Count Me In: Volunteer Applications

Position Description

City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks Dog Ambassador. Are you interested in helping others learn about how to responsibly hike with their dog? Do you hike with your dog on OSMP trails and feel you can mentor responsible behavior for other trail users? Then the OSMP volunteer Dog Ambassador program might be for you - this is a unique opportunity to get out and volunteer with your furry companion, focused on modeling appropriate dog/guardian behavior, educating visitors about the voice and sight program, and sharing canine related safety and land stewardship considerations.

Requirements:

Dog Ambassadors are trained volunteers who:

-Have experience and are comfortable making public contacts.

- Have a dog that is well-trained and comfortable with greeting both off-leash and on-leash dogs, as well as hikers, cyclists, children, horses, and other trail users.

- Agree to keep their dog on leash while volunteering

- Have never received a ticket, summons, citation or verbal warning from a Ranger or law Enforcement Officer about their dog's conduct

- Are familiar with OSMP trails and lands.

- Are comfortable wearing a uniform and name tag and assisting visitors in need.

All volunteers are required to successfully complete the mandatory training. This includes three core classroom trainings, one field training, and one canine behavioral assessment. There is also a requirement to complete an on-line OSMP Voice and Sight education class (approximately 1 hour) as well as asynchronous De-escalation class (approximately 1 hour).

Responsibilities:

- Contact other dog guardians in a friendly manner

- Educate dog guardians about leash restrictions, voice and sight program, and canine-related safety concerns

-Greet and assist visitors on trails.

-Observe area conditions and report to staff. (On-line reporting system).

-Contact emergency services (fire, medical, law) when appropriate.

-Track and report hours.(On-line reporting system)

-Wear OSMP volunteer uniform: name badge, hat, shirt and vest (if shirt is covered).

-Abide by all OSMP rules and regulations and set an example for others.

-Sign an acknowledgement of Risk and Release form, annual agreement, and provide information for a background check.

-Work in a variety of settings, terrain and weather conditions, with people of diverse backgrounds and ages.

Qualifications:

-Outstanding communication skills.

-Dependable.

-Familiar with City of Boulder Open Space & Mountain Parks.

-Interest in natural and cultural history of the area.

-Able to respond appropriately to emergency situations within your level of training.

-Reliable transportation to trails.

* Welcomed: First Aid/CPR; multi-lingual; and all levels of physical ability.

Commitment: Hike with your dog at least 2 times per month as well as assist in periodic tabling events at trailheads to educate other dog guardians and trail users.

Training

2024 Training Dates (We will work to meet everyone's schedule if possible!)

General Trail Ambassador Training (required for new OSMP Ambassador Volunteers):

Saturday, September 21st, 9:00am to 4:00pm @ the OSMP HUB, 2520 55th St., Boulder CO

Sunday, September 22nd, 9:00am to 2:00pm @ NCAR Trail/Trailhead, 1850 Table Mesa Dr, Boulder, CO

Saturday, October 5th, 8:00am to 2:00pm, location TBD

+ Dog Ambassador Specific Dates:

Saturday, November 2nd, 9:00am to 3:00pm @ Cherryvale Trailhead/Ranger HQ, Boulder CO

Dog Ambassador Questions

Are you comfortable with educating the public, without having enforcement authority? Describe how education and enforcement differ in regard to responsible land stewardship practices. *

Dog Ambassadors model positive dog/guardian behavior, educate visitors about the voice and sight program, and share canine related safety and land stewardship considerations. Why do you think you would be a good fit for this program? *

Is your dog in good health, both mentally and physically?

Yes No

Does your dog have any injuries/disabilities? *

Yes No

Is your dog up to date on all vaccines and have the necessary tags? *

Yes No

Have you ever received a ticket, summons, citation or verbal warning from a Ranger or law enforcement officer for an incident involving your dog?

Tell us about your level of volunteer experience - have you volunteered before? For how long and where? Please describe your role and typical tasks.

Tell us about your customer service experience - have you ever worked or volunteered in a way that involved interacting with members of the public? *

For the following situations, please rate your dogs behavior using the scale below:

1: avoidant/scared; shows signs of discomfort (ears pinned, tail tucked, whale eye, pulling on leash to get away, etc.)
2: calm/disinterested: does not make an effort to approach, but does not show discomfort when approached
3. Calm/Interested: makes an effort to approach, appears calm and happy (tail is not tucked, ears in regular position) and is responsive to commands
4. Excited - strong desire to approach, might pull on leash towards the situation/person, tail wagging, vocalizing, but is still responsive to commands
5. Reactive/Overly Excited: pulls on leash towards situation/person, jumps, lunges, barks, is not responsive to commands

Meeting a new person *

1 2 3 4 5

When a runner passes by on the same trail *

1 2 3 4 5

When an off leash dog approaches *

1 2 3 4 5

When an on-leash dog approaches *

1 2 3 4 5

When a child approaches *

1 2 3 4 5

People riding bikes or using other mobility devices *

1 2 3 4 5

Small Wildlife (squirrels, fox, raccoons, coyotes) *

1 2 3 4 5

Large wildlife (deer, elk, bear, moose) *

1 2 3 4 5

Getting petted by a stranger *

1 2 3 4 5

References

Please provide email and phone contact information for two references.

Reference 1

Name*

Address

Phone*

Home/Primary* Ok To Call

Mobile Ok To Call

Work Ok To Call

Relationship*

Reference 2

Name*

Address

Phone*

Home/Primary* Ok To Call

Mobile Ok To Call

Work Ok To Call

Relationship*

Background

Legal Name - First*

Last*

Volunteering as an OSMP Dog Ambassador requires successful completion of a background check.

Does this Apply to you?

Yes No

If yes, please provide details of offenses

Certification & Release

Risk and Release

I, the undersigned, agree for myself or for my minor child/ward, to volunteer for the City of Boulder, and understand and agree to the following:

I will follow instructions of my placement and perform my service to the best of my ability.
I acknowledge that there are dangers and risks incurred as a result of participating in activities connected or associated with volunteering; and I knowingly assume all risk for any injuries, death, damage or loss to my person, including but not limited to: falling down, tripping, bumping; back, bone, joint, head, neck, muscle or spinal injuries or strains; cuts, scrapes; choking; allergies; heat stroke, heat exhaustion, sunburn or other injuries; and/or any damage or loss sustained to my personal property.
In the event of any emergency, I authorize City of Boulder officials to secure from any licensed hospital, physician and/or medical personnel any treatment deemed necessary for my immediate care, including ambulance transport. Further, I agree that I will be responsible for payment of any and all medical services rendered.
I agree to pay for any intentional damage sustained to City property as a result of my participation in activities. Payment shall be made directly to the City of Boulder within thirty days of receipt of damage invoice.
I waive and relinquish all claims I may have as a result of my participation as a volunteer against the City of Boulder and its officers, agents, servants and employees. Further I agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the city of Boulder against any claims already made and claims that may be made in the future.
I act only as an authorized volunteer and do not function as an employee, agent or representative of the City of Boulder.
I give permission for media coverage of myself and/or my minor child/ward to be disseminated for public relations purposes without personal compensation.
This Acknowledgement of Risk and Release is valid for a period of 1 year from the date executed below.
I understand that volunteers can be let go at any time.

VOLUNTEER RIGHTS

While serving as an Authorized Volunteer for the benefit of, and involved in the activities at the request of, the City of Boulder, volunteers are provided the protection of the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act, Colorado Revised Statutes Section 24-10-101 (et. Seq.); 24-10-103(4)(a) and are subject to the applicable provisions of the Act. The Act does not cover any willful and/or wanton behavior including, but not limited to, sexual harassment, racial or gender discrimination, drug and/or alcohol use.

I acknowledge and understand the terms of the City of Boulder’s Risk and Release Form. This acknowledgment of risk and release shall not be modified orally. All minor’s signature must be accompanied by the signature of the parent or guardian.

Account Required

Please correct the following errors:

Skills, Spoken Languages, Volunteer Interests

Position Description

Training

Dog Ambassador Questions

References

Reference 1

Reference 2

Background

Please correct the following errors:

Certification & Release

Risk and Release

Parent/Guardian Release for Minor

Account Required

Please correct the following errors:

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