Volunteer job descriptions

There are many jobs which volunteers can do. See Involving Volunteers (Some of the many tasks performed by volunteers). A challenge is to ensure that the jobs make up a meaningful role for a volunteer. A collection of odd jobs is less likely to arouse the enthusiasm of a potential volunteer than an identified role in the organisation.

Job or "Activity" Descriptions are a good way to ensure that volunteers are aware of

The objectives of the position

The hours and days required for work

The tasks they will be asked to perform

The training requirements

Their rights

The job description guides the expectations of the volunteer and the organisation and protects them both in its outline of the agreed activities and conditions.

Volunteering Australia recommends 16 hours per week as a maximum for volunteering in any one organisation
Have a separate job description for each type of task that volunteers will be doing (field work, office work, monitoring etc.

Guide to Developing Volunteer Job Descriptions
Volunteering NSW. Look under "Job Description Form" www.volunteering.com.au

Job Descriptions Information sheet
www.volunteeringsa.org.au/publications/issuesheets/jobdescription

The CERES Community Environment Park (Vic) website has Volunteer Position Descriptions for different activities and priority list of volunteer positions under "Current Areas of most need" www.ceres.org.au

An example of a volunteer job description

Volunteer Position: Bushcare Volunteer

The purpose of a Bushcare Volunteer's work
To complement (and not replace) the bushland rehabilitation work done by Council staff and contractors. Council manages xx hectares of bushland reserved as community land in the municipality.

Types of Bushcare Volunteer roles
A new Bushcare volunteer can:

Join an existing Bushcare group
Help start a new Bushcare group
Work individually (under special circumstances and with Council's approval)
Gain office work experience that is relevant to a high school or tertiary course.

The range of tasks performed by Bushcare volunteers

Bush regeneration - weeding, hazard reduction by hand, minor bank stabilisation
Revegetation - planting and mulching
Attend a 3 hour introductory training workshop within 4 months of joining Bushcare (this is compulsory for all new Bushcare volunteers).
Attend specialised training workshops (this is optional).
Flora and fauna monitoring and documentation.
Site assessment, planning and monitoring.
Photography and artwork of bushland, flora and fauna.
Litter collection from bushland and creeks.
Bush regeneration tool maintenance.
Work on education and Bushcare publicity projects in the Council office.

Estimated Hours of Work

Approximately 3-6 hours per month for a Bushcare group member.
As many hours as desired for individual, work experience and office volunteers (although this cannot exceed 16 hours a week unless it is part of a university course).

Supervision and co-ordination of volunteers
Council bushland staff provide instructions and guidance to individual volunteers and at group work days. The supervisor is responsible for providing:

tools and equipment for volunteers, and
training and technical advice in bush regeneration and safe work practices.

Desirable Qualifications, Skills and Attributes

An interest in the preservation of bushland. No experience in bush regeneration is necessary.
A desire to expand one's knowledge and skills related to bushland management
Willingness to work as part of a team.

The benefits to Bushcare Volunteers

On-site training and skills gained in bush regeneration, native plants and weed identification.
Training workshops provided about specialist topics.
Opportunities to meet like-minded people and neighbours.
Links established with Council staff and other volunteers.
A quarterly newsletter.
Work experience gained in the field of bushland management.
Enjoyment and relaxation gained by working in a natural area.

Out of pocket expenses

On prior agreement with the Bushcare Co-ordinator, volunteers can be reimbursed for the following out of pocket expenses:

Photographs of Bushcare sites.
Tea, coffee and sugar supplies for Bushcare work days.
Phone calls to contact other volunteers regarding work days

NOTE: A receipt, log book of calls or phone bill needs to be presented.

Insurance cover
Volunteers who are aged between 15 and 90 years and are undertaking activities approved by Council staff are covered under Council's personal accident insurance policy. Volunteers who are registered with Council's Bushcare Program are covered, other family members and friends are not.

Enquiries
Phone the Bushcare Co-ordinator.
The Bushcare Co-ordinator will be happy to discuss any issues that arise in your time as a volunteer.

STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING
I, (insert name) understand the statement of duties outlined above.
Name:

Signature:

Date:

Acknowledgment: Lane Cove Council, NSW.

The Volunteer Coordinators Network (Natural Areas) Manual © 2004