District of Saanich

Help older adults enjoy regular social connections in our recreation centres! Duties include preparing light refreshments, sharing community resources, and facilitating games, activities, and conversations. There are two positions available: Social Program Host and Social Program Helper. 

Responsibilities of Social Program Host:

• Help other volunteers sign in and out for their shifts
• Monitor use of program supplies and inform staff when inventory is low
• Lead by example in creating an inclusive environment
• Document and report conflicts/challenges/successes to staff in a timely manner
• Other social program duties, as listed below

Responsibilities of Social Program Helper:

• Prepare the program room by:
• setting up tables and chairs
• preparing coffee/tea/snacks
• setting up activities
• putting out attendance list and nametags
• Greet participants by name as they arrive
• Facilitate new participants by:
• Introducing them to ongoing participants
• Asking them questions
• Exploring the activities together
• Inviting them to come back
• Promote a welcoming environment by:
• Connecting with all participants equally
• Ensuring the space remains accessible and welcoming to all
• Relay feedback/questions to Social Program Host
• Close the program room by:
• putting away activities
• put refreshments away
• dispose of compost and garbage
• wash dishes (dishwasher available)
• wipe counters and tables after use

Qualifications:

• 19 years old or older
• Friendly, patient, and empathetic
• Genuinely interested in interacting with older adults
• Committed to creating a welcoming space for all
• Able to work independently with limited on-site supervision
• Proficient with spoken English (other language skills are an asset)
• Willing to complete a Police Information Check

Commitment and schedule:

Programs run once per week for two hours. We ask that Social Program Hosts commit for a minimum of one year and Social Program Helpers commit for a minimum of four months. Of course, we can accommodate appointments and vacations with advance notice. We're recruiting volunteers for the following programs:

• Wednesdays from 9:15am - 11:45am at G.R. Pearkes Recreation Centre

Working Conditions:  

This program occurs indoors. Volunteers will be in close proximity with others and will need to sit, stand, and move around during the program. This role may involve working independently or with another volunteer (staff is always available if needed).

Application Process:  

• Create a volunteer profile online (10-15 minutes)
• Participate in an informal interview
• Complete a free Police Information Check and online Child/Vulnerable Persons training module
• Submit paperwork: Waiver, Code of Conduct, and (optional) Photo/Video Release 
• Attend an onsite orientation (30 minutes) and Older Adults Programming orientation (3 hours)

Questions? Contact:

Lindsay Mackas-Burns
Programmer 1: Events, Volunteers & Film
volunteer@saanich.ca
250-475-5502

Drop-In Volunteering is a great way to try the Pulling Together Program. Drop-in volunteers do not need to apply online but must sign a liability waiver at each event. There are teams of active Pulling Together volunteers in more than 40 different parks and natural areas, so there are many opportunities to try. Volunteers work on high rocky outcrops, creek side forests, wetlands, wildflower meadows and waterways. Drop-In Volunteers work alongside and under the supervision of Lead Stewards and Saanich Staff to ensure that volunteer work is done in accordance with the restoration work plan and adheres to relevant Saanich polices and restoration Best Management Practices (BMPs).

Time Commitment

• work parties usually run for 2 hours on various days of the week. Drop-in during a work party to help out.

Duties and Responsibilities

• perform restoration activities in compliance with restoration work plan and Best Management Practices (BMPs), including invasive species removal, planting of native species, spreading mulch, watering, care of trees, etc.
• follow all Saanich policies and procedures, particularly safety, and share in ensuring safety procedures are followed
• consult Lead Steward or Staff on new approaches or ideas

Skills and Requirements

• A love of the outdoors and supporter of parks
• Willingness to work in various weather conditions and get dirty
• Physical fitness and ability to work on uneven terrain
• Ability to work well with others and at ease taking direction
• Sign a liability waiver each time you attend an event

Training and Benefits

• No application needed!
• Check out our calendar of events(parks) to find an upcoming work  party to attend. Click on the name of the event to get more information on the volunteer meeting location for that event
• On the day of the event,
  • please wear sturdy, closed toed footwear, and old clothes that can get dirty.
  • bring water to drink, work gloves, and loppers or pruners, if you have them.

• Note: Events may be cancelled due to snow, extreme rain, high winds, or unforeseen circumstances.
• If you would like to bring a group (four or more) to participate in our events, please contact us in advance to ensure we have enough tools.

Parks Seeking Volunteers

Events Calendar for Current Opportunities

Lead Stewards play a key role in the Pulling Together Volunteer Program. This hands-on, inclusive, ecological restoration program has been in place since 1999. We have teams of active Pulling Together volunteers in more than 40 different parks and natural areas.

The Lead Steward is the project leader for a given restoration site and liaises with Saanich Parks staff on a regular basis. The Lead Steward welcomes, trains and supervises other volunteers and ensures all work is done in compliance with Saanich policies and guidelines. The Lead Steward plays a public role, acting as an ambassador for Saanich Parks at work parties, informing the public about restoration activities, park conservation and the Pulling Together Volunteer Program.

Parks Seeking Lead Stewards

• Goward Park
• PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park)

Time Commitment

A minimum of one year and preferably multiple years.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. General

• work with staff to plan and schedule work parties and ensure all work has been approved by staff
• perform restoration activities in compliance with the restoration work plan, including invasive species removal, planting of native species, spreading mulch/chips, watering, care of trees, etc.
• welcome, train, supervise and mentor other volunteers
• ensure all volunteers have signed a waiver and been trained in safe practices and are aware of risks before beginning work on site
• display a sign in the work area during restoration activities, use cones or flagging tape to mark hazards to volunteers and park visitors
• liaise with Saanich Parks staff to report debris piles for pick-up, coordinate the loan of special equipment (e.g. weed wrench)
• engage with park visitors to educate about park conservation, ecological restoration, and the Pulling Together Volunteer Program

2. Administrative:

• work with staff to develop a restoration plan for the site
• liaise with Saanich Parks staff to update restoration plans, discuss proposed changes to methods or new work, and for guidance on ecological and technical expertise
• attend meetings and trainings with other Pulling Together volunteers
• collect signed waiver forms and maintain in a secure place until submitted to staff
• report volunteer hours

Skills and Requirements

• well-developed leadership and organizational skills
• good interpersonal skills – diplomatic, clear communicator, etc., willing to converse with park visitors and help educate them about park conservation
• a love of the outdoors and supporter of parks
• willingness to work in most weather conditions and get dirty
• physical fitness and ability to work on uneven terrain
• ability to take and give direction

Training and Benefits

• Pulling Together Volunteer Program orientation and supplies
• other training/workshops as required/available or requested
• training and recognition events
• ability to make a difference in your parks, work outdoors and network with others who care about parks and protecting at-risk species and ecosystems
• opportunity to develop ecosystem restoration, leadership skills and fitness

Getting Involved

• complete an application by clicking on the blue "Fill in an Application" button, creating an account, and completing the application form

We look forward to having you join our Parks Volunteer Team!