Volunteer Agreement Policy
St. Simons Land Trust Mission:
To preserve the island’s natural and scenic character and to enhance
the quality of life for present and future generations
Hello Volunteer,
The Land Trust is grateful to have a group of passionate individuals, dedicated to conserving the islands’ natural and scenic character. Volunteers are critical to the Land Trust, whether one provides, conservation, administrative, education or event support. As representatives of the Land Trust you will help create a connection with the community and island visitors as you share the mission of the Land Trust.
The purpose of this document is to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for St. Simons Land Trust volunteers and staff. The Land Trust values the time you will commit and your dedication and, looks forward to working alongside you in a wide array of capacities. As you know, you are a fundamental component to furthering the mission of the Land Trust and without your support the Land Trust would not be the success that it is. This document will cover the volunteer opportunities offered and the expectations to allow for a rewarding experience for all involved.
Once you have read through the Agreement Policy, please click the appropriate box below the I am new banner. Please contact us with any questions or concerns regarding the Agreement Policy.
We thank you so much for becoming part of our community of volunteers and we are eager to start working with you!
Sincerely,
The Land Trust Team
ST. SIMONS LAND TRUST VOLUNTEER AGREEMENT POLICY
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
- Conservation: For Land Trust properties to remain safe and accessible to the public, volunteers are needed for constant land maintenance. Conservation volunteer opportunities include property monitoring, trail work, repairs to structures and equipment, and occasional assistance with research projects.
- Education: The Land Trust’s most utilized education opportunity is being a Cannon’s Point Preserve docent. Cannon’s Point Preserve docents have the option to receive additional training in specific areas of interest to become tour guides or conduct bike patrol. In these roles they can share information with visitors on ecology, natural history, local history, and wildlife. These volunteers also help monitor any negative impacts to the conservation values of properties and help educate visitors about the importance of not harming these values.
- Administration: For those who enjoy to work indoors, the Land Trust staff will request assistance from volunteers to help with large mailings, answering the phone, and entering data.
- Events: Event volunteer opportunities such as the Annual Land Trust Oyster Roast, CoastFest, and assistance with other community outreach events alongside staff.
PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES
Volunteers: Volunteers are viewed as invaluable resources to the Land Trust, and every attempt will be made to provide meaningful assignments. Volunteers will be treated as co-workers, will be provided with thorough training, will be effectively supervised, and will be authentically recognized and appreciated for their roles. In return, volunteers will agree to actively perform their duties to the best of their abilities and to remain loyal to the mission, values, goals, and procedures of the Land Trust.
Standards of Performance: Standards of performance will be established for each volunteer position under the opportunities listed above. These standards list the work to be performed, measurable indicators of whether the work was accomplished, and appropriate timelines/deadlines for completion of the work. Volunteers are expected to perform duties on a regular schedule and timely basis. If a volunteer is expected to be absent from a scheduled duty or shift, they will inform the Volunteer Coordinator or Task Leader as far in advance as possible of their absence. Standards are provided during Volunteer Orientation and as needed, prior to a specific task given by the Volunteer Coordinator or a Task Leader. This includes volunteering at events, staffing Land Trust booths, attending volunteer appreciation events, and volunteering at Land Trust properties and the Land Trust office. Should you choose to volunteer at Cannon’s Point Preserve, a copy of specific opportunities will be given to you at the time of your Volunteer Orientation.
Safety: Whether you are volunteering in the Land Trust office, on a Land Trust property, or at an event, it is important to always “think safety first!”. Accidents can arise anywhere, so please be sure to use caution and obey all posted safety signs and follow Land Trust procedures and protocol. Volunteers are responsible for informing Land Trust staff of any physical limitations or health issues that may encumber the volunteer opportunity or create a safety issue for themselves or others.
Dress and Personal Supplies: Volunteers are expected to dress appropriately for the conditions and performance of their duties which will be instructed by their Task Leader. This varies for each volunteer opportunity and may include appropriate attire for field work or outreach/event activities. When instructed by the Task Leader, volunteers are responsible for bringing all necessary items for their safety and comfort such as ample drinking water, food, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Conservation: Conservation is at the core of our mission and goals. The Land Trust therefore encourages respect for and stewardship of the natural environment and sensitive archaeological areas on all properties. Collecting or removing native plants, animals, and archaeological artifacts is strictly prohibited. Regulations regarding pets vary according to management plans for each property. Cannon’s Point Preserve and Guale Preserve regulations are covered in detail during volunteer orientation. Please ask staff or visit the Land Trust website if you have further questions regarding these and other regulations.
Volunteer Personnel Records: Volunteer personnel records shall be accorded the same respect and confidentiality as staff personnel records. Information requested is solely for the safety of volunteers should there be an accident or medical issue while you are onsite.
Conflict of Interest: No person who has a conflict of interest with any activity or the mission of the Land Trust, whether personal, philosophical, or financial will be accepted to serve as a volunteer with the Land Trust.
Representation of the Land Trust: Volunteers are authorized to act as representatives of the Land Trust as specifically indicated within their job descriptions and only to the extent of the written specifications. When asked to be a representative at any event, work site, or other activity, it is expected that the volunteer will adhere to the highest standards of professionalism. Volunteers are asked to treat Land Trust staff, fellow volunteers, Land Trust visitors and members of the public with respect and cordiality and to work cooperatively with staff and other volunteers. In addition, being under the influence of alcohol or drugs; theft of property or misuse of Land Trust properties, equipment or materials will be cause for immediate review of volunteer service.
Worksites: An appropriate worksite will be established prior to the enrollment of any volunteer. This worksite will contain necessary space to enable volunteers to perform their duties effectively and comfortably.
Reimbursement of Expenses: Prior approval must be given for any/all expenditures made by Volunteers for the purpose of Land Trust business. If expenditures have been approved in advance, reimbursements will be made in a timely manner.
Access to Land Trust Property and Materials: When appropriate, volunteers will have access to Land Trust property and materials necessary to fulfill their duties; volunteers will receive training in the operation of tools and equipment. Property and materials will be utilized only when directly required for Land Trust purposes.
Insurance: Liability, Workman’s Compensation and Accident insurance is not provided for any volunteers engaging in Land Trust tasks. All volunteers are asked to sign a release form and are encouraged to consult with their own insurance agents regarding the extension of their personal insurance to include community volunteer work and to carry their insurance card with them at all times while volunteering.
Scheduling: Information regarding volunteer scheduling is accomplished in three ways:
- A notification email of an upcoming opportunity is sent to volunteers who have expressed an interest in or had extra training in one of the four types of volunteer opportunities listed above.
- A weekly volunteer e-newsletter is sent with updates on the Volunteer Program, including requests for assistance with specific projects or to fill docent shifts at Cannon’s Point Preserve.
- An online scheduling calendar is shared with all volunteers who wish to sign up for volunteer opportunities at their convenience for which they are qualified for.
I have carefully read the St. Simons Land Trust Volunteer Policy and understand and agree to the conduct and standards set forth in this agreement when participating in the Volunteer Program of the St. Simons Land Trust.
I understand and agree to the importance of volunteer training and that to ensure the safety of myself and others I will bring my full attention to the work. I also understand that the policies and procedures I have been given and are asked to adhere to are for the safety and security of all who work on and visit Land Trust properties or participate in Land Trust events and activities. I understand and agree that as a volunteer I am a representative of the Land Trust and its mission and goals and because of that responsibility, I will conduct myself professionally and to the highest standards possible and show respect and consideration for other volunteers, visitors, and staff.
I understand and agree that if I decide, for whatever reasons, to discontinue my volunteer services with the Land Trust, I will provide notice in a timely manner to the Volunteer Coordinator. I also agree that the Land Trust may at any time, for whatever reasons, decide to end my volunteer services with the organization.
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