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ADULT VOLUNTEER MANUAL

November 2012

This document talks about the High Desert Museum, its structure, the volunteer organization, its benefits and the responsibilities of each volunteer.

Tracy Suckow tracy@highdesertmuseum.

or

Adult Volunteer Manual

Table of Contents

Adult Volunteer Manual.............................................................................................................................. 1

Volunteer Organization...............................................................................................................................1

Components of the Volunteer Organization....................................................................................1

Volunteer Program Manager (VPM)................................................................................................................1Staff Department Heads (SDH)..........................................................................................................................1Team Leaders (TL)..................................................................................................................................................1Volunteer Chairperson (VC)................................................................................................................................1Volunteer Vice-Chairperson (V²C)...................................................................................................................1The Volunteers..........................................................................................................................................................2Volunteer Advisory Council (VAC)...................................................................................................................2

Team Lead Position Responsibilities:............................................................................................... 3

Current Team Leaders and their Contact Information................................................................4

VOLUNTEER BENEFITS AND OPPORTUNITIES....................................................................................5

Discount / Benefits................................................................................................................................... 6

Museum Membership..............................................................................................................................6

Museum Volunteer Website / Newsletter........................................................................................6

Library.......................................................................................................................................................... 7

Annual Recognition Event..................................................................................................................... 7

Nametag / Hours-of-Service awards..................................................................................................7

Awards......................................................................................................................................................... 8

Volunteer of the Year..............................................................................................................................................8Barbara Sharp Outstanding Service Award..................................................................................................9The High Desert Museum Hall of Fame Award...........................................................................................9Rookie of the Year Award..................................................................................................................................10

Museum Structure...................................................................................................................................... 11

Governing Authority............................................................................................................................. 11

Museum Leadership.............................................................................................................................. 11

Statement of Purpose........................................................................................................................... 11

Why the Museum exists......................................................................................................................................11Vision......................................................................................................................................................... 11

What the Museum aspires to become..........................................................................................................11Mission....................................................................................................................................................... 11

How we fulfill our purpose................................................................................................................................11Core Philosophy...................................................................................................................................... 12

Values......................................................................................................................................................................... 12Funding...................................................................................................................................................... 13

Departments............................................................................................................................................ 13

Finance & Administration..................................................................................................................................13Programs...................................................................................................................................................................13Development...........................................................................................................................................................13Kids Programs.........................................................................................................................................................13Exhibits and Interpretation..............................................................................................................................13Facilities.....................................................................................................................................................................14Visitor Services.......................................................................................................................................................14

Physical Facilities................................................................................................................................... 14

Main museum building.......................................................................................................................................14Exhibits...................................................................................................................................................................... 14

General Policies and Information.....................................................................................................17

Non-advocacy..........................................................................................................................................................17Drugs & Alcohol......................................................................................................................................................17Smoking..................................................................................................................................................................... 17Sexual Harassment............................................................................................................................................... 17Safety...........................................................................................................................................................................17Insurance...................................................................................................................................................................18Accidents...................................................................................................................................................................18Emergencies............................................................................................................................................................ 18Security......................................................................................................................................................................18Keys & Codes...........................................................................................................................................................19How to Use the Library.......................................................................................................................................19Telephone.................................................................................................................................................................19Parking....................................................................................................................................................................... 19Lost & Found........................................................................................................................................................... 19Sales & Solicitation................................................................................................................................................19

VOLUNTEER GUIDELINES.................................................................................................................... 19

Active Volunteers................................................................................................................................... 19

Scheduling Time.....................................................................................................................................................19Tracking Volunteer Hours.................................................................................................................................20Absence...................................................................................................................................................................... 20Conduct......................................................................................................................................................................20Questions from Visitors......................................................................................................................................20Dress Code................................................................................................................................................................20Keep Informed........................................................................................................................................................20Training..................................................................................................................................................................... 21

Museum Membership........................................................................................................................... 21

Lunchroom Protocol............................................................................................................................. 21

Bringing your lunch to put in the lunchroom refrigerator..................................................................21Mugs on wall............................................................................................................................................................21KP lunchroom duty...............................................................................................................................................21Shining Stars............................................................................................................................................................21Volunteer(s) of the Quarter..............................................................................................................................22Other Information/Opportunities.................................................................................................................22TITLE: Volunteer...................................................................................................................................................23TITLE: Volunteer - Education Services.......................................................................................................24TITLE: Museum Store Sales Assistant.........................................................................................................25TITLE: Team Leader – Admissions /Greeters..........................................................................................26TITLE: Team Leader – Silver Sage Trading Merchandiser.................................................................27TITLE: Membership Volunteer.......................................................................................................................28TITLE: High Desert Voices Newsletter Team..............................Error! Bookmark not defined.TITLE: Team Leader - Community Outreach............................................................................................29TITLE: Photography Volunteer.......................................................................................................................30TITLE: Receptionist/Clerical assistant........................................................................................................31TITLE: Development Stewardship Volunteer..........................................................................................32TITLE: Special Events Volunteer....................................................................................................................33TITLE: Interpretive Team Leader..................................................................................................................34TITLE: Collections/Exhibits Volunteer.......................................................................................................35TITLE: Adult Wildlife Volunteer.....................................................................................................................36TITLE: Natural History Interpreter..............................................................................................................37TITLE: Public Relations......................................................................................................................................38TITLE: Desertarium OR Mammals Interpreter........................................................................................39TITLE: Totally Touchable Tales Storytelling Volunteers....................................................................40TITLE: By Hand Through Memory Interpreter.......................................................................................41TITLE: Spirit of the West Interpreter...........................................................................................................42TITLE: Living History Volunteer....................................................................................................................44

Accidental Injury and Illness Report...............................................................................................45

Visitor Complaint Policy...................................................................................................................... 47

Volunteer Education Log..................................................................................................................... 48

HIGH DESERT MUSEUM Volunteer Manual

By-Laws.......................................................................................................................................................... 49

Volunteer Organization

Components of the Volunteer Organization

Volunteer Program Manager (VPM)

This staff person supervises all aspects of volunteer recruiting, coordinates core volunteer training, mediates problems with staff or volunteers, is the communication link between staff and volunteers, and in general, insures that the volunteer program satisfies museum needs. After interviewing the candidates, the VPM selects the Chair and Vice chair of the volunteer organization from those volunteers who were nominated for the position by their peers.

Staff Department Heads (SDH)

These staff persons manage the various departments in the museum. They are responsible for upkeep of the present exhibits, devising new exhibits, overseeing budgets, and cooperating with the VPM to insure that volunteers have the resources to perform their jobs properly. The SDHs represent the following areas: Finance & Administration, Human Resources, Programs, Exhibits & Interpretation, Guest Services, Development, and Zoological.

Team Leaders (TL)

The SDH from each area selects specific volunteer(s) to lead volunteer efforts in his/her area of the Museum. These selections are made from those volunteers who are nominated by their team. The TLs support and lead groups of volunteers by providing training by informing volunteers of updated or changed information, by resolving minor misunderstandings within the group, by working with the SDH to conduct periodic education and evaluations, and by being the voice and advocate for their team. The TL’s along with the Volunteer Chair, Vice Chair, and VPC, comprise the Volunteer Advisory Council.

Volunteer Chairperson (VC)

The Volunteer Advisory Council (VAC) nominates this volunteer and asks the entire volunteer corps to accept the nomination by voting at the March All - Volunteer Meeting. The VC leads those activities that involve all volunteers. He/She conducts regular All-Volunteer meetings and regular VAC meetings; serves as liaison between the TLs and the VPM; assists TLs in resolving problems/issues; provides general information to all TLs; attends quarterly Board meetings, attends monthly managers meetings; and serves as a model and resource for TLs and all volunteers.

Volunteer Vice-Chairperson (V²C)

Like the Chair, this position is nominated by the VAC and voted on at the March All-Volunteer Meeting. The Vice-Chair assumes the role of the Chair when the Chair is not available. Additionally,

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he/she coordinates volunteer communication efforts (such as the web site direction, physical space needs, social activities such as holiday parties, social gatherings, etc.), and serves as a model and resource for TL’s and all volunteers.

The Volunteers

Volunteers perform their duties as described in the Performance Standards and Guidelines consistent with the needs of their department as defined by the SDH and TL. They convey their needs to their Team Leader.

Volunteer Advisory Council (VAC)

The VAC convenes the Council, a body composed of all TLs, VPM, VC, V²C, and special committee chairs/representatives. The Council works with the VC and the VPC to examine issues of concern to the entire volunteer program, create volunteer program guidelines, and insure a positive experience for all volunteers. It provides a venue for brainstorming new ideas in training, recognition, recruiting, and operations. The Council acts as a sounding board for concerns as they arise.

Purpose:

To help assure a superior visitor experience. To assist and support the Volunteer Program Manager in decisions regarding the volunteer

policies and needs. To help make the volunteer experience positive and engaging. To foster a healthy, cooperative staff/volunteer relationship. To help in the recruitment of new volunteers. To serve as the communications conduit between volunteers and staff.

Organization:

Members of the VAC are” HR & Volunteer Program Manager Curator of Educational Programs Chair and Vice-Chair of the Volunteer Organization Team Leads Special Committee Chairs. Members serve for one-year terms, or until they no

longer hold one of the above positions. Any volunteer may attend VAC meetings, the

schedule for which will be posted on the Volunteer Bulletin Board and printed in the High Desert Voices newsletter.

Operation:

The VAC usually meets on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 2:00p.m. for two hours. VAC members and staff may submit agenda items one week in advance of the meeting to the

Chair.

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Figure 1This Sawmill uses locally donated logs to saw into boards for our outbuildings.


Regular agenda items may include Team Leader reports, Committee reports, Volunteer Program Manager report, Volunteer communications, each to include progress on action items and results when appropriate.

The Chair is responsible for the agenda and conducting the meeting. In the Chair’s absence, the Vice-Chair will do so.

A Recorder, selected from the VAC members will take minutes. The minutes are submitted to the Chair for review and distribution via e-mail.

Team Lead Position Responsibilities:

Serve as liaison between the Staff Department Head or Supervisor and the team of volunteers.

Serve as communication link between Staff and volunteers, regularly passing on staff information and concerns to the volunteers, getting feedback from the volunteers, and passing on to the staff any concerns or feedback the volunteers have

Be the team’s advocate. Help to resolve minor misunderstandings or issues within the team. Work with the Staff Department Head or Supervisor to conduct periodic training and

evaluations of the team members. Assist the Staff Department Head or Supervisor with the training of new team members as well

as refresher training of experienced volunteers. Stay in touch with the team members regularly by e-mail or phone to see how things are going.

CC all e-mail communication to Staff Department Head of your area for open communication. Attend the Volunteer Advisory Council meetings, report on the team’s activities, and e-mail a

summary of the monthly VAC meetings to the team volunteers. Keep a Team Notebook current with a team roster, minutes of meetings, copies of team

communication, training materials, critical phone numbers, etc. This notebook serves to maintain continuity when team leads change.

Welcome new volunteers to the team, show them the ropes, and arrange a team mentor for them if appropriate. Invite team members to participate in Museum activities such as Free Days, festivals, special events, etc. to promote a sense of community.

Serve as a model and resource for the volunteers on the team. Be supportive of team members, and other departments.

Work with the Staff Department Head or Supervisor to replace you as a Team Leader when you decide to step down.

Other appropriate area-specific responsibilities.

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Current Team Leaders and their Contact Information

Volunteer Area Team Leader Phone Email AddressWildlife Programs SDH John Goodell 541/382-4754

Ext. [email protected]

Mammals Interp. Cynde Magidson 805/469-0479 [email protected] Interp. Bill Gawlowski 541/382-3470 [email protected] Interp. Mitchell Cutter 541/382-8494 [email protected] Ranger Station Les Joslin 541/330-0331 [email protected] Interp. Jim Langton 541/382-5158 [email protected] Interp. SDH Linda Evans 541/382-4754

ext. [email protected]

BHTM Sigrid von Hurst 541/389-1522 [email protected] History Ralph Berry 541/598-7985

541/ 633-5771

[email protected]

Collections/Exhibits Kristine Albright 541/617-9247 [email protected] Programs SDH TBDSilver Sage Trading Nancy Gill 541/382-8597 [email protected]/Greeters Lori Vencill 541/389-2022 [email protected] Newsletter Jan Michelsen 408/930-4682 [email protected] Abbott Schindler [email protected] Education SDH Erica Pelley 541/382-4754

ext. 320

[email protected]

SDH = Staff Department Head

SOW = Spirit of the West exhibit

BHTM = By Hand through Memory Exhibit

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This scene shows the lifestyle of the Indians in the High Desert 10,000 years ago


VOLUNTEER BENEFITS AND OPPORTUNITIES

As a volunteer, you join a group of similar people who have a common interest in the high desert and the High Desert Museum, and who want to share that interest with others. Volunteering gives you a sense of accomplishment and personal satisfaction by bringing the Museum to life. You gain new skills, new knowledge and new confidence in understanding the high desert and you make the visitor's experience at the Museum both enjoyable and meaningful. The relationships you build with other volunteers and staff are often an unexpected bonus!

You can help in different areas depending on your interests. You may lead interpretive programs with wildlife or in the exhibits, help set up for

special events, greet tour groups, demonstrate pioneer and native crafts and ways of life, or work at the front desk or in the store. You may also teach school groups, and/or assemble backpack explorer packs for the education department.

Volunteers work behind the scenes too; cataloguing and preserving artifacts, setting up exhibits, developing educational programs and materials, answering phones, filing, and helping with other projects as they come up.

Specifically, here are areas where you can participate in:

As Animal Interpreters working with wild cats, mammals, porcupines, river otter, and snakes; As Interpreters in exhibits such as the Spirit of the West Exhibit,

the 1890’s Sawmill in Action (summer only), the By Hand Through Memory Exhibit, and the Miller Ranch of Bend cira 1904 (Living History);

By being a Volunteer Teacher for Discovery Classes both on-site and off-site, at festivals, as a scheduler, or in program prep;

Performing Visitor Services such as Admissions and/or Greeter, Membership, or working in the Silver Sage Trading Store;

As a Team member creating the High Desert Voices Newsletter as a writer, composer, editor, print coordinator, or by folding & distributing;

As a Receptionist/Clerical worker; As a Collections and Exhibits Volunteer; As a Naturalist, giving interpretive talks on our nature trail; Working in Marketing & Communications distributing upcoming event posters to local

businesses, conducting audience surveys, photography or membership drives.

There are many ways for you to be a part of this active, vital group of volunteers.

Your hours are flexible: you may decide to work three days a week, once a month, or only once a season. To remain active however, we require 100 hours of service per year, which is equivalent to just 8 hours per month. You set your own schedule and pace. However, when you decide on a schedule, it becomes part of the overall program. We don’t have ready substitutes if you don’t show. So, we ask you

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A bronze figure of a wolf and her cubs.


to honor your time commitment because the Museum doesn't function without volunteers. Obviously, if your schedule changes or you have an emergency, you should notify the Team Leader or Staff Department Head so he/she can anticipate and fill that vacancy or cancel that event.

New Volunteer Orientation and New Volunteer Trainings are given several times a year, and are mandatory for new volunteers to attend an orientation and training before starting to volunteer at the Museum. These are opportunities to learn about all of the Museum's exhibits as well as general interpretation, our visitors, and customer service.

Watch the volunteer newsletter, Museum website, and bulletin boards for class dates. Sign up sheets are posted in the main lunchroom. If you like to be notified at home, be sure to provide your Team Leader and the Volunteer Program Manager with your personal e-mail address.

Discount / Benefits

Adult Volunteers receive a discount in the store, based on the following:

If you have volunteered:

- 1500 hours or less you receive 10% off in the gift shop- 1500-2000 hours you receive 15% off in the gift shop- Over 2000 you receive 20% off in the gift shop

Café discount remains 10%

These benefits are for all ACTIVE volunteers (250+ hours a year).

Active volunteers will receive additional guest passes each year for your personal use (we mail these passes in September).

Museum Membership

A Museum membership is required for active volunteers. Active volunteers give 250 hours of volunteer service per fiscal year (Adult Volunteer Program only). Once 250 hours are reached, the volunteer will receive a complimentary Museum membership. The volunteer hours must be on – site at the Museum to qualify, with the exception of the following volunteer areas, who by the nature of their volunteer work do the majority of volunteer time offsite: Photography Team, Living History Sewing group and Thorn Hollow String Band. Offsite hours are included in these cases. See the Volunteer Program Manager on how to track these accepted off-site volunteer hours.

Museum Volunteer Website / Newsletter

You can access our monthly volunteer newsletter, High Desert Voices, which keeps you abreast of what is happening and what is coming up. Go to our volunteer website: http://hdm-gems.net .

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A bronze figure of a doe and her twins.


User name: volunteer Password: hdm (case sensitive – use all lower case letters for both). It also has additional information about the museum and the high desert.

Library

You have all of our library materials available for your use. This is a great resource to learn more about subjects related to your area of interest or activity.

Annual Recognition Event

We appreciate the valuable contribution of volunteers in making the Museum work. Each year, usually in September, the staff hosts an Annual Recognition Event in conjunction with our Annual Meeting of the Membership, honoring all volunteers.

Reenacting a social activity of pioneers in 1880.

Nametag / Hours-of-Service awards

We provide a nametag to identify you to the public as a volunteer and we recognize your service with Hours-of-Service awards. These awards are given at the annual recognition event and are:

1,000+ hours 1000 hours pin (violet), gold name badge and $25 gift certificate to Silver Sage Trading Store

1,500+ hours 15% discount at the Silver Sage Trading Store, a $30 gift certificate, 1500 hours pin (Lt purple) and invitations to patron receptions

2,000+ hours 20% discount at Silver Sage Trading Store, a $35 gift certificate, and 2000 hours pin (orange)

3,000+ hours $45 gift certificate to Silver Sage Trading Store, and 3000 hours pin (bright blue)

4,000+ hours $50 gift certificate to Silver Sage Trading Store, and 4000 hours pin

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(brown)5,000+ hours $55 gift certificate to Silver Sage Trading, plus 5000 hours pin (bright

black) & Roger Nichols pin

6,000+ hours $55 gift certificate to Silver Sage Trading Store, plus applicable hours pin (teal)

7,000+ hours $55 gift certificate to Silver Sage Trading Store, plus 7,000 hours pin (maroon) & Roger Nichols pin

9,000+ hours $55 gift certificate to Silver Sage Trading Store, plus 9,000 hours pin (red)

10,000+ hours $80 gift certificate to Silver Sage Trading Store, plus 10,000 hours pin (red)

11,000+ hours $80 gift certificate to Silver Sage Trading Store, plus 11,000 hours pin (purple)

Awards

Volunteer of the Year

Annually, we recognize a “Volunteer of the Year” (both teen and adult) for his or her outstanding service and participation. Volunteers who receive the award are eligible every 5 years. We announce this award at the Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner.

Criteria for choosing Teen Volunteer of the Year include:

Willingness to be of service – offers assistance voluntarily. Helps whenever needed. Shows a wide range of participation.

Quality of Service – Dependable at assigned job. Tasks completed impeccably. Represents productivity at its best.

Leadership – Takes charge of a project, task or group and sees it through to completion. Operates effectively with little supervision. Maintains a positive attitude and motivates others to do the same.

Team Player – Works well with others. Displays support and respect for fellow volunteers, teens and museum staff.

Ambassador –Takes pride in being a member of the High Desert Museum. Positive representation at all times. Active museum advocate. Enthusiastically committed.

Self Development – Seeks new challenges, learning opportunities and evaluation of performance.

Barbara Sharp Outstanding Service Award

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Our most prestigious award, The Barbara Sharp Outstanding Service Award, named after an outstanding volunteer, was established to recognize service above and beyond the Volunteer of the Year Award. The award, when earned, is presented at the annual meeting of the membership or at the Volunteer Recognition Dinner.

Criteria for the Barbara Sharp Outstanding Service Award:

5000+ hours of service Received the Volunteer of the Year Award or was nominated Demonstrated a long-term commitment and unconditional support of the museum

The recipient receives a personal award plus his/her name on a perpetual plaque displayed in the museum.

The High Desert Museum Hall of Fame Award

Purpose: to honor those volunteers who have given years of service to the museum and to encourage them to continue their connection to the museum.

Criteria for the Museum Hall of Fame Award:

Has been a volunteer for at least 10 years Has at least 2,000 hours of volunteer time No longer an active volunteer

The Award:

Will be presented at the Volunteer Recognition Event in September, when earned Each recipient will have his/her accomplishments announced Each will receive a certificate and a small gift Each will have their name engraved on a plaque that will be on display in a public area of the

Museum Each will continue to be invited every year to the Volunteer Recognition Event, and the

Staff/Volunteer Holiday lunch Each will continue to receive the Volunteer newsletter Each will become a Lifetime Member of the Museum

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Rookie of the Year Award

To honor a new volunteer for going above and beyond in their level of service and commitment to The High Desert Museum within a short time frame of starting to volunteer with the Museum.

Criteria:

A rookie is someone who has been volunteering at the Museum for two years or less but must have served at least 100 hours.

The rookie must be willing to serve with a high quality of service, exhibit leadership, be a team player as well as an ambassador outside of the Museum, and seek new challenges and learning opportunities.

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Museum Structure

Governing Authority

The High Desert Museum is governed by a 30+ member Board of Trustees, comprised of business, civic and philanthropic leaders from Oregon and the high desert region. Trustees are selected for their commitment to the museum’s mission, vision and program, and apply their individual expertise (in financial services, program design & evaluation, management and public service) as ambassadors and advocates for the museum. Trustees may serve two consecutive four-year terms, and many remain active in promoting the museum after their elected service. The Board is responsible for setting the museum’s mission and vision, and approving the strategic plan and annual operating budgets.

Museum Leadership

The Board appoints a President to lead the museum in fulfilling its mission and programs within the resources available. With the President, a Leadership Team sets strategic goals and annual priorities for the departments of Programs (Programs, Communications & Guest Services), Exhibits & Interpretation (exhibits, animal care, and interpretive and school programs), Development, Finance & Administration and Facilities. The Vice President serves as chief administrative officer, managing the efforts of Museum directors to meet the museum’s day-to-day operating requirements.

Statement of Purpose

Why the Museum exists

“To inspire and foster stewardship of the natural and cultural resources of the High Desert.”

Vision

What the Museum aspires to become

“To be the preeminent resource for exploring the historic and contemporary relationships between people and the High Desert landscape.”

Mission

How we fulfill our purpose

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Through exhibits, wildlife, and living history, the High Desert Museum creates learning experiences to help audiences discover their connection to the past, their role in the present, and their responsibility to the future.

Core Philosophy

The High Desert Museum initially was conceived to meet an important challenge – to provide information and opportunities to help individual citizens effectively participate in decisions being made about the region’s natural and cultural resources. The museum designs exhibits and interpretive programs that connect our audiences with the high desert landscape and the human experience on it. Through its programs, exhibits, collections, the museum is an important steward of artifacts and ideas. Through volunteer and staff interpreters, the museum is an essential interpreter of the land and stories of people who have lived on it.

We develop programs with both the museum's vision and audience in mind, consistent with an institutional value of relevance to the present and future. The museum’s subject matters focus on the region’s natural and human history (anthropology, archaeology, biology, geography, geology, history, material culture, wildlife biology, zoology, etc.), and emphasizes the relationship of humans with the natural world in which they lived, currently live, and will live in the future. Everything we do affirms the overarching interpretive theme: humans have changed, have been changed by, and will continue to change the high desert landscape.

Values

Vision Driven/Market Sensitive- We plan and implement programs that foster and support our Statement of Purpose and Vision. We use the needs and interests of our audiences/clients/visitors to make program decisions.

Idea Based/Object Enhanced- We base interpretive themes on ideas and issues, and support those themes with our collections. In the stewardship of our collections, we emphasize authenticity, intellectual integrity and balance in programs.

Regionally Active- We develop programs for, and recruit audiences, trustees, donors and volunteers from the states we use to define the high desert.

Audience/Client/Visitor Centered- We produce our services and programs for our audiences, and our facilities can accommodate a broad spectrum of needs and abilities.

Product Oriented- We create value through producing exhibits, publications, events, and interpretive services. Our products are appropriate, have substance, style, timeliness and accuracy, and we pay attention to detail.

Resource Oriented- We try to demonstrate responsible use and wise stewardship of natural resources.

Fiscally Sound- We are fiscally conservative while developing additional support for our programs.

Organizationally Sound- We develop and apply our human resources to be most effective in fulfilling our vision in a sustainable manner.

Future Oriented- We look for challenges and inspirations, while building on our history of accomplishments.

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Funding

Basic financial support for the museum depends on our visitors, members and donors. Through admissions fees, and by purchases in the Silver Sage and Rimrock Café, visitors support the operating costs of a visitor attraction. Individual, organizational and family memberships provide additional unrestricted support for museum operations, and programming designed specifically for members. Additional fundraising efforts – including grant proposals and project- or program-specific gift requests – make it possible to offer new exhibits and expanded programs.

We conduct campaigns to attract new members from among Central Oregon residents and businesses, recent Museum visitors, and selected individuals and businesses outside our community. At least one-third of the thousand new members sought each year are visitors who sign up at the front desk. Last year, the Museum had over 5,000 member units.

Departments

Finance & Administration

Finance & Administration includes office administration, accounting, information systems, records management, human resources, and trustee business. This department sets standards and policies for general business operations.

Programs

Programs aligns exhibit planning, attendance-building programming, advertising/promotions and earned media with the goal of increasing attendance and ensuring fun, engaging and evocative visitor experiences for audiences of all ages and learning styles.

Development

Development staff plan and implement fund-raising activities, membership activities, patron receptions, and the annual Chiles Award Banquet.

Kids Programs

Kids Programs develops and offers lectures, excursions and classes for school groups and teachers at both on-site and off-site locations.

Exhibits and Interpretation

Exhibits and Interpretation includes developing and maintaining exhibits, stewardship of collections, performing necessary research, and overseeing interpretation to provide an educational experience for

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This stagecoach ran in the 1850s on the Ben Holiday Overland stage route.


visitors in a context of the museum's vision. Additionally, they acquire and care for living animals for use in educational exhibits and interpretive presentations.

Facilities

Facilities staff maintains and operates the museum's physical plant of buildings and grounds.

Visitor Services

Visitor Services is a subset of Communications that operates the admissions desk, membership desk, and oversees Silver Sage Trading Store and the annual Holiday Festival.

Physical Facilities

Main museum building

The main museum building has 53,000 square feet with a large lobby area, administrative offices, a boardroom, a collections vault, three classrooms, a store, and indoor exhibit areas

Outside are the shop area, the energy plant, recycling center, the exhibits production workshop and the storage building.

In 1995, PacifiCorp installed a grid-connected photovoltaic system to produce electricity from sunlight. The system operates in parallel with the utility service and offsets our purchases of power.

Exhibits

Source Pool and Autzen Creek:

The Source Pool at the museum entrance is an artificial spring representing a typical headwater spring in the central Oregon area. In nature, porous volcanic soil collects precipitation and snow melt underground and drains the water to a location where it emerges as a spring. An artificial stream, Autzen Creek flows from the Source pool and follows the path through the museum grounds to the lower pond/viewing deck.

The stream's riparian habitat has a large number and variety of plants and animals, in obvious contrast to the arid landscape just a short distance away. Without Autzen Creek, only a limited number of specialized varieties can cope with the little moisture available. (The Autzen Foundation provided a generous donation toward constructing the Creek).

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Living History volunteers perform at HDM special events


Earle A. Chiles Center on the Spirit of the West: This Center includes several exhibits.

The Hall of Exploration and Settlement offers a walk-through experience with the history of the Intermountain West--from native inhabitants to the Westward Movement and eventual settlement. Eight separate dioramas depict different aspects of this era as the visitor moves forward through time.

The Brooks Gallery, devoted to traveling exhibitions and museum shows;

The Nancy R. Chandler Memorial Gallery, which features sculptures and photographs depicting the high desert landscape;

The Eva Chiles Meyer Historic Library, which contains many of our rare books displayed as a typical library of an eastern gentleman studying the West during the nineteenth century.

By Hand Through Memory is the inaugural exhibit in the Henry J. Casey Hall of Plateau Indians. It illuminates a seldom-told story of resilience, spiritual strength and cultural preservation among Native Americans of the Columbia River Plateau. The exhibit includes the priceless Doris Swayze Bounds Collection so visitors can marvel at the artistry displayed.

Desertarium Small and seldom-seen animals of the Great Basin are displayed in naturalistic terrarium and aquarium habitats. These high-interest, living exhibits show small slices of the more typical habitat types found in the large and diverse Great Basin area. We emphasize adaptations of the animals and plants to their environment.

Whose Home? A Place of Discovery This is an interactive play and learning space for families that provides hands-on exploration of the rimrock environment of the high desert region.

Sheepherder's Wagon Outdoors across the bridge is an authentic, fully furnished wagon used by Basque sheepherders working on the high desert. Invented by a blacksmith in 1884, this "mobile home" was the precursor of today’s RV’s.

Wildlife Observation Area Along the pathway between the otter exhibit and the porcupine exhibit, birds and small mammals such as squirrels and chipmunks, eat and play.

Otters The museum's popular Autzen Otter Exhibit features our North American River Otters. A naturalistic habitat built into a lava rock outcropping and enclosed by a rock wall houses the otters. Another attraction is a bronze otter sculpture created by J. Chester Armstrong.

The Changing Forest The US Forest Service cooperated in developing this outdoor exhibit. In it, ceiling-high Ponderosa logs give the feeling of being in a forest. The visitor learns about biological diversity, fire, disease, soil, photosynthesis, forest use and change, and their role in the forest ecosystem.

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This volunteer drove a stagecoach in many Western movies.


Tom Lackey Sawmill Model Just inside the Changing Forest building is a true-to scale sawmill model built by Tom Lackey and donated to the Museum. This model, which took over 25 years to build, has a scale of one inch to one foot. The steam engine, which actually operates, was fabricated from scrap metal, much of it from diesel locomotive parts. The model shows all the key elements of a 1920’s commercial steam-powered sawmill, including the engine, boilers, conveyor belts, carriage and setworks, head saws, cut-off saw, edger, hand tools, “tee pee” burner, logs, lumber, and scrap wood.

Miller Ranch At another favorite attraction, visitors can see what frontier life was like. This full-scale, furnished, one-room log cabin represents the home of the Miller family, from Bend, Oregon cira 1904. Displays depict the early settlers’ relationships with the region's pine forests and grasslands. A working hand pump, a pioneer garden, outbuildings, and loaded freight and farm wagons add realism to the site.

Lazinka Sawmill: Visitors can walk through this steam-powered mill and observe the inner workings of machinery which turned tall pine trees into lumber for frontier homes for new settlements.This turn-of-the-century sawmill includes saw, planer, boiler, and blacksmithing area.

Birds-of-Prey: Southeast of the main museum building, the Donald M. Kerr Birds of Prey Center has regularly scheduled talks on raptors. Visitors also see the birds "up close and personal" in six different naturalistic habitats.

High Desert Ranger Station: Located as you drive up the Museum, this authentic Ranger Station from the 1940’s is manned during the summer with retired Forest Service employees, called “Old Smokeys,” as well as other volunteers interested in interpreting this station to Museum visitors.

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“The Battle” shows fighting at the beginning of the breeding season.


General Policies and Information

Non-advocacy

The Museum recognizes that educational organizations must present information without judging or taking sides. Everyone has personal, valid opinions on various issues. However, when you are representing the Museum or interacting with the public here, please keep these opinions to yourself. To earn respect, the Museum must deliver a value-free presentation of issues.

Drugs & Alcohol

The Museum is a drug free workplace. When arriving, you should always be in a physical and mental state to perform in a safe, productive, and acceptable manner. We do not allow anyone on the Museum grounds under the influence of alcohol or drugs, nor do we allow the use, possession, or distribution of alcohol or drugs on Museum property. The only exception is the use of alcohol at designated Museum functions.

Smoking

Because the Museum promotes a healthy and safe work environment, smoking is prohibited on the High Desert Museum campus.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is against the law. Sexual assault is the most obvious example however sexual harassment can be much more subtle. Sexual harassment occurs when person is exposed to sexually suggestive comments, jokes about gender-specific traits, propositions, suggestive noises, leering, obscene gestures, sexual cartoons, or inappropriate touching. We have a zero tolerance policy in regard to this issue. Tell the Volunteer Program Manager if this happens to you. No retaliation will occur because of your report. If it does, this too, needs to be reported and it will be disciplined. Be aware though, that false accusations can have serious effects on innocent people. We can maintain a pleasant work environment if everyone acts in a responsible and professional manner.

Safety

We want to provide a safe environment to protect everyone from injury. To help us and to safeguard yourself, please follow these rules:

Wear required personal protective equipment such as in mill operation or when carrying a bird of prey.

Report unsafe conditions to the Volunteer Program Coordinator or your Staff Department Head.

Get help lifting heavy loads.

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Report all job related injuries or illnesses to the Volunteer Program Manager as soon as possible. Fill out an accident report form and have it witnessed for the HR & Volunteer Program Manager.

Insurance

The Museum carries a volunteer insurance policy that covers volunteers at the levels below when injured while engaged in museum on-the-job activities:

Maximum accidental medical - $5,000 (based on reasonable and customary amounts) Accidental death - $2500 Accidental dismemberment - $2500

In addition, volunteers are covered against bodily injury and property damage as "additional insured" under the museum's general liability insurance up to $10,000. This coverage is in force when you are acting under the direction of, and within the scope of duties for the Museum. When expenses exceed $10,000 the volunteers’ personal health insurance becomes the primary coverage. Volunteers are not covered under the Museum’s Workers Compensation Policy.

In addition, in order to minimize out of pocket cost to the volunteer, the Museum carries a volunteer insurance policy that is supplemental and covers up to $10,000 in expenses not covered by the volunteers’ primary insurance such as deductibles, co-pays and co-insurance.

Costs incurred above and beyond the maximum policy limits will be the responsibility of the individual. Volunteers without personal insurance will be covered up to a maximum of $20,000 and are not eligible to volunteer in high risk areas including but not limited to sawmill, construction, animal care and animal handling.

Volunteers are insured under the Museum's automobile insurance while using a Museum owned vehicle and when acting under the direction of or within the scope of duties for the museum. Intentional infliction of injury is not included. Proof of a valid driver’s license is required.

Accidents

If a visitor is injured, notify the administrative receptionist immediately. If you are injured, fill out an accident report and notify the Volunteer Program Manager.

Emergencies

In case of medical or other emergencies, contact the administrative receptionist.

Security

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This sign introduces an exhibit that tells how Indian culture was passed on for eons and adapted to the twentieth century.


If you observe any act or situation that might jeopardize the safety of any person, destroy Museum property, endanger any exhibit, or annoy our visitors, notify your supervisor or the administrative receptionist immediately.

Keys & Codes

You may check out keys or be assigned building or computer access codes if necessary for your job. Do not duplicate keys nor reveal codes to anyone. Report the loss or theft of keys or dissemination of codes immediately to the Volunteer Program Manager and your Staff Department Head.

How to Use the Library

The library is available to volunteers and staff, as well as to teacher in-service programs and other community education research. We continually add new books, periodicals, and cassette and video tapes to the library. Volunteers should use the library regularly as part of their own education. Books stay on Museum grounds.

Telephone

You may use the phone in the volunteer workroom, the lunchroom, or the downstairs copy room for interoffice or local calls. Please do not charge personal long distance calls to the Museum.

Parking

Protect Museum grounds and vegetation by parking only in established parking areas. Use the staff lot on the south end of the building, if possible. Lock your vehicle. The Museum is not responsible for theft from your vehicle.

Lost & Found

See the admissions receptionist regarding lost or found items.

Sales & Solicitation

The Museum does not allow solicitation of or by visitors, employees, or volunteers for non-Museum activities.

VOLUNTEER GUIDELINES

Active Volunteers

Active volunteers who receive full volunteer benefits contribute a minimum of 250 hours per year.

Scheduling Time

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In this ranger station are early tools used by the Forest Service for managing forests.


Most volunteer positions require that you schedule your time in advance. Please check with the Associate Curator of Education for proper procedures.

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Tracking Volunteer Hours

We track volunteer hours using an online database named Volgistics, as well as with the automated VIC touch screen located in the volunteer office across from the lunch room for those volunteers who do not use the internet. Tracking hours accomplishes two things: 1) rewarding and recognizing volunteers and 2) increasing our chances of being awarded grant money. We ask you to log in your individual hours each day you donate your time, either online on the Vogistics volunteer database, or use the computer (Volunteer Information Center (VIC)) when you arrive and when you leave. You should count hours in:

commute time to work – travel time one way only attendance at all volunteer meetings and Museum events

If you are going to be volunteering for the photography team, living history sewing group, or Thorn Hollow String Band, please see the Volunteer Program Manager on how to record/track your volunteer hours offsite.

Absence

If you can’t come in when scheduled, please arrange for a substitute and/or contact the Associate Curator of Education, or staff person in your area. Please check with your Team Leader or Staff Department Head for proper procedures in your department.

Conduct

We expect you to act in a professional and respectful manner at all times when working with the public, the staff, and/or with other volunteers. Showing courtesy and providing the best service to visitors makes their visit far more memorable and makes them want to come back.

Questions from Visitors

When you answer a question, use good judgment and common sense. If you are sure of the answer and it is not confidential, then please respond. If you are not sure, refer the visitor to the admissions desk for a Visitor Inquiry Card. We will return the card to the visitor with the answer to the question.

Dress Code

You will need to purchase a HDM shirt and badge ($32.50) and you will be expected to wear these at all times while at the Museum.

Keep Informed

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Three generations of Indians gather food and hand down their culture.


You are expected to read the newsletter, calendars, and bulletin boards (general and for your special area) and to attend any meetings in your department. You are encouraged to take classes that interest you, even if not in your department.

Training

All teen volunteers will complete a mandatory, intensive training that highlights Customer Service and Interpretation techniques for sharing information with guests. Additional training in specific departments that you are interested in volunteering in will follow. See the Associate Curator of Education for details.

Museum Membership

Volunteer memberships will be required for all volunteers starting January 1, 2013. Volunteers who put in 250 hours per fiscal year (July 1 – June 30) will receive a complimentary Museum membership. These volunteer hours must be “on-site” at

the Museum to qualify for the membership. See the Volunteer Program Manager for further details.

Lunchroom Protocol

Bringing your lunch to put in the lunchroom refrigerator

Please write your name and the date on your lunch. There are many lunches in there (it helps to identify what belongs to whom and avoids potential mistakes). Refrigerator routinely gets cleaned out every Monday, so the date really helps with this process.

Mugs on wall

We encourage you to bring in your own coffee/tea mug to hang on the wall. Please write your name on the bottom for identification since many mugs look alike.

KP lunchroom duty

This is your opportunity to help by decorating the lunchroom and keeping it tidy for one month per year. There is a sign up sheet posted in the lunchroom. The duties include making sure dishes in the sink are done and put away, and wiping down the table. Each volunteer team is assigned one month per calendar year. Optional: providing some seasonally appropriate table cover and decoration.

Shining Stars

This is an area where volunteers recognize other volunteers who have gone out of their way to help out in various areas, and/or just praise them for job well done.

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…and on occasion Volunteers have parties.

This bronze dramatizes the Bald Eagle’s power.


Volunteer(s) of the Quarter

These are posted next to shining stars. Any volunteer can nominate another one for honor by simply putting that person’s name, along with the reason they think the person deserves the honor, on a sheet a paper and placing that in the box marked ‘Volunteer of the Quarter’ located in the sign-in room on the desk that had the computer. An adult volunteer and a teen volunteer will be recognized each quarter.

Other Information/Opportunities

Look for additional training sign up sheets posted on the large bulletin board as well as various special events at the Museum.

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A bronze, “Steelhead Splendor”, reflects the glories of all our streams

Appendix Position Descriptions

TITLE: Volunteer

DEPARTMENT: All

REPORTS TO: Volunteer Program Manager

JOB SUMMARY:

Volunteers assist by meeting and greeting the public in admissions, by serving in the Silver Sage Trading Store, by assisting in school programs, by interpreting in exhibits inside or outside the building, by assisting in collections or preparing materials for others. The importance and role of the volunteer in contributing to the success of the Museum cannot be overstated.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Willingness to “join” the program and to learn appropriate procedures and necessary information.

Personal responsibility to perform duties on the schedule agreed upon by the volunteer. Being considerate to other volunteers and staff, by being courteous, helpful, and enthusiastic

to visitors. Able/ willing to commit to working at least 100 hours per year. Responsible to notify appropriate persons when unable to fill commitments.

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A Great Blue Heron looks intense even in bronze.


TITLE: Volunteer - Education Services

DEPARTMENT: Education Services

REPORTS TO: Curator of Education & Associate Curator of Education.

JOB SUMMARY:

Volunteers in Educational Services work with students in early childhood to middle school programs, and help to prepare activities and engage with students in many topics and settings. They work with Museum staff to deliver educational programs on a variety of natural and cultural history topics. They also independently lead activity stations at school festival events held twice a year at High Desert Museum, in our classrooms and outdoors.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Enthusiasm for working with children of various ages. Participation in training required for education programs. General knowledge of The High Desert Museum. Availability to sign up for field trips and festivals during school days/hours.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

Attend training sessions. Sign up for school programs either via email or on the written calendar in the education department. Mentor with other volunteer teachers until comfortable on your own. Assist Museum staff in implementing school programs. Maintain a positive attitude while working with all students and chaperones. Assist with development of new programs, when desired. Help setup and cleanup for school programs. Lead stations for school festivals (training is provided for all stations).

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TITLE: Museum Store Sales Assistant

DEPARTMENT: Visitor Services

REPORTS TO: Visitor Services Sales Lead & Guest Services Manager

JOB SUMMARY:

You help customers with questions about the merchandise and the museum history. You sell customers merchandise using the cash register, you restock inventory, and keep the store neat and tidy in appearance.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Must be willing and able to operate the cash register. Must be energetic, outgoing, have a sense of humor and work well with others. Knowledge of the High Desert Museum and the central Oregon region is helpful, but not

necessary Must be comfortable selling and willing to learn value-based selling techniques.


Staffs museum store on various shifts. Operates the cash register. Greets customers & helps them locate the merchandise. Restocks inventory. Helps promote other buying choices, e.g. memberships, Promotes the volunteer program.

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TITLE: Team Leader – Admissions /Greeters


REPORTS TO: Visitor Services - Admissions Lead & Visitor Services Manager

JOB SUMMARY:

This position requires a strong knowledge of admissions desk & greeting responsibilities. Person must also be willing to spread enthusiasm for the Museum & promote a positive experience for both visitors & fellow volunteers.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Must have positive attitude. Must be dedicated to promoting the High Desert Museum & programs. Must have knowledge of High Desert Museum & Central Oregon. Must enjoy working with general public, staff and volunteers of High Desert Museum.


Work as liaison between HDM (Guest Services) volunteers & staff. Attend Volunteer Advisory Committee meetings. Work with Staff Dept Head to improve procedures for admissions; conduct periodic education

& evaluations for department. Work with Guest Services staff to improve visitor experiences. Assist with new volunteer training. Greet School & Tour Groups. Update and/or contact volunteers regarding new information, scheduling & special events. Work to improve communication within department & resolve minor misunderstandings

within the group early on.

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TITLE: Team Leader – Silver Sage Trading Merchandiser


REPORTS TO: Visitor Services Sales Lead & Guest Services Manager

JOB SUMMARY:

This position requires a strong knowledge of merchandising & the history of the Museum. Person must also spread enthusiasm for the Museum & promote a positive experience for both the visitors & fellow volunteers. Person must be able to train fellow volunteers.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Must have positive attitude. Must enjoy working with the general public, staff & volunteers of the High Desert Museum. Must help promote High Desert Museum memberships and volunteer Opportunities. Must have knowledge of High Desert Museum & Central Oregon.


Work as liaison between staff & volunteers. Attend volunteer advisory council meetings and distribute notes to fellow volunteers. Work with staff department head to improve merchandise quality, procedure of ordering-

when & why. Conduct periodic education & evaluation for Silver Sage Trading merchandise. Work with Guest Service Staff to improve visitor experience. Assist with new volunteer training on merchandise.

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TITLE: Membership Volunteer


REPORTS TO: Visitor Services Manager

JOB SUMMARY:

Volunteers welcome members of the Museum at the Membership Area created specifically for membership admission to the left of the Admissions area. Membership volunteers develop a relationship with the members in an effort to create a feeling of welcome and respect of the Museum member as well as offer additional involvement opportunities with the Museum. Volunteer will also reach out to the Museum general admission guests in an effort to introduce the membership benefits in an attempt to reach new membership targeted goals. Membership volunteer will also assist with additional membership activities such as confirming membership renewal information and collecting interested potential member information.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Customer service oriented Friendly, professional demeanor, outgoing personality Persuasive sales skills preferred


Familiarization with the different types of Museum membership benefits. Familiarization with Microsoft Excel and Membership software (Raiser’s Edge) Assistance with General Admissions as needed. Assistance to Membership Coordinator with membership information and Renewals. Time Commitment: one four (4) hour shift per week.

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TITLE: Team Leader - Community Outreach

DEPARTMENT: Programs

REPORTS TO: Curator of Education

JOB SUMMARY:

Assists in various outreach areas, such as various community outreach events in the community.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills. Comfortable in public settings. Friendly outgoing personality. Able to volunteer on weekends or evenings occasionally. Basic computer skills.


Coordinate community outreach team members in the delivery of event posters to local businesses in the community.

Recruit new community outreach volunteers. Attend or coordinate community outreach members to participate in community outreach

events as they come up. Attend monthly Volunteer Advisory Council meetings at the Museum. Primary liaison between the Curator of Education, and the community outreach volunteer

team members.

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TITLE: Photography Volunteer

DEPARTMENT: Communications

REPORTS TO: Communications & Promotions Manager

JOB SUMMARY:

Members of the Photography team help to visually document weekly and special events through the use of digital photography. Ability to photograph a variety of interactive pictures of visitors interacting with volunteers, event highlights, and showcase various ongoing programs and special events.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Outgoing and energetic personality. Enjoy meeting and talking with new people. Manage library of photos. Ability to use PhotoShop or similar photo editing software. Keep current knowledge of Museum initiatives, programs and coming events. Volunteer flexible hours depending on event.


Sign up for and photograph ongoing weekly and special events Process digital photos: burn onto a CD Disk and turn in to Volunteer Program Manager. You can do videography assignments if you would like, and have the equipment.

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Equipment specifically used by High Desert buckaroos for herding cattle.


TITLE: Receptionist/Clerical assistant

DEPARTMENT: Finance & Administration

REPORTS TO: Staff Receptionist

JOB SUMMARY:

Assists receptionist and administrative office staff with various clerical duties including answering phones, receiving and processing mail, filing, etc.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Basic computer skills and working knowledge of Microsoft Office helpful.

Willingness to learn multi-line telephone. Pleasant demeanor and strong communication

skills. Ability to volunteer on the weekends. Flexibility and willingness to with various

projects. Strong organization skills. Ability to handle multiple priorities at the same time.


Answers phones and transfer calls to the appropriate staff member. Shares Museum information with visitors. Assists staff with special projects such as mailings, filing, labels, etc. Accurate knowledge of museum events, history and activities

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TITLE: Development Stewardship Volunteer

DEPARTMENT: Development

REPORTS TO: Membership Coordinator

JOB SUMMARY:

The volunteer will assist the Development Department with donor stewardship activities. This position will make thank you calls (no solicitation involved) to member/donors who have recently renewed their membership. A basic script and donor information will be provided for your convenience.

A national survey conducted by Donor Centered Fundraising researchers suggest that having volunteers make thank you calls is significantly more meaningful to donors than having a paid staff member call. The volunteer will assist in making these calls, helping the Museum demonstrate its appreciation for the donor’s support of our work.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Good verbal communication skills Outgoing personality Comfortable speaking on the phone and leaving messages Knowledgeable about the Museum and current events Ability to maintain confidential information


Make thank you phone calls (basic script will be provided) to Museum donors. Take detailed conversation notes (date and time of call or message; comments; interests;

requests; and etc.) Answer questions about the museum or volunteering when applicable Communicate time-sensitive information or the need for follow-up action(s) to staff in a timely

manner Meet with Development Department staff member to review conversation notes and to share

information or ideas Time Commitment: Flexible hours, preferably one 4 hour shift per week.

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TITLE: Special Events Volunteer

DEPARTMENT: Department in Charge of Specific Event

REPORTS TO: Staff Member in Charge of Specific Event

JOB SUMMARY:

You work with various departments helping to coordinate, implement, and takedown of various special events including Museum fundraisers, donor appreciation events, exhibit openings, public programs, facility rentals, etc.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills. Friendly outgoing personality. Able to volunteer in the evenings. Able to walk/stand for long periods of time (on occasion). Able to lift 10 -20 lbs.


Sets-Up: Bar, food supplies, table linens, tables and chairs, centerpieces. Cleans-up: Assist in breakdown of tables and chairs, return supplies to holding facilities on-site. Floaters: Greets guest and monitors exhibits making sure guests leave drinks and beverages

outside before entering the Museum.

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The Bunkhouse scene in Spirit of the West.


TITLE: Interpretive Team Leader

DEPARTMENT: Interpretation


JOB SUMMARY:

In your interpretive area, you assist staff and support volunteers in training and coaching, evaluating performance, and in communicating between staff and volunteers.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Two years experience interpreting in your area. Demonstrate a high level of interpretive skills and content knowledge. Has experience in leadership roles. Is able to work effectively with staff and volunteers. Has strong written and oral communication skills. Is willing to work as needed. Has basic computer skills.


Provides tours and orientation for new volunteers. Mentors volunteers in their area. Assists interpretive staff in interviewing, assessing skills, coaching, and training of volunteers. Liaise with staff and volunteers. Coordinates with Curator of Education-Programs about scheduling, evaluating, and training of

volunteers. Seeks to resolve minor misunderstandings within the group.

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TITLE: Collections/Exhibits Volunteer

DEPARTMENT: Collections & Exhibits

REPORTS TO: CURATOR OF EXHIBITIONS & COLLECTIONS

JOB SUMMARY:

Assists with artifact cataloguing, stabilization and preparation for storage or exhibit; install and demount exhibits, assistance with exhibit maintenance including cleaning and preventative measures; collections/artifact data entry into computer database system.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Ability to participate in collections training for handling, storage, and Preparation. Ability to handle artifacts carefully and safely. Extremely detail-oriented. Ability to lift 20-50 pounds. Knowledge of database systems.


Cataloguing, condition reporting, and labeling of artifacts. Cleaning and stabilization of artifacts in preparation for exhibit or Storage. Assists in installing and demounting exhibits; ability to do physical labor. Exhibit maintenance and inventory. Data entry into database system, ensuring consistency and proper use of Lexicon. Ability to work with other departments, staff, and volunteers. Ability to work both indoors and outside. Other tasks as assigned. Time Commitment: One day per week, five to eight hour shift.

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TITLE: Adult Wildlife Volunteer

DEPARTMENT: Wildlife Department

REPORTS TO: CURATOR OF NATURAL HISTORY AND ASSISTANT CURATOR(S) OF WILDLIFE

JOB SUMMARY:

Wildlife volunteers assist the Wildlife staff in cleaning animal enclosures, as well as preparing diets and assisting Wildlife Staff in other approved activities such as providing enrichment. Environmental enrichment provides captive animals with stimulation necessary for psychological and physical well being. The opportunity to help with programs side as well as exhibits side.

QUALIFICATIONS:

18 years of age. Must interview with the Curator of Natural History and

wildlife staff and be accepted into wildlife program. Ability to perform physical tasks including, but not limited to,

lifting 50 pounds, stooping, bending, extensive walking, crawling, or climbing and ability to withstand working outside in the extreme weather conditions typical of Central Oregon.


Commit to a set minimal hourly workweek. (One day a week, from approx. 8:30am – 3:00pm). Comply with all Museum policies, procedures, protocols and safety regulations. Ability to deal with the public, staff and other volunteers in a polite, helpful and courteous

manner. A willingness to cheerfully and correctly follow direct orders relating to safety and health

requirements. Ability to take constructive feedback. Willingness to work in any and all areas of the Wildlife department.

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TITLE: Natural History Interpreter



JOB SUMMARY:

The Naturalists at the Museum lead nature walks along our trails throughout the year (but especially during the spring, summer and fall) on subjects ranging from general natural history to bird Identification and from wildflower walks to winter wildlife tracking.

QUALIFICATIONS:

General understanding of Central Oregon/High Desert natural history and/or expertise in a specific area (birds, wildflowers, etc.).

Comfortable in public settings. Friendly outgoing personality. Able to volunteer on weekends.


We ask volunteers to lead one to two walks per month.

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TITLE: Public Relations

DEPARTMENT: Communications

REPORTS TO: Communications & Promotions Manager

JOB SUMMARY:

Help with short term projects, such as helping to compile media clippings books, and assisting in online media research.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Excellent organizational skills Friendly outgoing personality


Projects are assigned by Communications & Promotions Manager, who provides directions. Flexible hours.

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TITLE: Desertarium OR Mammals Interpreter

DEPARTMENT: Education


JOB SUMMARY:

You will be joining a committed group of volunteers who have an interest in and appreciation of animals. Written material will be provided for you to learn more about the birds, and you will advance through the following levels. Complete training is provided.

INTERPRETIVE TEAMS AND ACTIVITIES

Desertarium Team: Desertarium exhibit tours, reptile (and insects, spiders, and other arthropods) presentations, encounters, and stations.

Mammals Team: Otter, Porcupine, Bobcat, Lynx, and Wolf talks and stations.

QUALIFICATIONS:

No special skills are required, no previous knowledge. A passion for animals is preferred. Comfortable talking with the public. Good communication skills.


Complete new volunteer training (offered quarterly). Work with Curator of Education on refining interpretive skills. Commit to giving one four hour shift (4) weekly.

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TITLE: Totally Touchable Tales Storytelling Volunteers



JOB SUMMARY:

Volunteers sign up for reading a story to preschoolers here at the Museum. The location for storytelling is across from the tipi outside of the By Hand Through Memory Exhibit.

Storytelling is scheduled on Tuesdays at 10:30AM. Storytelling volunteers sign up on a schedule that usually spans three months, stating the book and activity they will be doing.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Friendly, outgoing nature. Enjoy working with children.


Flexible, depending upon your schedule. In general, one to two hours a week.

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TITLE: By Hand Through Memory Interpreter



JOB SUMMARY:

Take a peek into the By Hand Through Memory Exhibit and view Plateau Native American life in the “era of the reservation.” This self-guided tour will show you how these contemporary peoples have survived and thrived despite a difficult transition from cash-less economy and a long and often tragic history of government interference and discrimination.

Your journey through time will reveal the steps taken by these Native American tribes of the Great Basin in their bid to accomplish this profound cultural change to the world of today. A number of distinctive cultural groups are represented within including the Nez Perce, Umatilla, Warm Springs, Yakama, Spokane, and Colville Indian tribes. They are individually and in turn portrayed not only as active participants but also historic figures during the attempt to retain their ethnic and cultural identity.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Outgoing, friendly personality Interest in Native American history and culture


New volunteers start by going through general volunteer and interpretive training. Staff an artifact table one day a week to start. Four hour (4) shifts. Lead tours through BHTM exhibit after learning about the many dioramas in the exhibit. Attend

and/or assist at meetings and/or special events.

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TITLE: Spirit of the West Interpreter



JOB SUMMARY:

Take a peek into the Hall of Exploration and Settlement, which offers a walk-through experience with the history of the Intermountain West--from native inhabitants to the Westward Movement and eventual settlement. Eight separate dioramas depict different aspects of this era as the visitor moves forward through time.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Outgoing, friendly personality. Interest in Oregon history. Ability to limit talk/tour to designated time frame.


Minimum of one day/shift per week. Give interpretive talks and/or lead tours through SOW exhibit. Attend and/or assist at meetings and/or special events.

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TITLE: Volunteer Newsletter

DEPARTMENT: Volunteer Services

REPORTS TO: Volunteer Program Manager

JOB SUMMARY:

The Volunteer Newsletter Team writes, composes, edits and produces the Museum’s volunteer newsletter High Desert Voices on a monthly basis. Volunteer writers interview new staff and volunteer leaders for ‘Getting to Know…’ articles. Other news, training information, meeting dates and items of interest are contributed by staff. Production of the newsletter is usually done during the last full week of the month, resulting in both a printed version of the newsletter, as well as an on-line version.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Computer literacy and familiarity with Publisher software is required. Writers and Editors should have background in the use of ‘proper’ English,

and be familiar with conventional ‘edit’ mark ups.

TIME COMMITMENT AND TRAINING:

Time commitment varies, depending on the volunteer’s role. Writers may spend 1 – 3 hours per interview/article. Those involved in the monthly production can expect to spend 3 – 6 hours during the monthly production week. All training is provided through mentoring by the Team Lead and current Team members.

Contact:

Jan Michelsen, Newsletter Team Lead

[email protected]

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A peavey is used to roll logs into position for sawing or for stacking.


TITLE: Living History Volunteer

DEPARTMENT: Living History

REPORTS TO: CURATOR OF LIVING HISTORY

JOB SUMMARY:

Interpretation opportunities for the Living History Department take place within two Museum exhibits. During the summer and weekends, interpreters are stationed at the 1904 Miller Ranch and Sawmill. This interpretive space is located furthest from the main building and is where immersive interpretation takes place. The second is the permanent exhibit Hall of Exploration and Settlement. Due to the chronological progress of the exhibit volunteers can interpret a period, or diorama. Here using props and pointing to items within the diorama are used to assist interpretation.

Volunteers are trained to interact with visitors by portraying a composite historical character. Clad in historical reproduction clothing, personas from the past lead visitors through programs which involve storytelling, period skills, and daily life of bygone High Desert residents.

Training Involved:

Attend new volunteer training Attend interpretive training class Attending interpretive historical training class Mentoring with a member of staff

Interpreter is reviewed for content and attention to the subject

If interpretation and period dress isn’t appealing, The Living History department also has behind the scene areas including, sewing, prop making, and research groups to help inspire your historical interest.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Patience passion for history diversity of communication skills to reach the

diversity of visitors.


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Two adults and five kids lived in this 1880 cabin all winter.


Hours for Living History are from 11am – 3pm in the off season and 11am – 4pm in the summer season. Living History also has a monthly event for our visitors. It is encouraged that each volunteer plan to spend 4 – 5 hours per week, depending on their availability..

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Appendix Accidental Injury Report

The High Desert Museum

Accidental Injury and Illness Report

Date of Accident: ________________

Reported By: _______________________________

Time of Injury/Illness: _________ Time/Date First Reported: _________________

Location: ______________________________________________________________________

Injured Person: Name __________ ___Employee ___Visitor ___Volunteer

Address: ______________________________ Phone: _____________

City/State: ________________________ Visitor Phone: _____________________

(Hotel, Resort, Motel, Friend, Other)

Description of Injury/Illness: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

How and Where Did the Injury/Illness Take Place: ______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

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Witnesses: Name: ____________________________ Phone: __________

Name: _____________________________ Phone: __________

Was first-aid given? ___Yes ___No First Aid Given By:___________

Describe first aid given: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Was additional professional treatment recommended and/or transport? ___Yes ___No

Explain: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Time injured/ill person left property: __________

Signature: ____________________________ Date: _____________

Print Name: ____________________________ Title: __________________

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Visitor Complaint Policy

It will be requested that all visitor complaints pertaining to the conduct of a volunteer be submitted to the Museum in writing.

Complaints will be forwarded to the staff supervisor of the volunteer involved in the complaint.

Depending on the severity of the complaint and when possible, all persons involved will meet to discuss the situation and identify appropriate solutions together. This discussion will include the Volunteer Manager, Volunteer Chair, Staff department Head, Volunteer, Visitor placing the complaint, and any witnesses.

If the visitor is not willing to meet in person, the Volunteer Manager will contact them to acknowledge their complaint and let them know that the museum will address the volunteer(s) involved and decide the course of action to be taken. In such instances the refusal to appear will be taken into consideration when evaluating the validity and/or seriousness of the complaint.

Some serious infractions may warrant skipping one or more steps and proceeding directly to a higher level of discipline such as temporary suspension until the issue can be appropriately resolved. Should a volunteer receive one or more complaints pertaining to their conduct the following action will be taken.

First Complaint – Discussion about complaint between Staff Supervisor and staff person/volunteer to raise awareness and identify ways to avoid similar situations in the future.

Second Complaint - Discussion about complaint between Staff Supervisor, Volunteer, Volunteer Manager and Volunteer Chair. This discussion will be documented in writing and placed in the volunteer’s file.

Third Complaint - Discussion about complaint between Staff Supervisor, Volunteer, Volunteer Manager and Volunteer Chair. This discussion will be documented in writing and placed in the volunteer’s file. The team may consider re-assigning the volunteer to a different area of service. If the volunteer is not open to re-assignment, temporary suspension or separation of the volunteer relationship may be considered.

It is the goal and responsibility of the Museum staff to ensure visitors have an opportunity for feedback while at the same time support our volunteer efforts by ensuring a fair and honest discussion of all parties’ concerns. Through this process we hope to provide learning opportunities for all involved to ensure we are always doing what we can to provide an excellent and enjoyable experience for visitors and volunteers alike.

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Appendix Volunteer Education Log

Volunteer Education Log

____ Receive multi-digit pin number, application and criminal background check

____ Attend New Volunteer Orientation or individual interview

____ Attend New Volunteer Training Workshop

Attend Interpretive talks in the following areas you may be interested in Interpreting:

____ Birds of Prey

____ Otters

____ Wild Cats

____ Wolf Talk

____ Spirit of the West

____ By Hand Through Memory

____ Sawmill

____ Desertarium

____ Observe in Museum Store

____ Purchase appropriate volunteer shirt or vest if interacting with the public

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Appendix By-Laws

By-Laws

High Desert Museum

Volunteer Advisory Council

Adopted October 18, 2011

ARTICLE I – Name of Council

The name of this council shall be the High Desert Museum

Volunteer Advisory Council (VAC).

ARTICLE II – Role of Council

The role of this council shall be to help make the volunteer

experience positive and engaging, to foster a healthy,

cooperative staff/volunteer relationship, to serve as the liaison

between volunteers and staff, to assist and support the HR &

Volunteer Program Manager in decisions regarding the

volunteer policies and needs, and to provide a venue for

developing new ideas in volunteer training, recognition,

recruiting, and operations. The VAC shall act as a sounding

board for concerns as they arise.

ARTICLE III - Members

Section 1 - Size and Composition

The VAC shall be composed of all team leads, the Volunteer

Advisory Council Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, HR & Volunteer

Program Manager, and the Curator of Educational Programs.

Section 2 - Selection of Team Leads

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Appendix By-Laws

Team Leads shall be selected by the Department Managers in

consultation with team members or by the Volunteer Program

Manager.

Section 3 - Responsibilities of Team Leads

Volunteers who agree to serve as Team Leads are expected to

attend VAC meetings and maintain active volunteer status. The

Team Leads support and lead groups of volunteers by providing

training, by informing volunteers of updated or changed

information by working with the Department Manager to

conduct periodic education and evaluation, by being the voice

and advocate for their team, and by resolving minor

misunderstandings within the group.

Section 4 - Term of Office

All Team Leads shall service for a two-year term. A Team

Lead may serve more than one term at the discretion of the

Department Manager and/or team members.

Section 5 - Voting Rights

Each member shall be entitled to one vote and may cast the

vote on each matter submitted to a vote of the council.

Section 6 - Termination of Membership

A member shall no longer hold membership should he/she no

longer meet the membership requirements under which he/she

was selected. The VAC may request that the Department

Manager appoint a new Team Lead.

Section 7 - Resignation

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Appendix By-Laws

Any member may resign by filing a written resignation with

the Department Manager or Volunteer Program Manager.

Section 8 - Vacancy

Any vacancy on the VAC shall be filled by appointment by the

Department Manager. The new Team Lead will have a two-year

term beginning at the time of his/her appointment.

ARTICLE IV – Officers

Section 1 – Officers

The officers of the VAC shall be chair, vice-chair, and

secretary.

Section 2 – Election and Term of Office

The officers of the VAC shall be elected bi-annually and shall

serve two years. Officers may be re-elected for a second 2-year

term Prior to the May VAC meeting, the VAC chair will appoint a

three person nominating committee. The chair will charge the

committee to identify potential candidates for vacancies that will

be occurring. The committee will present a potential slate to the

HR & Volunteer Program Manager. Upon approval, the slate will

be presented to all volunteers for election. Elections may be held

by written ballot or by motion, second, and vote. The results of

the election will be announced at the June All Volunteer meeting.

Elected individuals will assume their role in September.

Section 3 – Removal

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Appendix By-Laws

Any officer may be removed by a two-thirds vote of all

members sitting on the VAC whenever, in the judgment of the

council, the best interests of the council would be served.

Section 4 – Chairperson

The chairperson shall preside at all meetings of the VAC and

may sign all letters, reports, and other communications of the

VAC. In addition, the chairperson shall perform all duties

incident to the office of chairperson and such other duties as may

be prescribed by the VAC.

Section 5 – Vice-Chairperson

The duties of the vice-chairperson shall be to represent the

chairperson in assigned duties and to substitute for the

chairperson during his or her absence, and the vice-chairperson

shall perform such other duties as may be assigned by the

chairperson or by the VAC.

Section 6 – Secretary

The secretary shall keep the minutes of the VAC meetings.

The secretary shall provide a copy of the minutes to the

chairperson in a timely manner for review and distribution.

Article V – Committees

Section 1 – Special Committees

The VAC may request establishment of special committees.

Request must take the form of a motion, second, and majority

vote. No special committee may exercise the authority of the

VAC.

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Appendix By-Laws

Section 2 – Membership

Unless otherwise determined by the VAC in its decision to

establish a special committee, the chairperson of the VAC shall

appoint members to the special committee.

Section 3 – Term of Committee Appointment

The appointment to a special committee shall continue until

the purpose of the committee has been met.

ARTICLE VI – Meetings

Section 1 – Regular Meetings

The VAC shall meet monthly, except July and August.

Section 2 – Special Meetings

Special meetings may be called by the chairperson or by

majority vote of the VAC.

Section 3 – Place of Meeting

The VAC shall hold its regular meetings and its special

meetings in a facility provided by the Museum and readily

accessible by all members of the VAC and volunteers, including

handicapped persons.

Section 4 – Notice of Meetings

An electronic notice shall be provided to members prior to

each meeting. Meeting notification shall be printed in High

Desert Voices the month prior to the meeting.

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Appendix By-Laws

Section 5 – Decisions of the VAC

All decisions of the VAC shall be made only after an

affirmative vote of a majority of all its members in attendance,

provided a quorum attends.

Section 6 – Quorum

The presence of 50 percent of the VAC members shall be

required in order to constitute a quorum necessary for the

transaction of the business of the VAC. No decision of the VAC

shall be valid unless a majority of the members concur by their

votes.

Section 7 – Conduct of Meetings

All regular and special meetings of the VAC shall be

conducted in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order.

Section 8 – Records of Meetings

Records of VAC proceedings shall be maintained as an

archival record.This shall include records of agendas and

minutes.

Section 9 – Meetings Open to Museum Members

All regular and special meetings of the VAC and of its special

committees shall be open at all times to all museum members.

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