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Position Description

Volunteer Description Overview 

City of Fort Collins and Larimer County Volunteer Naturalists are volunteers that: 

  • provide original public activities for the community based on our area’s unique natural and cultural resources. 
  • welcome visitors to Natural Areas and Open Spaces 
  • share practical stewardship tips for these special places 

 Volunteer Naturalists care about natural areas and have fun sharing their enthusiasm with others. During the training, presentations by staff, field trips, and opportunities to practice techniques provide naturalist trainees with the skills they need to lead fun, fact-filled, and meaningful programming for all ages.   

 Key Responsibilities 

  • Lead nature walks and original educational programs at natural areas and open spaces in Fort Collins and in Larimer County.
  • Staff booths at community events 
  • Optional participation in school field trips, trailhead education tables, eagle watches, and youth outdoor clubs with additional training 
  • Record your hours and impact through the City’s online system, Engage, and the County’s online system, Offero. 

 Impact 

Volunteer Naturalists are an important and integral part of helping to promote our missions to make Natural Areas and Open Spaces welcoming, enhance visitors’ experiences, and promote a sense of stewardship. Volunteer Naturalists gain a rewarding volunteer experience while enjoying the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas and Larimer County Open Spaces. 

 Training 

  • Mandatory training of approximately 22 hours. 
  • Training includes presentations by staff and volunteers, field trips to natural areas, and learning presentation skills. 
  • Delivery of a 10-minute interpretive presentation for feedback.   
  • Natural Areas and LCDNR online orientations. 
  • Trailhead Tabling introductory course. 
  • Attendance on at least 3 continuing education field trips.  

Commitment 

  • Mandatory training of approximately 22 hours 
  • Commit to at least two years of volunteer service.  
  • Present a minimum of two programs by the end of the calendar year following training and donate at least fifty hours within two years of training.   
  • Attend continuing education opportunities offered by City of Fort Collins and Larimer County when available.  

 Skills and Qualifications 

  • Have an interest in natural history and a feel a connection with nature. 
  • Be enthusiastic about leading educational activities for different age groups.  
  • Possess or be able to learn excellent communication skills. 
  • Enjoy public speaking and working with the public. 
  • Have a willingness to learn and a desire to share knowledge with others. 
  • Must successfully complete the Volunteer Naturalist Training Program, including attendance at training sessions, delivery of a ten-minute, peer-reviewed presentation, and 3 Naturalist continuing education sessions. 
  • The training includes both classroom and field trips. Field trips include hiking approximately 0.5-3 miles on paved and unpaved trails, sometimes on rocky ground. Some standing is required. If you have physical limitations, please contact us regarding accommodation. 
  • Must be 18 or older. 

Dress Code  

While volunteering the following items must be worn. All are provided: 

  • Volunteer name badge/tag  
  • Volunteer shirt  
  • Proper safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves when required) 
  • Volunteer hat (optional) 

 Benefits 

  • Interact with people with similar interests. 
  • Participate in fun volunteer recognition and social events. 
  • Be an integral part of a large well-respected and forward-thinking land conservation and stewardship program.  
  • Be truly valued by Natural Areas Department staff and managers.  
  • Assist visitors in understanding and appreciating natural areas.  
  • Receive a Larimer County Open Space and Parks pass if you complete 20 hours of volunteer service in a calendar year.  
  • Able to lead programs at both City of Fort Collins and Larimer County properties, including Bobcat Ridge, Devil's Backbone, etc.

 Our Philosophy 

By becoming a volunteer with us, you are joining a long history of community commitment to conservation. Both the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas and Larimer County Department of Natural Resources engage volunteers at many levels, from education to stewardship to leadership. Volunteers help extend outreach and strengthen community involvement. We believe that volunteers are one of our most valuable resources.  


Training

  • November 7, 8:30am - 12:30pm
  • November 12, 4:30pm - 7:30pm
  • November 14, 8:30am - 12:30pm
  • November 18, 4:30pm - 7:30pm
  • November 21, 8:30am - 1:30pm

 

All sessions are mandatory and will take place at a various Larimer County DNR and Fort Collins Natural Areas' locations. 

Continuing Education Dates:

  • November and December TBD: Flowers and Conifers
  • January 23: Prairie Landscapes at Coyote Ridge
  • February TBD: Geology at Devil's Backbone
  • March 6: Foothills Ecology at Horsetooth Mountain Park
  • March 27: Riparian Ecosystems at McMurry
  • April 10: Red Mountain Open Space 
  • May 1: Montane Ecosystems at Hermit Park 


Volunteer Naturalist Questions

Work History

Please enter any pertinent work or volunteer history.

Work History 1

Paid
Volunteer
Work/Primary*
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References

Please enter one personal reference who is not a family member.

Reference 1

Home/Primary*
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Work

Certification & Release

Volunteer Acknowledgement and Release

I certify that all statements made in this application are true and complete.  I authorize the City of Fort Collins (“City”) to investigate all statements made as a part of this application and to secure any necessary information from all prior employers, volunteer programs, references, academic institutions, law enforcement agencies, other persons and entities, and public records. I hereby release all such persons, entities, employers, volunteer programs, references, institutions, agencies and the City from any and all liability arising from their giving or receiving information about my employment history, academic credentials, qualifications, reputation, driving record, and criminal record.  A photocopy of this release can be used for all purposes.    
 
I understand that successful completion of a background check is a qualification for certain volunteer positions with the City.  Once an active volunteer, I understand that if I am charged with any felony offense, or convicted of any crime, whether the offense allegedly occurred on duty or off duty, I must report the charges to my City supervisor immediately following notice of charges.  

 
I understand that any false answers or misleading statements, as well as misrepresentations by omission made by me as part of my application, will be sufficient for rejection of my application or for my immediate discharge should one be discovered after I have started volunteer activities.   
 
I understand that nothing in this volunteer application, in the City's statement of personnel policies, or in my communication with any City employee or official is intended to create an employment contract between the City and me. Accordingly, either the City or I may terminate my at-will volunteer status at any time with or without cause or notice. I understand that I will not be paid or receive any other remuneration for my services as a volunteer with the City.    
 
I understand that the City will provide excess accident medical insurance in the event that I am injured while acting as a City volunteer. This insurance coverage has a limit of $10,000 and has other limitations and exclusions. I may obtain additional information concerning the accident insurance policy from the City's Risk Management Department. I understand that the City will not provide any other coverage for injury to me, and I am not eligible for Workers’ Compensation coverage.    
 
I hereby represent that I am over the age of eighteen (18) years and that I wish to provide volunteer services to the City of Fort Collins.  I understand that, depending on my assignments as a volunteer, I may be exposed to risks and hazards that could result in property damage, bodily injury, or death, including but not limited to: outdoor activities on wet, rough or rocky terrain; approaching, ascending, descending and traversing hiking trails; exposure to weather, plants, animals and other outdoor hazards; physical exertion; transportation in a City vehicle; and working with and around tools and dangerous equipment. I am aware of the risks and hazards inherent in my participation as a volunteer and, recognizing those risks and hazards, I hereby request to provide volunteer services. 

   

I will not drive a vehicle to conduct City business unless authorized to do so by my City supervisor. I understand that I must report all traffic violation citations received while driving on City business, or any suspension or revocation of my driver’s license, to a City supervisor immediately.  Prior to conducting any City business in my automobile, I will secure and maintain all State of Colorado insurance requirements and hold a valid Driver’s License any time I conduct City business in my automobile. 

           

Photo Release 

City staff or other volunteers may take photos of volunteer activities for City marketing purposes unless a volunteer provides written notification to the City that he or she does not authorize use of volunteer’s photos for this purpose. 

 
Handbook Acknowledgement  

I agree to abide by the procedures outlined in the Volunteer Handbook while volunteering at the City of Fort Collins. The Handbook can be found on the VSP Website

I further acknowledge and agree that while volunteering for the City of Fort Collins I will not be an agent, servant or employee of the city, will not be entitled to any wages or compensation of any sort, and will not be covered by the city’s employee benefits, including worker’s compensation. Further, nothing in the Volunteer Handbook shall be construed to create an employment relationship of any nature whatsoever. 

 


Parent/Guardian Release for Minor

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