HVZ Volunteer Policy
Policy Statement: This policy provides guidance regarding volunteer expectations as they relate to the time that the volunteer is representing themselves as a member of the HVZ team in a personal or professional capacity.
Guidelines for Henry Vilas Zoo Volunteers
1. Volunteer Policy. Volunteers understand that they are NOT employees of Dane County, and are not entitled to compensation from Dane County. Volunteers understand that Dane County will not be paying wages, stipend, or Workman's Compensation benefits. Finally, they understand that the HVZ volunteer program is not a guaranteed pathway to paid work, nor does it take the place of an internship or job shadow program of any kind.
2. Safety Expectations. Volunteers shall adhere to all safety guidelines as they apply to guests and volunteers. At no point shall any volunteer enter an animal area without the express permission and supervision of HVZ staff as it applies to their specific role. Failure to adhere to fences and other exhibit boundaries will result in immediate dismissal from the volunteer program and possible legal action.
3. Behavior Expectations. Volunteers understand that we are all humans working together toward the common well-being of our animals, guests and each other. They show respect, patience and understanding towards all humans on and off Zoo grounds.
4. Dress Code. Volunteers will wear weather-appropriate clothing with the HVZ logo and/or nametag visible at all times. Shoes will be closed-toed. Shirts will fully cover the stomach and shoulders. Skirts, shorts and pants will be at least mid-thigh and will full cover the buttocks. HVZ reserves the right to turn away a volunteer whose dress does not follow the above guidelines and/or offers insufficient protection from extreme temperatures, precipitation, etc. Henry Vilas Zoo will not be held responsible in the event that a volunteer comes to harm due to inappropriate dress.
5. Representation & Limitations. Volunteers represent the Henry Vilas Zoo any time they are in uniform and/or volunteering with Henry Vilas Zoo in an official capacity. They welcome, listen, include and teach all who come through our gates or interact with us in any way. Volunteers may not act as a representative of the Zoo in any kind of media capacity without express permission from the HVZ Communications & Outreach Coordinator.
6. Communication. Volunteers communicate their questions, concerns, and other ideas in a timely manner to the Volunteer Coordinator and/or HVZ staff member who works closely with them.
7. Health, Family & School. Volunteers put health, family and school first. Volunteers communicate with the Volunteer Coordinator regarding schedule changes related to these. They do not put themselves or others at risk by showing up to volunteer while sick. In the event a volunteer needs to take a break from service due to long-term health, family or school issues of any kind, Henry Vilas Zoo will work with the volunteer to coordinate communication over the break. Volunteers can help with this process by communicating as far in advance as possible if they think any of these will need to take precedence over volunteering at any time.
8. Photos & Background Check: Volunteers give permission to Henry Vilas Zoo to use images of them while on grounds and/or while volunteering in a promotional capacity for the Zoo and its programs. Volunteers understand that a criminal background check is part of the onboarding process for all adult volunteers.
