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V A I L N A T U R E C E N T E.R
P O L I C I E S A N D P R O C E D U R E S M A N U A L
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR THE VAIL NATURE CENTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
VAIL NAUTRE CENTER'S ORGANIZATIONAL CHART . . . . . . . . . . . .4
FACILITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Interpretive Center and Outdoor Displays . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Nature Trails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Preservation of the Interpretive Center and Grounds . . . . . .6
NATURE CENTER PERSONNEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
JOB DESCRIPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Nature Center Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Assistant Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Seasonal Naturalists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
JTPA Maintenance Worker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
PROGRAMS AT VAIL NATURE CENTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Summer/Fall Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Winter/Spring Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
DAILY DUTIES (SUMMER) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
DAILY DUTIES (WINTER) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
FRONT DESK OPERATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Greeting Visitors/Answering Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Telephone Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Publications/Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Registering Participants for Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Attendance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Visitor Rules and Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
EMPLOYEE INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Summer Seasonal Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Insurance Coverage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Payroll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Expense Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Employee Rules and Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Page
General Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Public Relations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Safety Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
ATTACHMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Attachment 1:
Attachment 2:
Attachment 3:
Attachment 4:
Attachment 5:
Attachment 6:
Attachment 7:
Attachment 8:
Attachment 9:
Attachment 10:
Attachment 11:
Attachment 12:
Attachment 13:
Attachment 14:
Attachment 15:
Summer Programs at Vail Nature Center
Fall Programs at Vail Nature Center
Winter Programs at Vail Nature Center
Spring Programs at Vail Nature Center
Lesson Plans for Potpourri Summer Day Camp
Lesson Plans for Rumpelstiltskin Nursery School Summer Program
Parent's/Child's Guide to Junior Ranger Week Activities
Lesson Plans for Elementary and Middle School Programs
Program Success Form
Program Registration Form
Program Release of Liability Form
Payroll Time Sheet
Expense Statement
Accident Report Form
Flora and Fauna of Vail
Written/compiled by Kathleen Okon
Approved by Barbara Masoner
Submitted to Ron Phillips for approval on October 1, 1987
Submitted to Town Council for approval on October 13, 1987
V A I L N A T U R E C E N T E R
P O L I C I E S A N D P R O C E D U R E S M A N U A L
This manual was designed to promote an understanding among all new staff
members and volunteers of Vail Nature Center's administrative policies, program
procedures and building operations. It is important to follow these guidelines
in order for the Nature Center to run smoothly and consistently year after year.
These guidelines also help maximize the visitor's experience at the Nature Center
while preserving the Center's natural beauty and historic integrity.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR THE VAIL NATURE CENTER
Goals:
1. Continue to improve the interior and exterior of the Interpretive Center to
promote sound structural design, visitor safety, the visitor's learning
experience and preservation of the Center.
2. Continue to maintain the solar and historic displays around the outside of the
Interpretive Center.
3. Preserve the Nature Center grounds and improve the trail system.
4. Continue to provide high quality year-round nature programs for visitors of
all ages, school groups and special interest groups.
5. Expand the winter Nordic/Nature Center x-c ski operation.
6. Continue to increase public awareness of the Nature Center and its programs.
Objectives:
IA. Paint the exterior of the Interpretive Center every two years (last painted
summer 1987).
1B. Install a new solar collector system and replace roof where necessary. This
system is necessary to keep the interior walls from cracking and plaster from
chipping during the winter. This should be done as soon as possible since the
roof area surrounding the existing panels is rotting.
1C. Oil the interior wood walls and cabinets every year to preserve the wood and
decrease the danger of fire hazard.
1D. Empty the Clivos Multrum in October of every year.
lE. Make sure all electrical wiring is up to code. Change wiring if code chances
electrical wiring serviced summer 1987).
IF. Service the chimney every two years (chimney last serviced May 1986).
2
1G. Service the fire extinquishers every year.
r 1H. Test the smoke detectors every month and change batteries when necessary.
Install fire alarm for building and hookup into existing alarm system
so that fire alarm will automatically be transmitted to the Police Dept.
1I. Service alarm and motion detector when necessary.
1J. Preserve existing floor once a month during the summer and once in October
with Johnson's paste wax.
1K. Replace existing. wood floor with a new wood floor.
1L. Paint library.
1M. Maintain upstairs office space. Wash rug once a year. Paint walls every
4-5 years (last painted 'May 1985).
IN. Continue to research and design new hands-on displays.
2A. Plant garden on June 1st. Design garden plan display. Maintain garden
throughout the summer and fall.
2B. Maintain root cellar and displays inside it.
2C. Maintain greenhouse. Grow plants from seed and sell them in September
of every year. Grow herbs and flowers for workshops and programs.
2D. Maintain the solar collector system.
2E. Paint the picnic tables every year.
2F. Preserve the campfire ring benches and outside of screen with wood
preservative every year.' Paint screen when necessary.
3A. Revegetate the front of the Interpretive Center and plots used for
Living History Day with sage and grasses that are native to the area.
3B. Maintain wooden fence on Vail Valley Drive.
3C. Develop new trail guides for the self-guided trail system.
3D. Acquire new flower signs for the Meadow Creek Trail.
3E. Maintain trails by bordering trails with rocks, adding wood chips and
minimizing shortcuts.
3F. Install a lighting system on the main trail to protect against injury
when walking to and from night programs.
3G. See Ford Park Master Plan for future trail plans.
4A. Continue to monitor/evaluate summer programs to insure top quality
performance.
4B. Conduct surveys to research program fees and program topics.
3
4C. Expand school outreach programs. Provide natural science units and activity
packets for school groups grades 1-8.
4D. Expand winter nature programs and special events to include more x-country
races, dogsled races, backcourtry skills seminars, avalanche seminars,
orienteering clinics and x-country waxing clinics.
4E. Implement an outdoor recreation club for locals. This may be an extension
of Colorado Mountain Club where all liability insurance is handled throucrh
them.
5A. Improve x-c track. .
5B. Increase the diversity in the types of x-c rental equipment available to
include waxable skis and racing skis.
5C. Construct a new x-c ski rack for rental skis. Remove the large freezer and
install rack every year.
5D. Expand the x-c facility by enclosing the patio area.
5E. Install new water pipes so that water will not freeze and backup in the winter.
5F. Implement ice skate rentals. Purchase skates. :fake sure skating pond on Golf
Course is shovelled when necessary. Check ice conditions daily to insure
safety of the pond.
5G. Purchase outdoor lockers.
5H. Continue to contract out Paragon Guides for x-country ski lessons.
6A. Utilize public service air time on local radio stations.
6B. Continue to send press releases and flyers to all local newspapers, t.v.
and radio stations in the area.
6C. Continue paid program announcements in the Vail Daily, Vail Trail, KV,1T and
KZYR.
6D. Continue to deliver flyers and program schedules to all businesses and
lodges of VRA, information centers, library, recreation dept. and TOV
bulletin board. Conduct free mailings to approximately 100 businesses by
including flyers in the mailing of "The Guide" each week.
4
VAIL NATURE CENTER'S ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN MANAGER
i
DIRECTOR OF RECREATION
I
I
i
I
NATURE CENTER DIRECTOR
NATURE CENTER ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
SEASONAL NATURALISTS I I JTPA MAINTENANCE WORKER
VOLUNTEERS
S
FACILITIES
The Nature Center encompasses a 7 acre preserve site with an Interpretive
Center, outdoor displays and 4 self-guided trails.
Interpretive Center and Outdoor DiSDlavs
The Interpretive Center is a renovated farm house originally built by the
Antholz family in the early 1900's. It consists of a main floor display area,
library, upstairs office & storage area and bathroom. The Center houses many
informational hands-on nature displays as well as working examples of energy-
saving devices such as a wood stove, compost toilet, solar collector system
to be renovated in 1988), outdoor garden and root cellar. A greenhouse was
also added to the Center during the summer of 1986 through a donation by Lynne
Langmaid. Near the greenhouse is a campfire ring that was also renovated during
this time. All labor costs for the campfire ring (approximately $7,000) were
donated by Tara Masonry.
The Interpretive Center is a storehouse of natural history information. Many
informational brochures and Forest Service trail maps are available free to the
public. In addition, books and publications on flora and fauna of the area,
hiking trails, camping information, children's books, etc. are available for sale.
Nature Trails
Four self-guided trails surround the Interpretive Center. These include the
History Trail, Five Senses Trail, Ecology Trail and :Meadow Creek Trail. All
trails have had new markers installed during the summer of 1986. A new trail
guide is also being developed.
6
Preservation of the Interpretive Center and Grounds
In order to preserve the natural beauty of the Center and grounds, the
following guidelines must be adhered to:
1. Any major changes, additions or alterations to the Interpretive Center or
surrounding outdoor displays must be approved by the Town of Vail PlanningCommissionwithinputfromTownCouncil.
2. The front of the Interpretive Center and plots used for Living History Dayaretoberevegetated. All other natural areas are to be left to growintheirnaturalstate.
3. Delivery Procedures: The service drive is to be used for deliveries only.All delivery vehicles must park on the east side of the campfire ring or
on the service drive east of the campfire ring (see diagram below). If
construction is to be completed, contractors/Public Works Dept. may deliver
their materials/equipment via the service drive then park their vehicles
at the parking lot next to the athletic field. All contractors and Public
Works Dept. supervisors will receive a copy of these procedures.
Main Trail
Nature Center
Root
Cellar
z
Revegetated
Area
k
Campfire Ring /
Parking
Service
Drive
7
Nature Center Director
Nature Center Asst. Director
Senior Summer Naturalist
Summer Naturalist
Summer Naturalist
Part-time Naturalist
JTPA Maintenance Worker
NATURE CENTER PERSONNEL
12 mo./yr.40 hr./wk.
12 mo./yr.*40 hr./wk.
4 mo./yr.40 hr./wk.
4 mo./yr.40 hr./wk.
3 mo./yr.40 hr./wk.
3 mo./yr.20 hr./wk.
2-3 mo./yr.varies
full time with benefits
full time, ski pass'
full time seasonal, golf pass
full time seasonal, golf pass
full time seasonal, golf pass
part time seasonal, golf pass
Not Applicable
Nature Center Assistant Director position will change from 10 mo./yr. to 12 mo./yr.
as of January 1988. Benefit status may change to full time status as of January 1989.
JOB DESCRIPTIONS
Nature Center Director
Description: The Nature Center Director oversees the Nature Center operation in
addition to coordinating tournaments and special events for the
Town of Vail Recreation Dept.
For a specific list of duties and responsibilities of the Nature
Center Director, please see the Town of Fail Recreation Depart-
ment's Program Coordinator Job Description.
Qualifications: See the Town of Vail Recreation Department's Program Coordinator
Job Description
Assistant Director
Description: The Assistant Director is responsible for supervising the daily
operations of the Nature Center. As of January 1988, the position
will be a 12 mo./yr. position without health, dental, life or
retirement benefits. Benefit status may change as of January 1989.
The Asst. Director is specifically responsible for the following
duties:
Trains, supervises and schedules Nature Center staff
Schedules programs and coordinates special events
Conducts year-round nature programs for participants of all ages
Writes lesson plans
Coordinates building/outdoor improvement projects as listed under
goals and objectives on previous pages
8
Composes reports - annual report, staff operations manual, budget
reports and five-year capital improvement plan
Prepares quarterly newsletter - writing, keylining and distribution
organizes yearly b.idget
Orders and procurLs supplies
Writes press releases
Conducts t.v. and radio interviews
Runs winter x-c ski program - rentals, concessions and winter nature
programs
Qualifications: Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Education, Interpretation
or related field (post undergraduate courses recommended)
One or more years of supervisory experience
Experience in developing and conducting nature programs for large
groups of people of all ages
Thorough knowledge of Colorado flora & fauna and interpretive
techniques
Demonstrated writing ability - reports, manuals, newletters, infor-
mational brochures, press releases, etc.
Public relations skills
Ability to work independently
CPR and first aid card required
Seasonal Naturalists
Description: Four seasonal naturalist positions exist at the Nature Center.
Two of these positions are full-time seasonal positions that
run from June 1 - September 30th of each year. A third position
is a full-time seasonal position that runs from June 1 - August 31st.
The fourth position is a part-time position that runs from June 1 -
August 31st. Seasonal naturalists are responsible for the following
duties:
Develop, conduct and evaluate nature programs & some special events
Assist in the implementation of other special events
Write lesson plans
Disseminate information, answer phones and sell
the information desk
Develop and maintain displays
Write articles for newletter
Compose and help distribute flyers
Assist in trailwork and general maintenance of
grounds
Qualifications: Bachelor of Science Degree (or near completion)
Education, Park Interpretation or related field
Experience in developing and conducting nature
groups of people of all ages
Knowledge of Colorado flora and fauna
Knowledge and experience with interpretive
Public relations skills
Ability to work independently
Current first aid and CPR card
publications at
Nature Center and
in Environmental
programs for large
techniques
Q
JTPA Maintenance Worker
Description: The Nature Center maintenance position is funded through the
Northwest Council of Governments. Applicants must meet certain
age and financial requirements of the JTPA program. Initial
screening of applicants is to be done by JTPA personnel with
additional interviews conducted by the Nature Center Director.
The position is seasonal ranging from 2-3 months. Number of
work hours vary depending on the age of the employee.
All assigned maintenance duties must first be approved by JTPA
supervisory personnel. All rules and regulations for JTPA
personnel regarding working conditions, use of hand tools, etc.
must be followed by Nature Center staff. Specific duties for
the Nature Center maintenance worker include:
Vacuuming floor, cleaning displays
Trail maintenance
Assisting with special events
Light repair work - painting, etc.
Please note that securing this position depends on many factors:
i.e., funding from National Council of Governments, finding youth
workers that meet all JTPA requirements, etc. Therefore staffing
this position becomes more a luxury than the rule. If this posi-
tion is not filled, Nature Center staff are responsible for
completing all maintenance duties.
PROGRAMS AT FAIL NATURE CENTER
Summer/Fall Programs
Summer/Fall programs take place from June through October at the Nature Center
and surrounding off-site areas. It is the responsibility of the Assistant Director to
schedule these programs, research and coordinate new summer programs and coordinate
special events. Seasonal naturalists are responsible for conducting the regular
weekly programs and some special events (Jr. Ranger Weeks, overnight campouts, white-
water rafting trips and horseback riding trips) as well as assisting in the implemen-
tation of other special events (Living History Day and Special Speaker Series). For
those programs that are led by special speakers, a staff member will be present to
assist the speaker and critique the program for the file. Summer programs include:
Weekly Programs
Flower Walks (3/wk.)
Bird Walks
Morning Discovery Programs
Beaver Pond Walks (2/wk.)
Campfire Talks
Vail ;fountain Hikes
Adults Extended Day Hikes
Children's Extended Day Hikes
Nature Crafts I & II
Mature Adventures I & II
Nursery School Programs
Potpourri Day Camp Program
Special Events
Jr. Ranger Weeks (3)
Overnight Campouts (2)
Whitewater Rafting Trips (2)
Horseback Riding Trips (2)
Geology Trip
Living History Day
Special Speaker Series (6)
Special Interest Group Programs
10
Fall programs include:
Weekly Programs
Preparing for Winter Walks (2/wk.)
Going to Seed Programs (2/wk.)
Bird Walks (2/wk.)
Fall Beaver Walks
Campfire Talks
Kids Super Saturday Programs
See attachments 2 & 8 for further information.)
Special Events
School Programs, K-8 (approx. 20)
Mushroom Hike
Kids Fall Colors Hike
Nature Photography Contest
Bird Seminar/Tour
Due to the increasing number of people who visit the Nature Center in the
summer and fall, it is becoming a necessity to limit the number of people on
Nature Center walks and programs in order to preserve the natural beauty of the
Center'sgrounds and trails as well as off-site areas where programs are conducted.
Therefore, the following guidelines must be adhered to:
1. All nature walks conducted on Nature Center grounds are limited to 30 people
at a time. If an additional number of people show up, the naturalist will
separate the group into two and take half of the group on the trails during
the first half of the program and take the other half during the second half
of the program.
2. All programs given at the campfire ring are limited to 70 people/program.
3. All special events that involve more than 70 people will be conducted off
Nature Center grounds at Ford Park, Community Room of the Library, or where
appropriate.
4. Children's programs are generally limited to 20 participants or less. Chil-
dren's programs may be conducted on NC trails, service drive, wood chipped
area around the Interpretive Center, garden, greenhouse, campfire ring and
inside of Interpretive Center. Any games requiring large open areas must
be conducted at Ford Park.
5. Beaver Pond Walks conducted on the bike path of the Katsos property open
space area are limited to 30 people/naturalist with a maximum of 2 naturalists
per program.
6. Vail Mountain Hikes are limited to 30 people at a time. If an additional
number of people show up, follow the guidelines in step "1 above.
7. Alk extended day hikes on Forest Service land are required to have a minimum
number of 3 people plus the naturalist (for safety purposes) and a maximum
of 9 people plus the naturalist (Forest Service requirement).
For information on program registration and program safety, see sections
entitled "Front Desk Operations" and "Employee Rules and Regulations" located
elsewhere in this manual.
11
Winter/Spring Programs
All winter/spring programs are held from December through March at the
X-C Ski Center (formerly the Starter House) located on the Tom of Fail Golf
Course. The Assistant Director is responsible for running all winter nature
programs as well as the X-C Ski Center. Winter/spring programs include:
Weekly Programs
Winter Ecology on Skis
Snowshoe Walks (21wk.)
Jr. Rangers After School Program
Special Events
Full ;loon X-C and Snowshoe Tours (3)
Christmas Tree Hikes (3)
Christmas Craft Workshops (2)
Valentine Square Dance
Backcountrv Skills Workshop
X-C Waxing Clinic
Orienteering Clinic
X-C Races (approx. 5)
High Altitude Gardening Workshop
Incredible Edibles Workshop
Spring Beaver Walk
School Groups (approx. 5)
Special Interest Group Presentations
See Attachments 3 and 4 for further information.)
12
DAILY DUTIES (SUMMER)
The person assigned to "house" duties is responsible for opening and closing
procedures as well as information desk duties.
Opening Procedures
1.Turn off the alarm system immediately after opening the front door. You
will have 15 seconds before the silent alarm is set off. (Turning off
alarm will automatically turn off motion detector.)
2.Turn on lights downstairs, if necessary.
3.Check weather and record in notebook in podium. Call Vail Trail every Thursday
morning and report the high and low temperatures and precipitation for the
previous week.
4.Put up the flag (weather permitting).
5.Fill bird feeders.
6.Water garden and greenhouse plants.
7.Fill in the amount of cloud cover on attendance chart.
8.Turn on clivos fan.
9.Check root cellar.
10.Plug in weather and bird quizzes.
11.Listen to answering machine for any phone messages.
Information Desk Duties
1. Greet visitors and answer any questions they might have.
2. Provide handouts and brochures on hiking trails, biking trails, etc. to
interested visitors.
3. Register individuals for programs.
4. Answer the phone and keep track of all information calls. Record total on
attendance sheet at the end of the day.
5. Keep track of the number of visitors who come in. Record total on attendance
sheet at the end of the day. Also make sure that the staff who have given
programs have recorded the number of visitors who participated in their pro-
grams.
6. Sell publications.
7. Spray greenhouse plants.
8. Restock publications rack when needed.
13
See section entitled "Front Desk Operations" for further information.
Closing Duties
1. Record attendance on attendance chart.
2. Count the money and fill in the ledger.
3. Bring in the flag.
4. Lock greenhouse door. Make sure greenhouse shades are down (June & July).
5. Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday:
Sweep downstairs, stairs and outside entrance ramp.
Take the garbage to the garbage can near the parking lot.
6. Turn off clivos fan.
7. Plug out all electrical outlets except answering machine (by order of fire
marshal).
8. Turn on answering machine.
9. Make sure upstairs windows are closed.
10. Turn on alarm system and lock up (you have 15 seconds to do so).
Saturday Duties
1. Change the hiking trail on the "Trail of the Week" display.
2. All opening, closing and information desk duties stated above.
3. Cut shrubs on first Saturday of the month.
4. If JTPA worker is not available:
vacuum all carpets & mop floor with endust
dust displays & wash glass
straighten library, display area, upstairs office space and storage room
clean root cellar
scrub down tops of bird feeders and squirrel feeders with scrub brush and water
5. Pour two buckets of water down clivos.
14
DAILY DUTIES (WINTER)
Opening Duties
1. Open restrooms and check for any problems (i.e. frozen water).
2. Shovel walk and steps to starter house. Shovel deck and benches. Shovel
back porch. Sprinkle with salt if necessary.
3. Put on water for coffee. Put on hot dogs and soup if they are asked for
throughout the day or if it is really busy.
4. Get cash box from closet.
5. Check recorder for any messages.
6. Put up thermometer.
7. Start a fire in the fireplace and tend throughout the day. This does not
have to be done on nice sunny days.
Closing Duties
1. Tally up attendance.
2. Clean kitchen thoroughly:
Turn off all electrical appliances. Plug out coffee pot.
Pour water out of coffee pot.
Clean crockpot and store soup in glass container in refrigerator.
Wrap extra hot dogs in cellophane and store in refrigerator.
Clean hot dog maker including rollers and drip pans.
Clean all counters and tables throughout the day as needed.
Sweep floor if necessary.
3. Turn down heater to 3 or 4.
4. Check bathrooms. Pickup papers & clean if necessary. Lockup bathrooms.
5. Vaccuum reception area.
6. Check over equipment and inventory to see if anything is missing. Report any
lost or damaged equipment to Kathy.
7. Turn on answering machine.
8. Turn off lights.
9. Make sure everything is clean and locked up before leaving the Center.
15
FRONT DESK OPERATIONS
Greeting Visitors/Answering Questicns
The visitor is by far our most important reason for being at the Nature
Center. Greet visitors as they come in and inform them of the exhibits inside,
trails on both sides of the Center and programs available. Answer any questions
they might have. If you don't know the answer, find out by checking appropriate
sources, i.e. the Senior naturalist, Asst. Director, natural history guides, etc.
Telephone Procedures
1. When answering the phone, identify yourself as "Vail Nature Center."
2. The downstairs phone has a hold button. To operate, press the button first
before putting the receiver down.
3. When dialing local calls, dial "9" first to get an outside line.
For long distance business calls, dial "91". For all Denver calls, dial "8"
first.
4. When transferring calls to another extension, press down briefly on the
receiver button and dial the extension number. Wait to see that the
correct number is answered, then hang up.
Publications/Sales
Most handouts, brochures and trail maps are available for distribution and
are free to the public. All books on display on the "publications" rack and all
t-shirts, trail guides and newsletters are available for sale.
When recording sales, mark the date of sale, type of item sold and the amount
in the ledger. In the case of t-shirts, also mark the size and color purchased.
Tally up the current total in the ledger and put the money in the cash box. No
tax is charged. A receipt book is located in the cash drawer if needed.
Registering Participants for Programs
When an individual wants to signup for a program, look for the program
under the corresponding day in the program notebook. Fill in the participant's
name, number of adults and children in the party and their phone number. Give
them any special program instructions at that time (i.e. what to bring, where to
meet, etc.) and write your initials in the appropriate column on the sheet. If
there are additional participants in the party, make sure they are accounted for
by writing ditto marks in the "Name" column (see Attachment 10).
When people come in to register just before the program, have them read and
sign the program releaseform (Attachment lill). This is very important. All
adults ages 21 and over must sign themselves. Children must have parents sign
for them. If a parent does not come with their child, they must send a note with
their child releasing the Nature Center and Town of Vail of any liability OR they
must be called and the release form read to them over the phone. If this occurs,
16
the naturalist may sign for them and write an additional note saying that it was
approved by phone.
Write all program fees collected in the "paid" column and put the money in
the envelope marked for that program. After everyone has signed in, total the amount
on the program sheet and make sure it coincides with the amount in the program
envelope. Put the total amount of money in the cash box and record the total in
the ledger.
Attendance
Attendance is very important as it helps determine funding for the next year.
Keep track of all visitors who come in by using the attendance counter located on
top of the information desk. Also, keep track of all information calls using the
daily attendance sheet also located on the top of the information desk. Record
totals on the attendance sheet at the end of the day. In addition, make sure that
staff who have given programs have marked the number of visitors who participated
in their programs.
Visitor Rules and Regulations
Be familiar with visitor rules and monitor this while on house duty. These
rules are:
1. Stay on trails at all times.
2. No smoking on Nature Center grounds.
3. Enjoy your picnics at Ford Park.
4. Keep dogs on leashes at all times.
5. Do not pick the flowers.
6. Fly fishing only is allowed in the stream in back of the Nature Center.
7. Take only pictures, leave only tracks.
EMPLOYEE INFO R',UTION
Summer Seasonal Benefits
All TOV summer seasonal employees are eligible for a free golf, skating and
tennis pass. In addition, you are also welcome to take part in aerobics classes
every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Red Sandstone Gym. Use of the weight room
is also available.
Town of Vail also schedules employee activities throughout the summer including
an employee picnic. and golf tournament. Information on all these activities will
be available at in-service training.
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Insurance Coverage
Most injuries that occur to TOV employees while performing job-related tasks
during work hours are covered by werkman's compensation. This is not always the
case, however. Should an injury occur, contact the personnel office for prior
approval before going to the clinic.
Pavroll
Paychecks are issued on the 5th and 20th of each month. Time sheets are due
to the Asst. Director on the 13th and 29th of each month.
In order to fill out the time sheet form, fill in the number of hours worked
for each day under the corresponding day and date listed in each column (see
Attachment 12). Total the number of hours and put it at the top and bottom of the
Total" column. Fill in the proper pay code (203 if you are seasonal full time,204 if you are seasonal part time). Read and sign the agreement and turn the form
into the Asst. Director on the appropriate day.
Expense Statements
Employees are reimbursed 200/mile for any mileage incurred from work related
activities such as errands, off-site programs, meetings, etc. In addition, employeeswillbereimbursedforanyworkrelatedmaterialstheypurchasewiththeirournpersonalfunds.
Expense statements are to be filled out and turned in at the end of each month.
For materials reimbursement, fill in a description of materials purchased and the
total cost. Attach receipts to the expense statement. For mileage reimbursement,
write down the date, destination and total number of miles round trip. Total the
number of miles for all trips and multiply the total by .20. Fill in the total
amount of miles and total reimbursement at the top of the form (See Attachment 13).
Reimbursement checks will be sent 3-4 days after they are turned into Finance Dept.
Employee Rules and Regulations
1. General Rules
a. Uniforms must be worn at all times while on duty. Uniforms consist of
short sleeve shirts, khacki shorts and nametags (all provided by the
Nature Center). Khacki slacks must also be worn for all night programs.
It is the responsibility of the employee to obtain their own pair of
khacki slacks. Uniforms are not to be worn during off-duty hours.
b. There is no smoking at anv time on Nature Center grounds. In addition,
any employee under the influence of drugs or alcohol on city property
will be TERMINATED IMMEDIATELY.
C. The telephone is for business calls and must be available for emergency
needs. Use the phone only when necessary for personal local calls. No
long distance personal calls are permitted.
2. Public Relations
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Public relations is one of the most important aspects of your job. Courteous
and friendly relations with the participants and other people at the Nature
Center should be maintained at all times. Any conflict that arises should be
brought to the immediate attention of your supervisor. Never enter into a dis-
pute with a participant; refer ~_he matter to your supervisor. If the matter
cannot be handled by the supervisor, she/he will contact the police. Do not
give any information unless you are absolutely positive of its accuracy_
don't be afraid to ask questions. Do not talk to a participant, guest, etc.
about anything pertaining to an accident. Refer them to your supervisor.
3. Safety Procedures
Safety should be a major concern for all visitors on Nature Center grounds
or in Nature Center programs. Follow these guidelines for both on and off
Nature Center grounds.
a. Safety on Nature Center Grounds
Keep an eye out for potential safety hazards, i.e. sharp objects, extension
chords in traffic areas, rocks or debris on trails, etc. Remove these
hazards or report them to your supervisor.
If an accident should occur while on Nature Center grounds, follow these
procedures:
1) Immediately inform your supervisor. The supervisor and naturalist
will administer first aid if the injury is minor and/or can be taken
care of at the Nature Center.
2) If a child is injured, always contact the parent or guardian and
have them pick the child up. Make sure you see a valid i.d. before
turning the child over the the parent or guardian. (Your respon-
sibility does not necessarily end when someone else states that
they will "take care of everything and assume all responsibility."
3) NEVER drive an injured person from the Nature Center, only arrange
transportation.
4) If the accident is serious, the supervisor will call the emergency
room and request an ambulance to be sent.
5) Do not move an injured person if there is a possibility of a break,
sprain or a more serious injury. If in doubt, do not move the
person.
6) NEVER leave the injured person alone.
7) ALWAYS fill out an accident form. Do this immediately following the
accident and get information from as many witnesses as possible.
b. Safety Off Nature Center Grounds
1) Day Hikes/Evening Walks
a) AL14AYS carry a first aid pack whenever you conduct programs off
Nature Center property. Nature Center first aid kits include
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gauze, bandages, ace bandages, adhesive bandages, eye pad,
antiseptic pads, alcohol prep. pads, bandaids, hospital tape,
scissors, needle, thread, aspirin, Tylenol, lozenges, antacid,
children's aspirir, first aid survival manual, sunscreen,
candle, waterproof matches, knife, whistle, tweezers, hard
candy and frosting gel (for epileptics), paper, pencil, shoe-
lace, tampons and snakebite kit.
b) Instruct hikers of specifics of trail before departing for
trailhead, i.e. length of trip, terrain, pace, proper clothing
and assundries to bring such as raingear, sunglasses, sunscreen,
insect spray, water and lunch; ticks, etc.
c) If you perceive you will be late and are near a phone (i.e.
Vail Mountain), call the Nature Center staff to inform them.
If you do not call or do not return within 112 hours after
your scheduled return time, Nature Center staff will contact
mountain rescue and all necessary Town of Vail personnel and
a search party will be conducted.
d) If an accident should occur:
Administer first aid. This includes but is not limited to CPR,
bandaging wounds, treating for shock, etc.
Instruct two people from the group to go for help while the
Nature Center personnel stays with the victim and the rest
of the group. Call rescue personnel (911).
Report all accidents to the Asst. Director, Nature Center
Director and District Ranger. In addition, report rescue
missions to Town of Vail Police Dept. Fill out accident report.
If necessary, transport the victim by horse or helicopter
depending on the type of injury.
2) Overnight Campouts
a) All children's campouts will be at Gore Creek campground. This
makes it possible to be close to family and clinic should an
accident occur.
b) Parents or legal guardian must fill out and sign an overnight
campout form for each child. Read over the form before the
parent leaves and discuss and possible medical programs with
the parent (i.e. bee stings, allergies, etc.). If the child
is on any medication or needs special equipment (i.e. asthma
respirator), make sure these items are taken on the trip.
Take all forms with you on the trip. If an emergency occurs,
all the information you need will be on the forms.
c) While on the trip, administer aspirin or Tylenol only if
absolutely necessary.
d) If an accident occurs, one naturalist will take the child to
the Medical Center while the other naturalist stays with
the group. Contact parents and have them pick the child up
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at the Medical Center. In additon, contact the Asst. Director.
Fill out an accident report.
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ATTACHMENTS
Vail Nature Center
Policy &
Procedures
No Attachments
Attached at time of
scanning