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Subjects, Skills, Spoken Languages

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Position Description

Volunteer Naturalist Assistants (VNA) serve as important aids to Naturalists. VNAs assist with group management, props, and activities.  

Naturalists provide educational programs on the natural areas to members of the community. Often groups are large, the outings take place in remote areas, or the activities are complex, and Naturalists need a helping hand. This is where the VNA comes in. VNAs also help staff booths at community events. Volunteering as a Naturalist Assistant is a good way to take an active role in the education programs without the time commitment or specialized training required of Naturalists. It’s also a great way to gain experience in interpretation, natural history, and group management. 

Qualifications:  

  • Must be eighteen years or older. 
  • Must pass a background check. 
  • Have a background or interest in natural history and a feel a connection with nature. 
  • Be enthusiastic about helping with education and outreach activities. 
  • Possess or be able to learn basic communication skills. 
  • Have a willingness to learn and a desire to help Naturalists present high-quality programming.

 

Time Commitment:  

Participants must attend the mandatory 8-hour training, assist with a minimum of two programs in each calendar year and donate a total of at least 25 hours within two years of training. Opportunities to volunteer are many and varied and fit most schedules. In addition, to remain an active volunteer, NAs must attend at least two qualified continuing education programs, field trips, or workshops per year. These are sponsored/provided by the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department and are provided free of charge. 

Requirements:  

  • Must have internet access and use email. 
  • Must successfully complete the Naturalist Assistant Training Program including attendance at all class sessions. 
  • Assist with a minimum of two programs each calendar year. 
  • Donate at least 25 hours within two years of training. 
  • Attend at least two qualified continuing education programs, field trips or workshops per year (these are sponsored/provided by the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department).
  • Must regularly work with Natural Areas Department Volunteer Coordinator and report volunteer hours.

 

Volunteer Job Duties:  

  • Coordinate with Naturalists and Natural Areas Department staff to prepare for and assist with programs. 
  • Assist with collecting, managing, and returning program supplies. 
  • Assist Naturalists with program implementation. 
  • Count and report program attendance. 
  • Assist with group management, as needed. 
  • Staff booths at community events, as needed.
  • Answer questions and serve as a Natural Areas Department ambassador to the public.

 

Benefits:  

  • Gain experience in the field of environmental education.
  • Receive mentoring by experienced interpreters.
  • Work outdoors and share your passion with the public.
  • Volunteer on a flexible schedule.
  • Attend free continuing education opportunities.
  • Interact with people with similar interests.
  • Assist visitors in understanding and appreciating natural areas.
  • 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.

 

 

 


Training

  • Tuesday, October 21 from 4pm - 8pm
  • Thursday, October 23 from 4pm - 8pm

  All training dates are mandatory. Training will take place at the Nix Farm Offices at 1745 Hoffman Mill Rd., Fort Collins, CO. 



Volunteer Naturalist Assistant Questions

Work History

Please enter your most recent job history or volunteer role.

Work History 1

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Certification & Release

Volunteer Acknowledgement and Release (2024)

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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