COVID-19 Guidelines
We want you to have a positive experience while respecting the safety of all participants and GPC team members. To ensure the health and safety of all our volunteers, event attendees, and staff, please make sure that in the past two weeks before an activity you have not tested positive for COVID-19, nor have you been in close proximity with anyone (including those in your household) who has tested positive for COVID-19. In order to ensure everyone within our community stays healthy, we request that you not attend any volunteer events if you are feeling ill and that you contact GPC if you experience any symptoms of COVID-19 following a volunteer event.
Safety and Security
The safety of our volunteers is very important. We expect all Great Peninsula Conservancy employees and volunteers to be safety-conscious, follow safety rules, and to immediately alert management of any conditions in the workplace that are believed to be unsafe or unhealthy. Safety training will be conducted before beginning any project with Great Peninsula Conservancy. If a person feels unsafe at any time, they should discontinue their project and seek a safer alternative.
Tool Training
Upon arrival to the event, the GPC Event Leader will direct volunteers in the best practices for safe tool handling.
Large Power Tools
Power equipment is inherently dangerous. GPC’s policy on power equipment use by volunteers involves three requirements: proper personal protective equipment, use of equipment in good working order, and a commitment to follow current OSHA standards and practices. Volunteers must be trained in best practices for use of all power equipment. Volunteer use of power equipment during GPC events requires permission by GPC staff, and is at the discretion of staff.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
GPC provides work gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection and helmets as necessary. Gloves, long sleeves, pants, and sturdy boots are recommended for the majority of the invasive plant removal and tree planting activities. However, additional PPE is recommended for if you are working around power tools
First Aid
Every Event Leader is equipped with a first aid kit and trained in basic first aid. In the event of an incident, please report to the event leader.
Harassment and Discrimination Policy
It is the policy and commitment of Great Peninsula Conservancy to not discriminate based on race, color, sex and/or gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, religion, and/or familial status in admission of its volunteers or its programs and services. All volunteers and employees are accountable to this notion and failure to comply with this policy may result in termination from the program.
Drug and Alcohol Policy
Great Peninsula Conservancy is firmly committed to providing its volunteers with a safe and productive workplace, while promoting high standards of health and safety. Using or being under the influence of illegal substances of any kind impairs a volunteer’s ability to do their job. Drugs, prescribed drugs or alcohol on the job can pose serious safety and health risks not only for the user but also for fellow workers and the public. The possession, use or sale of an illegal drug can also pose unacceptable risks to safe, healthful and efficient operations. Off the job illegal drug activity or alcohol abuse that could have an adverse effect on the volunteer’s performance, or that could jeopardize the safety of other volunteers, the public, Great Peninsula Conservancy’s equipment, or Great Peninsula Conservancy’s relations with the public will not be tolerated. Accordingly, violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
Dispute Resolution
If a problem should arise among volunteers, the parties involved are expected to first communicate directly with one another in a respectful attempt to reach a mutual understanding. If a reasonable resolution cannot be reached, a volunteer can request mediation from the Stewardship Manager and then if necessary, the Executive Director.
For a copy of GPC’s complete Volunteer Handbook, please reach out to the Stewardship Manager.