A volunteer is a person who contributes services for which there is no financial compensation. Services are to be given on a regular, scheduled basis under the supervision of a staff member.

Though financial compensation is not given, volunteer work should be considered similar to a part-time job in terms of the level of commitment, effort and interest. Service as a volunteer, however, does not imply any connection with potential future employment with the Forest Preserve District.

Volunteers receive a general orientation to the Lake County Forest Preserve District and training for their specific work. Volunteers are responsible for learning the information covered at all orientation sessions.

The length and amount of training varies for each job. Volunteers will receive a vehicle sticker and other District-issued items specific to the job. Volunteers are expected to attend required training sessions prior to performing their job duties.

Depending on the position, your performance may be observed, especially if it involves providing educational programs. If the performance fails to meet acceptable standards, or if services are no longer required, volunteers may be released of their responsibilities.

The following forms are required from all volunteers:

• Volunteer interest form
• Signed Volunteer Agreement and Waiver
• Background check completed for most positions

Similar background checks are required of Forest Preserve staff. Background checks have become the professional standard for anyone that handles money or may have contact with children in our programs, facilities and conservation activities.

Most positions require a minimum time commitment which is listed in the job description. If a volunteer cannot meet a scheduled commitment notification should be given to their coordinator. It is important for volunteers to make every effort to meet scheduled commitments.

Maintaining an accurate record of volunteer hours is important to us as your time shows community support of our organization, and can be used in obtaining grants and donations for the Forest Preserves. We collect volunteer hours on a monthly basis.

Be sure to include orientation and training hours but not driving time. Volunteer hours are tabulated on a quarterly basis and conveyed to the Lake County Forest Preserve District Board of Commissioners. Please be accurate and prompt with reporting your hours.

If a volunteer is inactive (no hours reported) for one year, the volunteer coordinator may review the status and based on the job description remove the volunteer from the position.

If a volunteer must terminate their service, the volunteer coordinator should be promptly notified.

As representatives of the Lake County Forest Preserve District, volunteers are trusted to be polite, helpful, and informative when in contact with the public. They should be familiar with their job description and follow its guidelines. Volunteers should promote the Forest Preserve’s goals of education, restoration, preservation and recreation. They should encourage visitors to support the Forest Preserves by following policies. In general, they strive to leave visitors with a good feeling about Lake County Forest Preserves, its philosophies and with a desire to visit again.

Visitors who want to report an incident or accident that occurred in the Preserve may approach a volunteer. At no time should a volunteer make a statement of admission. The visitor should be directed to Ranger Police or Risk Management. New volunteers are required to watch a Statement of Admissions Video.

Check with your volunteer coordinator for specific uniform requirements.

While clothing requirements for each volunteer position vary, some positions require that a volunteer nametag be worn at all times while volunteering. Nametags are provided.

Volunteers, like the staff and visitors, are expected to follow the rules protecting the Lake County Forest Preserves. These are outlined in the District’s regulations, brochures, and signs. Lake County Forest Preserve District Rules and Regulation.

District volunteers shall not engage in any political activities while representing the District. District volunteers shall not use their positions to solicit contributions or any other support for partisan political activities.

District equipment, supplies or tools shall be used only for the purposes of conducting District business and projects. Volunteers must promptly inform the volunteer coordinator of any safety concerns or needed repairs. Employees will be responsible for the care and conservation of District equipment, supplies or tools and shall report promptly accidents, breakdowns or malfunctions so prompt repairs can be made.

Reimbursable Expenses

The District may reimburse approved purchases made to complete volunteer tasks. Purchases must have prior approval from the volunteer coordinator and receipts must be provided.

IRS Charitable Contributions

Contact the Internal Revenue Service for details on eligibility and record keeping for potential deductions. Volunteers may be able to deduct the cost and upkeep of uniforms that are not suitable for everyday use, but that must be worn while volunteering. Volunteers may also deduct actual car expenses, such as expenditures for gas, oil and tolls. General repair and maintenance expenses may not be deductible, nor are depreciation or insurance expenses. In the past, volunteer hour record sheets could be used in support of tax deduction claims. Keep track of your hours.

We recognize volunteers through a variety of means, which may include years of service pins, gifts, recognition events and occasional social gatherings. Volunteers with twenty years of service are recognized at a fall Lake County Forest Preserve Board of Commissioners meeting.

Volunteers are covered by the Park District Risk Management Agency (PDRMA), an intergovernmental membership organization which provides for the risk management needs of our agency. For any questions about this subject matter, discuss with your volunteer coordinator.

Are volunteers covered by the District’s Liability Policy? Volunteers are afforded the same liability protection through PDRMA as are District employees. In order for that coverage to apply, volunteers must be acting within the scope of their authorized volunteer duties. Please keep a hard copy of the Job Duties document that you received from your coordinator.

Are volunteers covered under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation statutes? The Illinois Supreme Court ruled that persons not receiving pay for their services are not employees within the meaning of the Workers’ Compensation Act and are therefore not covered.

What if a volunteer is injured while performing volunteer duties outlined on the Volunteer Job Description? The claim should first be processed through any health insurance or Medicare coverage the volunteer may have. If you have no insurance or your insurance does not pay all expenses, PDRMA will provide Volunteer Medical Accident Insurance within certain limits.

What coverage is provided by the Volunteer Medical Accident Policy? The policy provides $5,000 in medical expense payments for injuries incurred while the volunteers are performing their volunteer duties. There is no coverage for lost wages from another job. The coverage is in excess over all other insurance the volunteer may have. The volunteer will be required to sign an affidavit attesting to what other insurance they may have, and provide bills and copies of explanations of benefits before this policy will cover any outstanding bills of out-of-pocket expenses.

Am I covered under the Medical Accident Policy? All District volunteers are automatically covered.

Volunteers may answer questions from the media regarding their specific job duties and responsibilities, e.g., a Nature Guide leading a maple syrup program may address information about the maple syrup production process, or a Site Steward may address questions regarding why they are involved in particular land management practices. When feasible, volunteers will be notified in advance that members of the media may show up at their activities.

To provide the most accurate information to the media, questions about actions of the Lake County Forest Preserve Board of Commissioners, matters in litigation, land acquisitions, and other subjects designated as warranting special attention should be referred to the Executive Director or Public Affairs office.

When a volunteer is approached by the media regarding a topic they are not authorized or comfortable addressing, they should refer the media representative to the appropriate Director or the Public Affairs office.