Get Involved: City of Fort Collins Engage

Affordable Housing Board

Description:

Advises the City Council on matters pertaining to affordable housing issues of concern to the City.

Air Quality Advisory Board

Description:

Advises the City Council regarding policies, plans, and programs to improve and maintain the city's air quality.

Art in Public Places Board

Description:

Advises and makes recommendations to the City Council regarding the incorporation of works of art into construction projects.

Bicycle Advisory Committee

Description:

Advises the City Council on transportation issues. The Bicycle Advisory Committee is a subcommittee of the Transportation Board.

Building Review Commission

Description:

The Building Review Commission Hears requests related to the Fort Collins building codes and hears appeals relating to contractor licensing matters.

Citizen Review Board

Description:

Reviews internal investigations where a peace officer is alleged to have used force, discharged a firearm, or committed a crime when a person sustained severe injury, death or alleged their civil rights were violated by a peace officer or other investigations requested by the City Manager or Police Chief.

Cultural Resources Board

Description:

Advises and makes recommendation to the Director of Cultural Services and the City Council as to rules, regulations, policies, administrative and budgetary matters pertaining to Cultural Services including the Fort Fund Grant Program

Disability Advisory Board

Description:

Serves as an adviser to City Council on issues relating to citizens with disabilities.

Economic Advisory Commission

Description:

Advises the City Council on matters pertaining to economic health and sustainability of the City.

Energy Board

Documents:

Advises the City Council and staff regarding the development and implementation of the city's energy policy.  

General Employee's Retirement Committee

Description:

Manages/administers the Retirement Plan for members and retirees and manage accumulated retirement fund money; determine the eligibility/service of members under plan rules; interpret the plan provisions; and authorize payment of retirement benefits and bills for expenses of plan and committee.

Golf Board

Description:

Makes recommendation to the Community Services Director and the City Council as to rules, regulations, policies and administrative and budgetary matters pertaining to the operations and maintenance of all City-owned golf courses.

Historic Preservation Commission

Description:

Primary functions are the local landmark designation of historic properties and the review and approval of plans for exterior changes to them.

Human Relations Commission

Description:

Promotes the acceptance and respect for diversity through educational programs and activities, and discourages all forms of discrimination based on race, religion, age, gender, disability, etc.

Land Conservation & Stewardship Board

Description:

Advises City Council and staff on matters relating to the City's Natural Areas Department.

Land Use Review Commission

Description:

Approves variances from the requirements of the Land Use Code and hears and decides appeal from any decision made by and administrative official pertaining to a specific property.

Natural Resources Advisory Board

Description:

Advices the City Council on all matters pertaining to natural resources and environmental protection issues of concern to the community.

Parking Advisory Board

Description:

Responsibilities include making recommendations to the City Council regarding the implementation of parking plans, advocate for parking initiatives and programs, and educate the public about parking.

Parks & Recreation Board

Description:

Advises and makes recommendations to Community Services and the City Council for their approval to rules, regulations, policies and administrative and budgetary matters pertaining to Parks and Recreation, excluding matters relating to the operation and maintenance of City owned parks, golf courses and cemeteries.

Planning & Zoning Board

Description:

Responsibilities include making recommendations to the City Council regarding zoning, annexations, major public and private projects and any long range planning activities (such as City Plan or subareas plans) that require Council approval.

Senior Advisory Board

Description:

Help aging citizens in Fort Collins and the surrounding area live full and interesting lives so that they might continue to contribute, participate and share in the life of the community.

Transportation Board

Description:

Advises the Fort Collins City Council on transportation issues. The Bicycle Advisory Committee is a subcommittee of the Transportation Board.

Water Commission

Description:

Advises the City Council regarding water, wastewater and storm-water policy issues such as water rights, planning, acquisition and management, conservation and public education, flood plain regulations, storm drainage and development design criteria.

Women's Advisory Board

Description:

Informs and advises the City Council on policy issues affecting women.

Youth Advisory Board

Description:

Gathers information from local youth, other groups, organizations and agencies regarding youth-oriented issues.

Adopt A Neighbor

Description:

JOB DESCRIPTION

The City of Fort Collins seeks willing volunteers who want to help their neighbors through this uniquely challenging time.  Volunteers will be paired with neighbors in need who are vulnerable to COVID-19 and need assistance with daily tasks. Tasks may include but are not limited to grocery shopping and delivery, basic errands, driveway shoveling, and more.

LOCATION

• Will vary by connection- request in the application

PRIMARY ACTIVITIES

• Connect with a neighbor in need
• Develop a list of tasks that would help them be more comfortable in their situation
• Initiate and report all connections through Engage
• Conduct errands or tasks to assist assigned neighbors
• Perform all tasks with the utmost attention to COVID-19 precautions.

SAFETY 

• Wash hands regularly, disinfect surfaces regularly, avoid direct contact with others whenever possible, avoid touching your face, and practice good hygiene.
• If you are feeling ill or exhibiting symptoms, stay home! In times of distress, the work of a healthy volunteer is vital, but personal health and safety are always of primary importance.
• If you are experiencing a fever, a cough, and shortness of breath, consult with a doctor or medical professional immediately.
• Volunteers belonging to the most vulnerable populations should consider rescheduling commitments or consider virtual alternatives to their regular, in-person volunteer activities. 

Time Commitment:

EXPECTATIONS

• A high level of professionalism is expected in every interaction
• High attention to COVID-19 protection standards
• Detailed reporting through Engage
• Initial training through Volunteer Services is required

TIME COMMITMENT AND AVAILABILITY

Time commitment will vary depending on availability and need.

BENEFITS TO VOLUNTEER

• Development of customer service skills.
• Free use of MAX and Transfort while actively volunteering.
• Limited access to City personal and professional development opportunities.
• Access to City job application system and select volunteer opportunities.

LICENSES OR CERTIFICATES REQUIRED

This is a position of trust- background check required

Leaf Removal

Butterfly House Volunteer

Description:

Volunteering in our Butterfly House is both educational and rewarding! Butterfly House volunteers are responsible for maintaining USDA containment standards, helping to ensure excellent guest experience, and enhance guest takeaways through interpretation and education.

Responsibilities:

• Welcome all guests, give them a short orientation to the Butterfly House rules and keep track of tickets.

• Make sure the butterflies stay in the house as per the Butterfly House training

• Check guests’ jackets and belongings as they leave to make sure there are no butterflies sneaking out

• Ensure guests are staying on the path and not disturbing the plant material

• Make sure guests are not leaving the House with butterflies

• Helpful and resourceful in meeting guests needs.

• Excellent customer service skills

• Provide interpretive education in the Butterfly House

• Enthusiasm for sharing a love of gardening and the natural world with people of all ages

Time Commitment:

In order to work in the Butterfly House, a 1.5 hour virtual training and a 2 hour shadow shift must be completed. Both can be flexible to your schedule.

Butterfly House shifts are 2.25 hours in length and you can sign up for as many or as few as you want a week. Shifts occur 7 days a week between 9:45 am and 4:00 pm.

Open Data Projecs

Description:

This is a volunteer position collaborating on projects relating to the City Open Data portal. Projects will use existing and new datasets with goals of assisting City departments to use their data more efficiently and making the data more accessible for a wide range of resident interests.

Using analysis, coding, visualization, and other skills to assist City staff in decision-making around data. Using the OpenData Portal and Github for storyboards, visualizations, and analyses. Collaborating with other volunteers and City staff.

Time Commitment:

This assignment is very flexible. Please commit to one volunteer meetup (in-person or virtual) each quarter.

Ambassadors

Description:

The City of Fort Collins Forestry Division maintains over 56,000 trees on public property along streets, and in parks, cemeteries, golf courses and other City facilities. The City is seeking skill based Urban Forest Ambassadors to assist with updating inventory data, perform urban forest health assessments, tree planting events, and engage the community in spreading the value and importance of our community’s urban forest! Urban Forest Ambassadors will perform a variety of tasks including updating the inventory, assessing for structural defects or insect and disease and engaging with the Fort Collins Community. The volunteers will help us update the public tree inventory on a more frequent basis. These efforts will include the use of an iPad or smartphone, diameter tape, and educational material to complete tasks as assigned by Forestry staff. Urban Forest Ambassadors are an integral part of urban forest management that will help continue health and longevity of the urban forest for generations to come.

 

 

Time Commitment:

• Program will occur Spring through Fall
• Attend Virtual Orientation (Spring)
• UFAs get to choose their own hours Monday through Sunday
• Forestry Staff support will be available Monday through Friday, 7am to 3:30pm
• Attend the Urban Forest Ambassador Appreciation Night (Fall)

 

Recycling Ambassador

Description:

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). 

Time Commitment:

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

General

Description:

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. 

Guest Services

Greeting participants, giving tours, walking the facility hourly to do headcounts.

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.

Time Commitment:

Pool and Billiards Room Maintenance=Weekly (you choose the day and time!)

Guest Services=Weekly (contact ARuffer@fcgov.com for open shifts)

AV Assistance=Weekly/Monthly (for special events/programs)

Guest Services

Description:

Help out at the front desk at the Senior Center. Duties may include answering phones, greeting and taking participants counts throughout the building every hour.

Time Commitment:

Weekly.  AM and PM shifts available. Current openings are Tuesday AM, Wednesdays AM & PM and Thursday PM.

Tour Volunteers

Description:

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.

Time Commitment:

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

Transfort Volunteer

Description:

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

Time Commitment:

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

Documents:

View the volunteer description here 

Community Engagement

Description:

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:

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.

Water Safety Aide

Description:

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

Youth Instructor Assistants

Description:

Assist Recreation Instructors with youth classes.

Time Commitment:

Time commitment varies depending on class.