Okaloosa County BOCC — October 21, 2014 — Park Host Volunteer Policy

Park Host Volunteer Program Policy Purpose The purpose of the Park Host volunteer program is to assist Public Works Department, Parks Division (the “Division”) staff with the upkeep and maintenance of County facilities, provide minimal security and provide the public with basic information concerning County Parks at selected locations. Goals The goals of the Park Host volunteer program are to: 1) Recruit, train and use the services of Park Host volunteers to complement regular Division staff in carrying out its mission. 2) Maintain and improve the level and quality of service the Division provides to the public. The work accomplished by volunteers enables the Division to meet higher standards of service and accomplish work that would not otherwise be possible. The Park Host volunteer program is not an employment program. Responsibility The Parks Operations Manager has the day-to-day responsibility for overall training, overseeing duties performed and recordkeeping activities for all Park Host volunteers. Status of Park Host Volunteers Park Host volunteers are not subject to any provisions of state law relating to public employment or to any laws relating to hours of work, rates of compensation, leave time, employee benefits or unemployment, except as provided under Section 125.9504, Florida Statutes, which includes, but is not limited to, transportation costs, lodging and subsistence. However, Park Host volunteers are covered by the provisions of the Florida Volunteer Protection Act, Section 768.1355, Florida Statutes, and are covered by workers’ compensation in accordance with Chapter 440, Florida Statutes. Ail Park Host volunteers must comply with applicable Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners’ rules, policies and procedures. Park Host volunteers may use a camping site with water and electric hook-ups at no charge in order to carry out their agreed upon duties and responsibilities as a volunteer. Duties of Park Host Volunteer 1) Provides basic park information to visitors in a courteous manner. 2) Cleans restrooms and park grounds. 3) Empties trash receptacles and repiaces trash can liners. 4) Locks and unlocks park gates at the appropriate times. 5) Assures public safety while not compromising personal safety. 6) Communicates concerns, issues or ideas arising from parks projects. 7) Represents the Division and Okaloosa County in a positive manner. Recruitment and Enrollment of Applicants The Park Host volunteer program is open to all persons without regard to race, national origin, color, religion, sex, genetic information, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, political affiliation or protected activity. Current County employees may not volunteer their time to do the same or similar type of work for which they are employed to perform. Applicants will be recruited utilizing an application process. The enrollment process will include completion of a Park Host volunteer application, an interview and a background check. Upon successful completion of the enrollment process, Park Host volunteers will complete orientation with the Parks Division. Equipment and Vehicle Usage Tools or equipment necessary to accomplish the work task will normally be furnished by the Parks Division. Personally owned tools or equipment may be used, however, the Park Host volunteer accepts all liability for damage occurred to their equipment while operating it on county property. A Park Host volunteer may not operate a County vehicle, but may be a passenger riding with an approved County employee. Uniforms and Identification All Park Host volunteers will be issued a county T-shirt with volunteer insignia. Park Host volunteers are representing the Parks Division, so the same standards of dress that apply to full-time employees shall apply to volunteers while in the performance of volunteer duties. Because personal protection equipment (PPE) items are not considered to be uniform components, they will be issued as needed. Safety Personal protection equipment (PPE) must be used at all times. Park Host volunteers are prohibited from engaging in any task requiring PPE without such item and should contact the Parks Operations Manager to obtain the necessary PPE. Park Host volunteers must abide by the following safety rules: 1) Use safety glasses when working on projects where injuries to the eye may occur. 2) Wear appropriate gloves when cleaning restrooms to prevent infectious diseases. 3) Do not lift objects that may produce strains. 4) Wear hearing protection as needed. 5) Do not mix chemicals when cleaning restrooms as this may produce dangerous vapors. 6) Follow all label instructions.