Interest and Orientation Video | Application

By selecting Agree I acknowledge that HHS Wildlife Center requires an Annual Background Check. Furthermore I understand this will be a $20 annual fee charged upon signing up for my first volunteering opportunity in the Golden Volunteer Management System and this will be maintained by Golden annually.

By submitting this application, I affirm that the facts set forth in it are true and complete. I understand that if I am accepted as a volunteer, any false statements, omissions, or other misrepresentations made by me on this application may result in my immediate dismissal. I also acknowledge that as a volunteer of Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center (HHSWC), I may be exposed to certain risks inherent in working with wildlife, including but not limited to the following: bites, scratches, zoonotic diseases, including but not limited to rabies, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Chlamydiosis, leptospirosis, brucellosis, Lyme disease, arbovirus encephalitis, tularemia, salmonellosis, and spirochaetal relapsing fever. Individuals who volunteer with HHSWC and its activities do so of their own free will and at their own risk. Volunteers acknowledge that they are assuming all risks associated with volunteer service, including risk of injury. In the event of personal injury, volunteers would be responsible for the full expense of any medical care or attention as well as other harm or expenses arising out of such injury. The undersigned further acknowledges that he or she (1) has carefully read the foregoing release and accepts any risks involved in participation as a volunteer, and (2) has no physical impairment that would preclude participation. This release contains the entire agreement between the parties hereto. Any volunteer under 18 years of age must have permission of a legal guardian.

HOUSTON HUMANE SOCIETY WILDLIFE CENTER
VOLUNTEER CODE OF CONDUCT AND CONTRACT 2024

OVERVIEW
Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center Volunteers play an integral role in the daily operations of the organization. An HHS Wildlife Center Volunteer is anyone who, without compensation or expectation of compensation beyond reimbursement, performs a task at the direction of and on behalf of the Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center. A volunteer must be officially accepted and enrolled by HHS Wildlife Center prior to performance of the task. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age to be officially accepted and enrolled by the HHS Wildlife Center Volunteer Program. Volunteers are required to familiarize themselves with the policies and procedures that are essential to the volunteer program. Wildlife Volunteers are bound by the policies and standards included in this document to promote the mission of the center and to ensure the success of the volunteer program. A forty ($40.00) dollar activation fee is required of each volunteer upon application submission. This allows Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center to provide appropriate materials for volunteers and facilitates animal care. The activation fee is due each year in January. If a first-time volunteer pays the fee in the last 3 months of the year, it will cover the fee for the following year. HHS Wildlife Center also conducts annual background checks on all volunteers. The background check fee of twenty ($20.00) dollars is required upon registration in Golden to volunteer.

COMMITMENT
All incoming volunteers will start at Support Shift Status. Support Shifts have no minimum commitment and no required training period. A minimum of sixteen (16) hours of Support Shifts are required to be considered for training in Advanced Opportunities. An HHS Wildlife Center Volunteer volunteering in Advanced Opportunities is required to devote a minimum of sixteen (16) hours per month of service to Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center. Advanced Opportunities are those that include animal care and admissions. All volunteers are required to attend orientation. Should they choose to commit to volunteering in advanced opportunities, each department requires a minimum of three shadow training sessions in their area of choice. Once a volunteer has met these minimum requirements and upon manager approval, they may be free to sign up for regular advanced shifts. Any volunteer who does not maintain the commitment of sixteen (16) hours a month will be dropped back to Support Shift status. The volunteer can only return to advanced status after volunteering thirty two (32) hours in Support Shifts. If the volunteer fails to meet the sixteen (16) hour per month commitment a second time the volunteer will be dropped to Support Shift Status for a period of one year.

SAFETY
Volunteers should conduct themselves in a way that promotes safety of themselves, colleagues and visitors. All volunteers must follow the safety instructions, as well as the OSHA guidelines, at all times. It is the goal of Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center to maintain a safe workplace. Responsibility for safety rests primarily with each individual. Every member of HHS Wildlife Center must be constantly alert to avoid accidents and reduce accident hazards. In addition, Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center has a detailed Facility Animal Emergency Plan that every employee is aware of and follows in the event of an emergency. HHS Wildlife Center is governed by a federal act called the Williams-Steiger Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA), effective April 28, 1971. This act covers the safety and health of almost every worker in the nation. You should report any injury or accident, no matter how minor, to a staff member immediately. Volunteers should never put themselves or others into a situation that makes them fearful or uncomfortable. If you feel uncomfortable, please notify a staff member immediately.

Each volunteer shall agree to:
Follow all safety procedures, rules, work instructions and safe work practices. If any doubt exists about the safety of doing a job, the volunteer should stop and get instructions from his/her supervisor before continuing work.
Exercise due care in the course of their work.
Prevent injuries to themselves and to their fellow workers.
Promptly report to your supervisor or director all unsafe equipment, unsafe tools and/or hazardous conditions which may affect employees, the work area or the general public.
Keep work areas clean and orderly at all times.

NETWORK SECURITY
Volunteers may have the opportunity to work on administrative projects using center computers and must understand that Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center computers are for HHS Wildlife Center business only. Bypassing or failing to follow any computer network security established by the Center is strictly prohibited. Users must not deliberately perform acts that waste computer resources or unfairly monopolize resources to the exclusion of others. These acts include, but are not limited to, sending mass mailings or chain letters, spending excessive amounts of time on the Internet, playing games, engaging in online chat groups, social media, uploading or downloading files or programs, accessing streaming audio and/or video files, or otherwise creating unnecessary loads on network traffic associated with non-business-related uses of the Internet. Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center has the right to monitor and log any and all aspects of its computer system including, but not limited to, monitoring Internet sites visited by Users, monitoring chat and newsgroups, monitoring file downloads, and all communications sent and received by Users.

CENTER EQUIPMENT
Great care is to be exercised when using equipment. Report any malfunctioning or damaged equipment to a Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center staff member. The personal use of equipment, supplies, etc. or the bartering of property for personal services or products is prohibited without the express approval of the Director of Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center. Any case of suspected fraud, theft, embezzlement or other improper use of such Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center assets must be reported to the Director or Administrator of Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center. Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center facilities receive many telephone calls each day. The telephone system is intended for business use only. Telephone calls to and from friends or relatives, except in cases of emergency are prohibited.

CONFIDENTIALITY & CONFLICT OF INTEREST
As a volunteer of Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center, you may be provided with access to data and information that is confidential of HHS Wildlife Center and contractors or subcontractors carrying out projects on Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center’s behalf. By accepting and signing this volunteer contract with Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center, you agree to keep knowledge of these subjects in confidence. No disclosure shall be made to third parties, publications, societies, professional groups or others without the prior written approval of the Houston Humane Society Wildlife Director. Any business relationship that represents or has the appearance of representing a conflict is prohibited. Employees are expected to make full disclosure to Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center regarding potential conflicts of interest.

PROHIBITED/ILLEGAL ACTIVITY
You must bring to the attention of a managerial staff member of Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center the following prohibited, illegal or suspicious activities occurring at the worksite, including, but not limited to; gambling, bookmaking, possession or use of handguns and other lethal weapons, stealing, embezzlement, falsifying of records, malicious mischief, and/or worksite violence.
NOTE: Having a Texas license to carry a concealed handgun does not allow employees or volunteers to be in possession of such weapons at any work-site or on any premises owned or occupied by Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center.

GENERAL CONDUCT
As a volunteer, you are an ambassador of Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center. At all times be professional and polite to both visitors and staff. Always provide a warm welcome and a sincere farewell. Volunteers may not perform their duties at the center if they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol and will be asked to leave immediately. This offense will result in immediate termination from the Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center Volunteer Program. Smoking and vaping are prohibited in all enclosed areas within this worksite without exception. This includes common work areas, conference and meeting rooms, private offices, hallways, veterinary room, employee lounges, restrooms, and all other enclosed facilities. No removal of Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center property is allowed without the prior written approval of a Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center staff member. Theft or unauthorized removal of cash, merchandise, or equipment by a volunteer is a serious offense and should be reported to a Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center staff person.

TREATMENT OF ANIMALS
Mistreatment of animals by any volunteer will not be tolerated and any volunteer who mistreats an animal will be subject to immediate termination of contract. Anyone observing the mistreatment of an animal or animals is required to report it immediately to the Director or other Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center staff member. Should any individual feel they are unable to be around bugs/insects, snakes or dead/dying animals, they should consider refraining from volunteering in Critter Care or Wildlife Rehabilitation Department.

Note that any volunteer work associated with animal care including Wildlife Rehabilitation Department, Critter Care, and the vet room may expose the volunteer to Isoflurane, a chemical used in the euthanasia process. This chemical can be harmful to a fetus and those who are pregnant should not be exposed. Additionally, any animal care involves food preparation and may expose volunteers to nuts, eggs and/or shellfish. As a volunteer you must be mindful of your limitations. Accordingly, Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center hereby expressly disclaims any and all liability for injuries sustained by Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center volunteers including but not limited to allergic reactions and birth defects.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center prohibits any form of sexual harassment or unwelcome behavior and advances. Any claims of sexual harassment, if shown to be true, will result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal of the volunteer engaging in such sexual harassment.

DISCRIMINATION
Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, and vendors.

PHOTOS, SOCIAL MEDIA & CELL PHONES
Photos (without flash) are permitted in the main Center. You are welcome to take photos (without flash) of our Animal Ambassadors in their habitats or during programming. Photos of rescued or rehabilitating animals are not allowed. You are welcome to post photos of your experience on social media as long as they adhere to the previously mentioned guidelines. Video recording is prohibited onsite. Excessive cell phone usage during operating hours is frowned upon. You are expected to give volunteer responsibilities your full attention. Continuous unrelated cell phone usage will result in an infraction.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Work will often require: standing, bending, stooping, lifting (must be able to lift 30lbs), climbing ladders, and reading small text.
Must be able to respond quickly
Must be able to wear personal protective gear as required
Capable of rigorous indoor and outdoor work.
Comfortable preparing and working with insects and carcasses.
Comfortable working with and around needles.

DRESSCODE
Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center is Houston’s most established wildlife rehabilitation facility, where the community expects the best care for rehabilitating wildlife. Neat appearance and attire is an important part of establishing Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center as one of the highest quality establishments in the Houston area. The items listed below indicate the approved attire for work at Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center. If a volunteer fails to report to work with the appropriate attire, he/she may be asked to return home.

All volunteers will maintain good personal hygiene including being free from body odor, clean and groomed hair, nails trimmed to an acceptable length that does not interfere with the volunteer's ability to perform their tasks, and clean well-kept uniforms. As a Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center Volunteer, you directly represent the Center, therefore, you must maintain a professional appearance.
Volunteers will receive a Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center branded t-shirt upon completion of shadow training. The Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center t-shirt is to be worn at all times when volunteering. Jeans and pants are acceptable. Jeans must be neat and without excessive wear or large holes. Shorts will be acceptable in the summer and must be neat with a length between mid-thigh and knee. All shorts and slacks must be worn high enough around the waist that no under-garments are visible. Leggings and athletic shorts are not acceptable.
General clothing and grooming guidelines: Wildlife does not respond well to bright colors and strong smells. Therefore, neutral colors (blues, greens, yellows) are recommended over bright colors. Perfumes and colognes are not allowed. Check with a staff member if you have questions.
Closed toe shoes with non-skid soles are required.
Any offensive tattoos must be kept covered at all times while on duty.
Each volunteer will be issued an ID badge to be worn at all times while on duty. You are required to leave your badge on the refrigerator at the center at the end of your shift.

VOLUNTEER ROLES
The various volunteer roles for Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center are briefly outlined below:

SUPPORT SHIFT
Our Support Shift Crew works in all departments. It takes a lot to run the center and as a non-profit we rely heavily on our volunteers to help us keep the facility maintained. Our goal is to rehabilitate and release the wildlife that comes to us for care. The more animals we admit the more aquaria, enclosures, dishes, charts, laundry, etc. it requires to care for them. To help us take in as many animals as possible we need committed volunteers. Tasks will vary based on currently admitted wildlife but are likely to include washing dishes, sweeping, mopping, enclosure cleaning, laundry, bulk prep, chart cleaning, and other activities that support the center as a whole. 16 hours of Support shifts are required before being considered to train in our animal care areas. Responsibilities can increase with experience and demonstrated commitment.

ADMISSIONS
We directly communicate with the public through education and outreach and our admissions desk answers thousands of phone calls from the public every year. In addition to answering calls about animals, admissions staff process all incoming injured or orphaned animals, transferring them to the vet room for assessment. As an Intake volunteer you will greet and assist rescuers, process incoming wildlife, and assist with other admissions tasks. Volunteers will allow admissions staff to handle intake more efficiently and focus on assisting callers on our hotline.
Tasks may include Intake/admission of animals utilizing the WRMD system, and in spare time: Laundry, Aquatic Set Up, Cutting Newspaper, Admissions Office Upkeep/Chores

CRITTER CARE
Our Critter Care Crew works in the Center where the Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center Ambassador Animals reside. This is the first thing the public will see when they come through the door, so it is imperative that it be maintained to the highest standards. Our ambassador animals are critical to the success of our education program and deserve the best quality diets as well as a variety of enrichment activities. This volunteer position is responsible for the daily feeding and care of all ambassador animals. In addition, Critter Care volunteers are also responsible for washing dishes and crates, animal laundry, assembling animal aquaria, diet preparation, and other activities that support the center as a whole.

WILDLIFE REHABILITATION DEPARTMENT
As an on-site Wildlife Rehabilitation Department Volunteer, you will have the opportunity to help with all types of tasks relating to the rehabilitation of wildlife. These tasks include feeding and weighing animals, cleaning enclosures, washing dishes, etc. Experienced volunteers may be trained to provide ICU care to different wildlife. These animals may have faced trauma, dehydration, acute illness, or broken bones, and require intensive care during their stay in the Wildlife Rehabilitation Department program.

To receive ICU training, you must have worked at least a year in the program and must be pre-approved by the management team.

WILDLIFE HOSPITAL CRITICAL CARE DEPARTMENT
Our WH Critical Care Volunteers will have the opportunity to help with all types of tasks relating to the rehabilitation of wildlife. Tasks in the hospital vary based on current intake. These tasks may include feeding and weighing animals, cleaning smelt tubs, cleaning enclosures, washing dishes, etc. Experienced volunteers may be trained to provide ICU care to different wildlife. These animals may have faced trauma, dehydration, acute illness, or broken bones, and require intensive care during their stay in the Wildlife Hospital Department program.

To receive ICU training, you must have worked at least a year in the program and must be pre-approved by the management team. WH Critical Care Volunteers must complete either Critter Care or Rehabilitation shadow training and must be pre-approved to volunteer in the Wildlife Hospital Critical Care Department.

EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH
Our Educational Outreach Volunteers attend outreach events with the Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center Education Team. These events are often the first introduction the public will have to our center. Our ambassador animals, critical to the success of our education program, often accompany the team to these outreach events. This volunteer position may be responsible for assisting with the set up and break down, monitoring the audience, answering or directing the public on where to find accurate information to their questions, recording demographics, and other tasks as needed.

VOLUNTEER EVENT COMMITTEE
Our Volunteer Event Committee helps increase volunteer engagement and helps volunteers get to know each other. The Events Committee will meet to plan and schedule dates of Volunteer Social Events such as game nights, book clubs, off site field trips, movie viewings, etc.

WILD TRANSPORT PROGRAM
Our Wild Riders and Wranglers help by transporting wildlife that cannot make it to our center otherwise. If you are interested in volunteering with this program please go to our website to sign up for a Wild Riders orientation and interest meeting.

TRAINING
Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center Volunteer Training is tier structured and advancement is contingent upon meeting predetermined requirements. All volunteers are required to attend an orientation session which covers all general policies and procedures including staff and space introduction. Afterwards, should volunteers choose to pursue Advanced Opportunities they will need to complete a minimum of sixteen (16) hours of Support Shifts. Once complete the volunteers must consult with the volunteer coordinator regarding the department they are interested in. Once approved the volunteer must complete at least twelve hours of shadow training in their chosen area. Once volunteers select their area of focus, they will receive access to training materials and resources for that area. Volunteers must also complete a review of these materials as they are going through the training process. Volunteers may only advance out of the training stage with manager approval. A department manager will email you and the Volunteer Coordinator to inform you if you have advanced out of the training state. The required commitment for a Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center Volunteer is listed above in the Commitment section. Note that the Wildlife Center slows in intake of animals from November – January and opportunities in this area are slim during that time.

DISCLAIMER: All training and skills gained should only be used while under the supervision of Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center staff and onsite at Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center. Volunteers should not attempt to rehabilitate animals without the supervision of Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center staff. Should you find an animal in need, please contact the center at 713.468.8972 to determine next steps.

GOLDEN
Golden Volunteer is Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center’s preferred volunteer program cloud-based software. Golden is used predominantly for volunteer scheduling and hours tracking. Volunteers must sign up for shifts prior to coming to the center so we have an accurate record of coverage and can prepare for the day ahead. Keep in mind, this is an essential scheduling component necessary to avoid confusion or double scheduling.

GROUP ME
GroupMe is an app Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center uses to facilitate communication amongst volunteers and staff. All onsite volunteers are required to download the app. Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center has separate groups within the app according to each area of volunteering. Each volunteer will be added to the appropriate group by a department manager. Staff will use the app to communicate any important information or relevant updates. Volunteers will use the app to communicate late arrivals or find a substitute for their regular shift. Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center uses the Group Me app for official business only. Volunteers should refrain from unapproved communication such as chatting or posting pictures in the non-social Group. Please do not use the GroupMe to reach out to staff members when you find an animal. Follow the same guidelines on our website and bring the animal in during normal business hours. The understanding and use of both online systems is a mandatory function for volunteering at Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center.

ATTENDANCE/PUNCTUALITY​
Regular and timely attendance is critical to the functioning of a service organization such as Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center. Tardiness is any time when you arrive late to a shift and/or are not dressed and ready to work. Volunteers are expected to be ready to commence and end their shift on schedule. Accordingly, arriving late or leaving early in connection with scheduled work times is only permissible with prior staff approval. Repeated incidents of tardiness or leaving early may result in disciplinary action, including possible discharge. Absenteeism is any time you are scheduled for a shift and are unable to report for duty. Excessive absenteeism or any absence without notice will result in disciplinary action and possible discharge. In the event that you are running late but intend on completing your shift, please send a message to the appropriate Group Me page. ​
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CANCELLATIONS​
Once a volunteer has agreed to be available for a particular shift, we count on you to follow through. In the event that you are unable to assume your assignment, you are responsible for finding a substitute. To find a sub, please post to the appropriate Group Me page. Be sure to ensure the sub is trained and approved to volunteer in the appropriate area. Once you have secured a sub, send an email to the Department Manager for confirmation. Even if you do not secure a sub, you are asked to notify the department manager of your cancellation via email. Failure to adhere to this policy will result in an infraction.

All volunteers need to be reliable in their commitment. We are a working wildlife hospital and expect volunteers to show up for their shift as scheduled. Your presence is crucial in making sure the patients get the proper care. If your schedule is unpredictable or if you have situations in your life at the present moment that may cause you to be frequently absent, please consider volunteering in a different capacity.

BENEFITS
In addition to the ability to develop skills and contribute to our Mission, Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center Volunteers also enjoy the following benefits:

Complimentary access to Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center organized events if volunteering. Enjoy the event while off duty!
Resources to gain additional information on Texas Wildlife
Letters of Recommendation are available upon request. Please give staff four weeks’ notice for this request.
Waived annual renewal fees for Volunteers meeting the 16/hr per month commitment requirements (Does not include Background Check Fees)

CONSEQUENCES
First Infraction:
The volunteer coordinator and manager of the appropriate area will meet with the volunteer to discuss the infraction and review the contract as well as the code of conduct. Depending on the outcome of the meeting, the volunteer will be asked to sign an acknowledgement of the infraction which will be placed in the volunteer’s file.

Second Infraction:
The volunteer coordinator and manager of the appropriate area will meet with the volunteer to discuss the infraction and review the contract as well as the code of conduct. The volunteer will be asked to sign an acknowledgement of the infraction which will be placed in the volunteer’s file. The volunteer’s privileges will be suspended until this meeting is held and the acknowledgement is signed.

Third Infraction:
The HHS Wildlife Director, Department Manager & Volunteer Coordinator will meet with the volunteer in question. The volunteer will be required to write a formal apology to all offended parties and may be placed on suspension for up to a year. The volunteer will not receive a refund of their activation fee in this case.

In cases of extreme violation of the Volunteer Contract & Code of Conduct and upon approval by the Wildlife Director, the Volunteer Coordinator will send a letter of termination to the volunteer. The volunteer will receive a refund of their annual dues in this case.

You have been or will be provided access to data and information that is confidential and/or proprietary to the Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center. This information includes educational material, information about rescuers (names, addresses…) and procedures provided to you during your time with HHS Wildlife Center, as well as other information you will encounter. It is understood and agreed that you will maintain all such data and information confidential, and will not disclose such to anyone who has not been authorized to receive such data and information. All training and skills gained during your time with HHS Wildlife Center should only be used while under the supervision of the center staff and onsite at the Center. Volunteers should not attempt to rehabilitate animals without the supervision of HHS Wildlife Center staff. Volunteers will not share any of the skills and training provided to them to anyone outside of the HHS Wildlife Center staff. No disclosure shall be made to third parties, publications, societies, professional groups, or others without the prior written approval of the Wildlife Director. You hereby agree that you will maintain the confidential nature of such data and information for a period of fifteen years from the date hereof.