Volunteers in the Parks are “VIP’s”!

Presented by: Holly Glainyk, Staycie Greefkes, and Rebecca Dreyer

Identifying your organizations volunteer needs

• Who will supervise the volunteers?• What kind of projects can volunteers

work on?• What projects may pose safety and

quality issues?• Will you accept court ordered

volunteers?• Long term volunteers vs. short

term volunteers.• What is minimum age of

volunteers will you except?

Writing a position description

• Set clear expectations for volunteers– Time requirements

• How many days?• How many hours?

– Physical challenges– Tools or transportation

• What you will provide• What they need to provide

– Age requirements– Appropriate attire

Writing a Position Description cont.

• Location(s) of the position– May need to give directions

• How many people are needed?• What does the project/position entail?• What training will be provided?• Who will be their supervisor?

www.waukeshacountyparks.com 515 West Moreland Blvd, Room 230, Waukesha WI 53188

Holly Glainyk, Volunteer Coordinator: (262) 896-8074 Email: hglainyk@waukeshacounty.gov Fax: (262) 896-8071

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

POSITION TITLE: RETZER TEACHER NATURALIST (RTN) CLASSIFICATION: _X_ Regular/Ongoing __Short Term __ Special Event __ Seasonal/Holiday LOCATION THIS POSITION IS AVAILABLE: Retzer Nature Center * A criminal background check is required for applicants interested in this position. VOLUNTEER DUTIES/DESCRIPTION: Assist Retzer Nature Center Staff Naturalists with environmental education programs for school and scout groups. Programs are held at Retzer Nature Center and occasionally at other County Park locations. Teacher Naturalists teach specific field lessons from the Retzer Environmental Education Handbook to groups of 10-15 children and programs typically last 1 to 2 ½ hours. Children in programs range from Pre-School to High School age. Both indoor and outdoor program opportunities are available. HOURS: Primarily weekdays for school groups, some evenings and weekend special events as needed. We request a minimum of 15 hours of volunteer commitment per year for this position. QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED: A genuine love of nature is needed, as well as a desire to share your knowledge and enthusiasm with children. Prior experience working with children and specific knowledge of nature’s wonders is NOT necessary – training will be provided. Physical ability to hike on and off set trails is necessary for outdoor programming. EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES NEEDED: Waukesha County Park System will provide:

All educational materials needed.

Volunteer is required to provide: Interest and Enthusiasm!

TRAINING: Training begins with instruction in teaching methodology/tactics and an overview of the ecology of natural systems. A tour of the Retzer land and trails is given and volunteers then assist other staff or Teacher Naturalists with school programs. Based on performance and comfort level, this position can lead to teaching groups on your own if appropriate qualifications and requirements are met. APPROPRIATE ATTIRE: _X_ Work/Outdoor ___ Casual ___ Professional ___ Other: # OF VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR THIS POSITION: Ongoing need MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENT: 18 Years SUPERVISED BY: Retzer Nature Center Staff Naturalists. IS THE LOCATION HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE?: _X_ Yes (Building only) ____ No

Feedback from staff• Find out what volunteer

needs field staff have • Selling the volunteer program

to field staff– What are their concerns?

• Safety concerns?• Time concerns?

– What support will office staff provide?– How do they go about requesting volunteers for a project?

• Dealing with resistance– Reassuring field staff volunteers are no replacement for

staff.

Recruiting Volunteers

• Where to find volunteers?– United Way– Your organization’s website– Friend’s groups– Facebook– Craig's list– Nearby schools and churches– RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program)

• Other ideas?

Recruiting Volunteers cont.

• Volunteer applications • Background checks• Regular volunteers vs. one-time or special

event volunteers– Volunteer sign in sheets

Target Groups

• Huber• RSVP• Key Clubs• Corporate groups

– “Kohl’s Cares”– “Baird Gives Back”– “Serve with Liberty”

Training and Orientation • Define the benefits of the volunteer work

– Meeting new people– Learning– Giving back to the community– Good exercise– Spend time outside

• How much training depends on the position– Training could take 5 minutes, or it could take a couple hours for a long term volunteer.

• Safety– Safety equipment – Safe work habits

Preparing for group volunteer projects

• Who leads the volunteers?• Tools• Make sure water and bathrooms are near by • How are projects determined?

– Dividing large groups– Always have a back up!

• Check for hazards– Barbed wire– Poison ivy– Always bring first aid kit

• Rain dates

Recognition and Evaluation

• Recognize volunteers for their work– Saying Thank you!– Certificates– Recognition dinners– Discounts

• If I volunteer can I have…• Checking in with long term volunteers• Letting volunteers go

Finding work for challenging groups

• Young Children• Groups with special needs• Eagle Scouts

Contact Information• Holly Glainyk- Park Program SpecialistWaukesha County Park System262-896-8074hglainyk@waukeshacounty.gov • Rebecca Dreyer- Natural Land Management CoordinatorWaukesha County Park System262-894-6295rdreyer@waukeshacounty.gov • Staycie Greefkes- Stewardship CoordinatorMilwaukee County Parks Staycie.Greefkes@milwcnty.com 414-257-8091