicles and heavy equipment
Regular service volunteers who possess a valid driver’s license that is in good standing with the state or country from which it is issued are eligible to operate Commission vehicles. You must submit a copy of your driver’s license before you are permitted to operate Commission vehicles.
Occasional Service Volunteers may not operate state vehicles or vessels.
Volunteers should adhere to the following state vehicle guidelines:
nAnyone riding in or operating a state vehicle must wear a seat belt at all times.
nBefore operating any vehicle, volunteers should become familiar with the controls and safety features of the vehicle.
nState vehicles may only be used for official state business. Family and friends who are not volunteering may not accompany a volunteer in the vehicle.
nSmoking and pets are not allowed in state vehicles.
nVolunteers are expected to abide by all state laws regarding the use of state vehicles and FWC guidelines.
Regular service volunteers are authorized to operate power and heavy equipment, such as mowers, weed whackers, ATVs, tractors, etc., provided they are trained on the safe operation of such equipment. Youth volunteers under the age of 18 are not permitted to operate any power or heavy equipment.
Volunteer use of Internet and e-mail
Volunteers are permitted to use FWC computers to access the Internet as a tool for the volunteer’s job assignment upon approval of the volunteer coordinator/supervisor. Volunteers may be assigned an FWC e-mail account. This e-mail account should be used solely for official state business that is relevant to the volunteer’s job assignment.
14 FWC Volunteer Handbook
FWC
Occ
asio
nal S
ervi
ce V
olun
teer
(OSV
)S
IGN
UP
RO
STE
R
Proj
ect:
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
D
ate:
____
____
____
____
__ L
ocat
ion:
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
Act
ivity
Cod
e:__
____
_
Proj
ect
Man
ager
:___
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
FW
C D
ivis
ion/
Offi
ce/P
rogr
am:_
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
_ “I
f I h
ave
any
limita
tions
whi
ch m
ay p
reve
nt m
e fr
om p
erfo
rmin
g vo
lunt
eer
wor
k, I
will
dis
cuss
the
se li
mita
tions
with
the
vol
unte
er t
eam
lead
er for
wor
k as
-si
gnm
ents
to
avoi
d pe
rson
al in
jury
. I u
nder
stan
d as
a v
olun
teer
I am
not
con
side
red
an e
mpl
oyee
of th
e FW
C a
nd t
here
fore
I am
not
elig
ible
for
any
rig
hts
or p
rivile
ges
as s
uch.
I gi
ve p
erm
issi
on t
o th
e FW
C t
o us
e an
y ph
otog
raph
s ta
ken
of m
e fo
r pr
omot
iona
l pur
pose
s of
the
FW
C v
olun
teer
pro
gram
.”
Volu
ntee
r N
ame
Emai
l Add
ress
Emer
genc
y C
onta
ct &
Pho
neTi
me
inTi
me
Out
Tota
lH
ours
Appe
ndix
1
FWC Volunteer Handbook 15
Appe
ndix
2
Flor
ida
Fish
and
Wild
life
Cons
erva
tion
Com
mis
sion
Reg
ular
Ser
vice
Vol
unte
er (
RSV
) A
pplic
atio
n
RS
V o
CEV
o
Dat
e:
FW
C d
ivis
ion/
offic
e/pr
ogra
m:
SECT
ION
A: B
ackg
roun
d in
form
atio
n (t
o be
com
plet
ed b
y vo
lunt
eer)
Firs
t N
ame:
Last
Nam
e:
Dat
e of
bir
th:
Str
eet:
C
ity:
S
tate
Zi
p:
Cou
nty:
Tele
phon
e: (
)
–
(hom
e)
(
)
–
(
othe
r)
E-m
ail*
:
o
Ple
ase
e-m
ail m
e w
ith v
olun
teer
new
s an
d in
form
atio
n
Avai
labi
lity
for
volu
ntee
ring:
oM
orni
ng
oA
fter
noon
oE
veni
ng
oW
eeke
nds
Emer
genc
y co
ntac
t na
me:
Emer
genc
y co
ntac
t re
latio
nshi
p to
you
:
Emer
genc
y co
ntac
t ph
one
num
ber:
(
)
–
(ho
me)
(
)
–
(m
obile
)
Are
you
will
ing
to t
rave
l? oY
es
oN
o If
yes,
wha
t co
unty
or
regi
on?
Ple
ase
plac
e an
“X”
Nex
t to
the
box
to
mar
k yo
ur (
E) p
revi
ous
expe
rienc
e an
d/or
(I)
inte
rest
:
E
I E
I
E
I E
I
oo
Con
serv
atio
n ed
ucat
ion
oo
Phot
ogra
phy
oo
Trai
l Dev
elop
men
t/m
aint
enan
ceoo
Wild
life
mon
itorin
g/re
sear
ch
oo
Envi
ronm
enta
lin
terp
reta
tion
oo
Volu
ntee
rm
anag
emen
too
Ope
ratin
g he
avy
equi
pmen
too
Plan
t/tr
eeid
entifi
catio
n
oo
Wor
king
with
you
thoo
Even
t pl
anni
ngoo
Arch
ery
oo
Tree
pla
ntin
g
oo
Com
pute
r ap
plic
atio
nsoo
Des
ign/
illus
trat
ion
oo
Sho
otin
g sp
orts
oo
Gar
deni
ng/
land
scap
ing
oo
Dat
a en
try
oo
Res
earc
hoo
Hun
ting
oo
Inva
sive
pla
nt
rem
oval
oo
Gra
phic
/vis
ual
aids
oo
Car
pent
ryoo
Fish
ing
oo
Pres
crib
ed
burn
ing
oo
Fest
ival
s/pu
blic
ou
trea
choo
Mec
hani
cal
oo
Bird
ing
oo
Firs
t ai
d/C
PR
oo
Offi
ce/c
leric
aloo
Met
al w
ork
oo
Padd
ing
oo
GPS
/GIS
oo
Writ
ing/
editi
ngoo
Cle
an-u
p ev
ents
oo
Boa
ting
oo
Oth
er:
Kno
wle
dge/
skill
s/ab
iliti
es (
KSA
s)Li
st K
SAs
you
pos
sess
and
bel
ieve
rel
evan
t to
the
pos
ition
you
see
k, s
uch
as o
pera
ting
heav
y eq
uipm
ent,
com
pute
r sk
ills,
flue
ncy
in la
ngua
ge(s
), et
c.
Bac
kgro
und
info
rmat
ion
Hav
e yo
u ev
er b
een
conv
icte
d of
a fe
lony
or
a fir
st-d
egre
e m
isde
mea
nor?
o
Yes
o
No
If ye
s, w
hat
char
ges:
Whe
re c
onvi
cted
?
Dat
e of
con
vict
ion:
Plea
se n
ote:
Any
vol
unte
er w
orki
ng w
ith o
r ar
ound
chi
ldre
n w
ill h
ave
a ba
ckgr
ound
scr
eeni
ng c
ondu
cted
.
SECT
ION
B: J
ob t
asks
and
tra
inin
g ne
eded
(to
be
com
plet
ed w
ith p
rogr
am c
oord
inat
or)
Job
task
s:
Spe
cial
tra
inin
g ne
eded
:
All
volu
ntee
rs p
leas
e re
ad a
nd s
ign
belo
w:
I offe
r an
d ag
ree
to v
olun
teer
my
serv
ices
to
assi
st t
he F
lorid
a Fi
sh a
nd W
ildlif
e C
onse
rvat
ion
Com
mis
sion
in a
ccor
danc
e w
ith t
he u
nder
stan
ding
tha
t I a
m n
ot a
n em
ploy
ee a
nd n
ot s
ubje
ct t
o an
y pr
ovis
ion
of la
w r
elat
ed t
o st
ate
empl
oym
ent
exce
pt a
s pr
ovid
ed in
110
.504
, FLo
rida
Sta
tute
s. I
also
und
erst
and
whi
le p
erfo
rmin
g vo
lunt
eer
activ
ities
I w
ill b
e co
vere
d by
sta
te li
abili
ty p
rote
ctio
n un
der
440.
02, F
lorid
a S
atut
es. I
hea
rby
give
my
perm
issi
on fo
r th
e FW
C t
o ob
tain
info
rmat
ion
rela
ting
to m
y cr
imin
al h
isto
ry r
ecor
d sh
ould
my
resp
onsi
bilit
ies
incl
ude
wor
king
with
chi
ldre
n. I
also
und
erst
and
that
as
long
as
I rem
ain
a vo
lunt
eer,
the
crim
inal
his
tory
rec
ords
che
ck m
ay b
e re
peat
ed a
t an
y tim
e. I
am a
t le
ast
18 y
ears
old
(o
r if
I am
you
nger
tha
n 18
my
pare
nt w
ill c
onse
nt t
o th
is a
gree
men
t by
sig
ning
bel
ow).
I cer
tify
that
my
driv
er’s
lice
nse
or d
rivin
g pe
rmit
is v
alid
and
in g
ood
stan
ding
from
the
sta
te o
r co
untr
y fr
om w
hich
it is
issu
ed. I
f I h
ave
limita
tions
tha
t m
ay p
reve
nt m
e fr
om p
erfo
rmin
g vo
lunt
eer
wor
k, t
hese
lim
itatio
ns w
ill b
e di
scus
sed
with
the
vol
unte
er t
eam
lead
er fo
r w
ork
assi
gnm
ents
to
avoi
d pe
rson
al in
jury
. If I
am
inju
red
whi
le p
erfo
rmin
g vo
lunt
eer
wor
k, I
will
con
tact
my
team
lead
er
or t
he F
WC
sup
ervi
sor
for
trea
tmen
t in
form
atio
n. I
give
per
mis
sion
to
the
FWC
to
use
any
phot
ogra
phs
take
n of
me
for
prom
otio
nal p
urpo
ses
of t
he F
WC
vol
unte
er p
rogr
am.
* Pl
ease
not
e: F
lorid
a ha
s a
very
bro
ad p
ublic
rec
ords
law.
Mos
t w
ritte
n co
mm
unic
atio
ns t
o or
from
sta
te o
ffici
als
rega
rdin
g st
ate
busi
ness
are
co
nsid
ered
pub
lic r
ecor
ds a
nd a
re a
vaila
ble
to t
he p
ublic
and
the
med
ia u
pon
requ
est.
The
refo
re, y
our
e-m
ail c
omm
unic
atio
ns m
ay b
e su
bjec
t to
pu
blic
dis
clos
ure.
Volu
ntee
r si
gnat
ure
Dat
e
Sig
natu
re o
f par
ent
or g
uard
ian
(if v
olun
teer
is u
nder
18)
Dat
e
Volu
ntee
r co
ordi
nato
r/su
perv
isor
sig
natu
re
D
ate
FWC
RS
V Vo
lunt
eer
Appl
icat
ion
1/27
/201
1
16 FWC Volunteer Handbook
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Regular Service Volunteer (RSV) Agreement
As a volunteer for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), I ______________________________ (print name), agree to abide by all applicable FWC rules, policies and standards governing volunteers.
Volunteer Agreement standardsI agree to: 1. Maintain loyalty to the FWC mission and policies when I am in communications with the public and employees, except where constructive criticism through proper FWC channels is encouraged.
2.Maintainacourteousbutfirm,supportiveattitudewhendiscussingorexplainingFWCpoliciestothepublic.
3.Reflecttheimageofaqualifiedandeffectivevolunteerworkingwithinawell-definedsystemtofulfill volunteer duties and responsibilities for the FWC.
4. Refrain from using language unbecoming of a representative of the FWC and refrain from negative criticism or unfounded statements about fellow volunteers or the FWC.
5.Conductmyselfinsuchamannerthatmybehaviordoesnotreflectanantagonisticattitudetoward management, supervisors, employees, fellow volunteers or the public.
6.Refrainfromusingmypositiontosecurespecialprivileges,benefitsorexemptionsformyselfandothers.
7.Refrainfromsolicitingoracceptinganythingofvalue(gifts,loans,rewards,favors,etc.)thatmayinfluence me in carrying out my responsibilities as a volunteer.
8.OnlyparticipateintasksforwhichIhavebeenapproved.
9.Reportjob-relatedinjuriesimmediatelytosupervisorystaff.
10.Reportallvolunteerhoursworkedandanyotherinformationrequiredbymysupervisor,and,ifappropriate, notify my supervisor of intent to discontinue my volunteer services.
11.Haveabackgroundscreeningconductedifworkingwithoraroundyouth.
12.RequestclarificationofanyrulesandpoliciesthatIdonotunderstand.
As a volunteer for the FWC, I understand that I am not considered an employee of the FWC and am not entitled torightsundertheCareerServiceSystem.IunderstandthatIamcoveredintheeventofawork-relatedinjuryunderstateliabilityprotectioninaccordancewithWorkers’CompensationbenefitsprovidedinChapter440,FloridaStatutes.Disability,lifeinsuranceandtemporarywagebenefitsarenotincluded.
Iunderstandthat,asappropriateandwithsupervisoryapproval,Iampermittedtheuseofstateequipment,lab/officespace,andvehiclesandvesselswhichareneededtoeffectivelycompleteassignedvolunteerduties.
_____________________________________ _____________________________________Volunteer signature Supervisor signature
__________________ __________________Date Date
If volunteer is under 18:
I, ___________________________________ (name of parent or guardian), understand and agree to the above FWC volunteer rules, policies and standards governing volunteers and do hereby authorize my child to participate in volunteer projects with the FWC.
_____________________________________Signature of parent/guardian (if volunteer is under 18)
__________________ Checkapplicablebox:RSV o CEV oDate
FWC RSV Agreement Form 1/27/2010
Appendix 3
FWC Volunteer Handbook 17
FWC
Vol
unte
er A
ctiv
ity
Rec
ord
Nam
e: _
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
_
Sup
ervi
sor’s
nam
e: _
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
__
Page
num
ber:
___
____
R
ound
hou
rs t
o ne
ares
t qu
arte
r ho
ur
(
15
min
. =
.2
5, 3
0 m
in.
= .
50
, 45
min
. =
.7
5)
Dat
e(s)
Loca
tion
Des
crip
tion
of w
ork
com
plet
edA
ctiv
ity
tim
eP
rep
tim
eD
rivi
ngti
me
Tota
l ti
me
Act
ivit
y co
de
Sub
tota
ls o
f th
ispa
ge (e
ach
colu
mn)
* A
ctiv
ity c
ode
will
be
fille
d in
by
supe
rvis
or
Plea
se s
ign
(or
chec
k bo
x if
send
ing
by e
-mai
l) an
d su
bmit
mon
thly
to
your
sup
ervi
sor.
Not
es:
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
_
Sig
natu
re
o S
ubm
itted
by
e-m
ail
FWC
Vol
unte
er A
ctiv
ity R
ecor
d Fo
rm d
ate:
1/2
6/2
009
Appe
ndix
4
18 FWC Volunteer Handbook
Appendix 5
FWC Volunteer Activity Code List
When you enter volunteer data into VolTrack, you will need to assign an activity code. When you assign a volunteer activity code, you should use the one which best describes the intention of the work completed. For example, if a group of volunteers remove old fencing from an area, you need to determine the overall intention or desired end result of the job: if the intention was to reduce barriers to wildlife migration, it would be coded ‘HE’ (habitat enhancement and management); if the intention was to maintain property near a FWC roadway or building, it would be coded ‘FM’ (facility and grounds maintenance).
Some activity codes have an option of [Activity Code] 2. These codes can be used for volunteers who supervise others, take a leadership role or complete a job or task without direct supervision.
Please minimize the use of ‘XX,’ other, to instances where there is absolutely no code that fits the intention of the volunteer job or task.
Activity Code
Activity Option Description
FG Friends groupactivities
n Participation in steering committee, board developement or planning meetings
n Friends group marketing and public relations
FM Facility and grounds
maintenance
n Clean-up or maintenance of an office
n Restroom and equipment maintenance
n Landscaping or grounds clean-up
n Miscellaneous construction n Mechanical, plumbing or carpentry work for buildings or facilities
HE Habitatenhancement
andmaintenance
HE2 n Installation and management of feed plots
n Native plant species planting and monitoring
n Litter/debris/trash pickup
n Fence construction or fence removal to improve or protect conservation habitat n Fire management
n All activities to control, manage, or remove invasive plants and animals to minimize negative impact
n Trail construction or management for access to recreational activities and to protect wildlife habitat and other sensitive areas by reducing human impacts
n Marine/aquatic habitat enhancement activities
LE Law enforcement
activities
LE2 n Activities conducted by FWC Reserve Officer volunteers that supplement the full-time officers’ patrol activities
OM Office management
OM2 n Administrative data management (non-scientific public surveys, program evaluation survey and volunteer data input)
n General office/secretarial duties (receiving and placing phone calls, making copies, running errands, etc.) n Check station staffing
FWC Volunteer activity code list 1/26/2011 Continued
FWC Volunteer Handbook 19
Activity Code
Activity Option Description
PO Public Outreach
PO2 n Outreach, education or promotion (including speaking to visitors or interest groups)
n Developing workshops or trainings
n Composing outreach materials (including graphic design, articles, newsletters, etc.)
n Working on/preparing for festivals, outreach events, etc.
n Volunteer recruitment
RR Rescue andrecovery
RR2 n Terrestrial, aquatic and mariene animal rescue and/or recovery (including necropsy)
n Nusiance wildlife management
SR Scientificresearch, datacollection and
analysis
SR2 n Biological investigations, sampling, surveying and monitoring
n Scientific data collection, analysis or management – including data on: n Flora or fauna nHuman impacts on fish, wildlife or habitats nData to answer research questions related to natural resource management
VT Volunteertraining
LE2 n Hours accrued by the volunteer for technical training
n On-the-job training or shadowing may be listed as another activity if it meets goals and/or objectives related to another code
XX Other OM2 n This code should only be used if no other activity code that fits the overall intention of the volunteer work
n If you use this code, you must provide a brief description of the work done
FWC Volunteer activity code list 1/26/2011
Appendix 5
June 2011