Get Involved: City of Fort Collins Engage

Are you a data geek? Can you take raw data and tell a story? Can you translate data in a way that makes it understandable and interesting to your non-data friends?  If so, the City needs you! Help the City by creating visualizations utilizing data the City currently collects.

Flexible time commitment.  

Data Visualization Creation (unpaid)

JOB DESCRIPTION

This is an unpaid volunteer creating visualizations within the City Open Data portal. Visualizations will be created using existing data sets and tools provided within the Socrata platform with a goal of making the data more accessible for a wide-range of resident interests.

LOCATION

• 215 N. Mason Street, 3rd Floor, IT. Could also be done remotely.

PRIMARY ACTIVITIES

• Creating an Open Data account.
• Determine which Open Data datasets would be the most interesting for visualizations.
• Create visualizations using existing Socrata tools.
• Save visualizations within the Open data Portal.

EXPECTATIONS

• Create easy to understand charts, graphs, and visualization to help tell a story using existing data sets.

TIME COMMITMENT AND AVAILABILITY

• This assignment is very flexible.
• Five visualizations a week preferred.

BENEFITS TO VOLUNTEER

• Valuable learning opportunity reviewing City data sets.
• Development of data analysis skills.
• Limited access to City personal and professional development opportunities.
• Access to City job application system and select volunteer opportunities.

LICENSES OR CERTIFICATES REQUIRED

• None

To apply for the Data Visualization Creation, submit an Application, letter of interest and resume to Tim Campbell, ticampbell@fcgov.com. Your letter of interest should address your experience and abilities related to the PRIMARY ACTIVITIES and EXPECTATIONS listed in this description.

Thank you for your interest. To learn more about Open Data and the Open Data portal, visit https://www.fcgov.com/opendata

This is an unpaid volunteer position assisting the Development Review Center staff as they serve customers who have questions relating building permits, contractor licensing or need guidance navigating other Community Development and Neighborhood Services departments.  Customer service is provided with integrity and efficiency, treating each individual with courtesy and respect.

Our hours for this table are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm.  The two most important hours of the day are 8-9 am and 4-5 pm.  This is when the building is open to the public for access to Neighborhood Services and FC Moves, but the gates are closed for service activities in Engineering and the Development Review Center.  We need 5+ volunteers to staff this table full-time (45 hrs. total). 

https://www.fcgov.com/volunteer/files/greeter-table-job-description.pdf

Are you looking for a way to give back to natural areas and open spaces? Do you like getting your hands dirty? Do you want to be involved beyond a one-day project? Become a Stewardship Volunteer!

After your training as a Crew Leader volunteer, you’ll work individually or lead small groups on a variety of service projects including plantings, restoration work, gardening, trail building and maintenance, trash cleanups, and more.

Crew Leader Volunteers participate in about 10 hours of training and work on projects that help manage and restore natural areas and open spaces. Training topics include the values of natural areas and open lands, outdoor safety skills, group management and restoration/trail building skills.

Read the full volunteer description here.

Find out more about volunteering with Natural Areas.

Volunteer Description Overview City of Fort Collins Master Naturalists are volunteers who:

• provide programs including school field trips and community programs,
• welcome visitors to natural areas,
• share practical stewardship tips for these special places.

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

Those admitted to the training must attend the following training dates:

• 2020 Training Dates include:

  • Tuesday, March 10, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, March 12, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, March 17, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, March 19, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 21, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, March 24, 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, March 26, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 28, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, March 31, 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, April 2, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. 
  • Saturday, April 4- 8:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, April 7, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, April 9, 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

• Activities are scheduled well in advance. You will have the opportunity to sign up for those that interest you and fit your schedule.
• Mandatory training of approximately 80 hours.
• Commit to at least two years of volunteer service.
• Present a minimum of two programs by the end of the training calendar year and donate at least fifty 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 and are provided free of charge; some exceptions may apply.

Read the full job description here.

Find out more about volunteering with Natural Areas.

 Volunteer Description Overview

The Office and Equipment Volunteer is responsible for managing the supplies that are essential to running natural areas programs and events.

Key Responsibilities

• Organize, manage, and re-stock supplies, tools, and equipment before and after school field trips, community programs, and stewardship projects.
• Keep Resource Room, Education House, and Tool Shed organized and stocked during busy season.
• Help respond to inquires from program participants, compile attendance reports, manage the library, and other office-based projects.
• Help with the ongoing organization and filing of the Natural Areas photo library.
• Actively think of ways to improve our organization of supplies, equipment, and information
• Record hours and impact through the City’s online system, Engage

4-8 hours a week, Mondays and Fridays preferred

https://www.fcgov.com/naturalareas/files/office-and-equipment-volunteer.pdf

Assist instructors with swim lessons by creating a fun learning environment for participants.  This is a great opportunity for youth volunteers 14 and older.

Assist Recreation Instructors with youth classes.

Time commitment varies depending on class.

Three R Enthusiasts, read on! This is the ONLY volunteer opportunity on the Front Range where you will: 

BENEFITS 

• Make an important contribution to our community's recycling efforts.
• Receive valuable and hands-on learning about recycling - through action, educational tours and meetings.
• Have the opportunity to pass on your knowledge to others in the community.

EXPECTATIONS AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

• Public relations and communication skills, including the ability to interact and work effectively and courteously with people from varying social, cultural, and economic backgrounds.
• Interest in, and knowledge about (will be provided at training) Waste Reduction and Recycling issues.
• One-hour site tour, and site training (usually an hour or two)
• Fill out a Shift Feedback Form after every shift.
• Check-ins: “Coffee Catch-up” meetings with other RA's every other month. Emailing the Coordinator regarding updates.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• This is a position of trust: a yearly background check is required.
• You must have an email address and basic computer skills (some exceptions may be allowed)
• You must be 16 (with parental approval if younger than 18) or older to apply for this position.
• To apply for the Recycling Ambassadors Program, submit an application (on the right side of your screen). 

• Commit to at least one, two-hour shift per week for at least six months.

Three opportunities!

Pool and Billiards Room Maintenance

Light maintenance and cleaning of Pool and Billiards Room. Vacuuming of pool tables, cleaning whiteboards, maintaining supplies, washing supplies, etc. 

Prairie Sage Dance Assistance 

Assist with our bi-monthly, Monday night Senior Dances. Includes greeting, ticket taking, assisting with snacks, and cleanup. 

AV Assistance

Set up and run AV equipment during various programs, movies, etc. at our Senior Center. Includes working sound system, lights, power point presentations, video conferencing, all things technical.  Training provided.

Pool and Billiards Room Maintenance

1x week, on your own schedule, generally a 3 hour time commitment

Prairie Sage Dance Assistance 

Every other Monday night/flexible Monday nights, generally a 4 hour time commitment 

AV Assistance

Times vary based on scheduling of various movies, shows, presentations and events.  Volunteers would be provided with 1-2 month schedule of when these take place, though movies do take place  every other Friday and one Wednesday/month.  Volunteers may select which opportunities work best for them. Most opportunities require a two hour time commitment. Training provided.

Join us for school field trips and fun at The Farm!  We are looking for energetic adults who would like to share the wonders of the farm with local children.

Must be available during the work day. Dates and times will vary.

Volunteers will work closely with the Transfort Travel Training Coordinator to help educate the community about Transfort services including MAX and FLEX.   

Commit to at least 10 hours of volunteer service per year. Schedule varies based on event requests (busiest seasons are spring and summer).

View the volunteer description here 

JOB DESCRIPTION
Community Engagement (CE) is the Utilities division responsible for engaging stakeholders in programs and services through several strategies, including program management, customer education, public participation and community partnerships. The CE intern will complete a range of tasks, including direct to customer outreach and education, event and program logistical support, research and strategic development support.

PRIMARY ACTIVITIES
• Engage directly with community members to share information and resources that empower them to make informed decision about utilities.
• Conduct outreach activities such as tracking progress and sharing program related information.
• Participate in community organization meetings.
• Assist with data collection, documentation and analysis.
• Provide logistical support for stakeholder relationship development strategies.
• Assist with large- and small-scale event logistics and implementation.
• Assist with youth school program and field trip education logistics and implementation.
• Conduct research on best practices and strategic opportunities.
• Additional tasks as assigned.

BENEFITS TO INTERN
• Helping people make informed decisions that help them save money and reduce their impact on Fort Collins, the region, and the world.
• Opportunity to learn and practically apply customer service, community engagement and program management skills.

• Professionalism development opportunity in a highly respected municipal organization.
• Academic and community service credit available when all criteria are met.
• Partial access to the suite of employee personal and professional development opportunities
• Access to City job application system and select opportunities not available to the public.
• Access to City volunteer benefits such as a free transit pass.

TIME COMMITMENT AND AVAILABILITY
• Spring Semester (based on CSU calendar) with an opportunity to continue as appropriate.
• Typical assignments occur Monday-Friday between 8a-5p
• Night and weekend event support common.
• 10-20 hours per week.

Description of Event
Interested in building the Fort Collins community and advancing sustainable energy practices? We need your help! We’re seeking energetic and passionate individuals to serve as energy ambassadors in the community. Ambassadors will volunteer at local multifamily properties to educate residents on the importance of energy conservation and easy ways to conserve.

You will interact directly with residents, talking with them about easy ways to save energy in their residences, while also saving money on their energy bills and contributing to a greener community. This is a great opportunity to put your passion for sustainability to practice by supporting the City of Fort Collins and its climate action plan.

This project is associated with the City of Fort Collins’ voluntary Multifamily Building Energy Challenge, which the Institute for the Built Environment is managing.

Volunteer Role
This opportunity begins in early January and ends in late February. If you are unable to begin until mid- to late January, we still encourage you to apply. Applicants who can begin in early January will be selected first.

This volunteer role will kick off with a one-hour training that overviews the City’s Multifamily Building Energy Challenge, and messaging and strategies for engaging with community members regarding energy conservation. The training will take place at IBE’s office on the CSU campus, and IBE will provide you with all necessary outreach materials for the duration of your participation.

After training, IBE will pair you with one or more multifamily residences in the community. Your role will be to visit the property and directly engage residents on-site in conversations regarding energy conservation. Depending on the property, you may talk with residents passing through the lobby, go door-to-door, host educational events, and/or implement other education and outreach strategies.

2 hours/week