Volunteer Opportunities & VicNet
Where can you find a link to VicNet?
1. The bottom of the Fossil Rim homepage, www.fossilrim.org
2. The bottom of Karen and Maddy's email signatures
What channel should your radio be set to?
Channel 1
...I am having issues with VicNet.
If it is not urgent, you can email volunteer@fossilrim.org. If it is urgent, you can try calling Karen at 254-898-4222 or Maddy at 254-898-249. (Note: We do not have access to each other's voicemails.)
Are new volunteers being trained to guide tours?
No, new volunteers are being trained to drive for tours, but not to guide tours.
Is it okay to wear my largest dangle earrings or longest chain necklace when we are doing training maintenance?
Do I always have to wear my volunteer shirt when I am volunteering?
No. If you have signed up to assist with cleaning, trail maintenance, or other activities where you will likely be getting dirty anyway, we encourage you NOT to wear your volunteer shirt, but to instead where an appropriate and comfortable short or long sleeved shirt. Otherwise, please wear your volunteer shirt.
...I am interested in reserving a truck to take my family on a tour.
If it is not last minute, please email volunteer@fossilrim.org. If it is last minute, please call the Front Gate/Admissions at 254-898-4282 to speak to the manager on duty.
Can I sign up for overlapping shifts in VicNet?
No, VicNet will not allow you to double book yourself. We sometimes overlap shifts on purpose so that volunteers are not volunteering for ecxessive hours in a row without an opportunity to take a break.
What is one of the "Road Rules" of Fossil Rim?
1.No PETS are allowed at Fossil Rim.
2. Stay in your vehicle with doors closed at all times.
3. Do not honk your horn.
4. Stay on the paved tour route – the speed limit is 15 MPH.
5. Do not stop within 50 feet on either side of any gates or cattle guards.Pull off to the side of the road when stopping.
6. Do not feed from your hand or the feed cup/cone.
7. Do not feed anything but the pellets we provide at Fossil Rim.
8. Do not feed the sable antelope at all.
9. Do not pet, grab or restrain the animals.
10. Remove any flags, balls, or other loose objects from the outside of your vehicle.
11. Do not entice our animals with food to put their heads inside your vehicle to feed them.
12. Keep all trash and cigarette butts in your car.
Do I always have to wear my nametag when I am volunteering?
Yes, please wear your nametag when volunteering unless you are completing a task that would damage the nametag or where the nametag could cause a dangerous situation. It is important that staff, guests, and other volunteers know that you are a volunteer when you are serving in that capacity.
Call the Front Gate/Admissions Office. The direct line is 254-898-4282 or you can call the main line at 254-897-2960. (Please do not leave an urgent message on Karen or Maddy's voicemails. We won't see it until after the program is over.)
Where can I find a copy of the Volunteer policies and code of conduct?
Both documents can be found in one pdf file on the main VicNet page/dashboard.
List one of the tornado shelters on property.
Front Gate:
Men’s restroom
Administration:
Restroom and closet in the animal care area
Small office next to small conference room
Restroom in East Admin
Other restrooms, as needed
Intern House:
The hallway next to the kitchen on the big side (B Side) of the complex
Bathroom on small side (A Side)
Vet Clinic:
The pharmacy (locked)
Storage closets
Padded room
Carnivore holding area
Neonate room
Safari Camp:
Dining pavilion restroom
Lightning stop: dining pavilion
Lodge:
Lodge office, game room, or laundry room
Intensive Management Area (IMA):
APC chick building bathroom
APC chick building grain storage room (in breezeway)
Cheetah buildings (only if Carnivore staff are present)
Black Rhino Barn mechanical room
Lightning stop: APC chick building
Overlook Area:
Nature Store bathrooms and nearby storage closets
The Café walk-in refrigerator/freezer (after tripping breaker)
Restroom at the Café
Aviaries at the CAC
Lightning stop: Nature Store
Environmental Engagement Complex:
Restrooms at the Activities Center
Cheetah Hill
Cheetah kitchen closet
Cheetah buildings (only if Carnivore staff are present)
Support Services & White Rhino Barn:
Feed room at White Rhino Barn and the room across the hall
Restroom and mechanical room at White Rhino Barn
Support bathroom near wash station
Mechanic’s office and restroom
Should I post confidential or internal information on social media?
No, please refrain from sharing any information that is not already available to the general public. From time to time we will share confidential information with you that should not be shared until marketing has shared it with the general public.
...I am contact my a member of the media about something that has happened at Fossil Rim.
Refer the media to Chief Marketing Officer Warren Lewis at marketing@fossilrim.org or 254-898-4204 AND email Maddy so that she is aware of the situation.
Do I need to attend an Interpretation Workshop in order to be a welcome host?
No, but you do need to attend a Interpretation Workshop if you want to host a Discovery Station.
Where can you find the list of Fossil Rim addresses if you need to give one to emergency services?
1. Volunteer Policies
2. Red Risk Management Binders
Can I take photos while I am volunteering?
Yes, but please use discretion. You are welcome to take a photo of anything animal-related that can be seen by the public. If you get to see a private procedure or a off-display/tour area, please do not share those photos with anyone. Additionally, take extra precautions when taking photos of minors. It is best practice to take the photo without children's faces showing.
...I believe that myself or someone else has been a victim of harassment.
You should contact Maddy or Jennifer (Environmental Engagement Director). If the issue cannot be addressed to one of them, you should contact the Tally Hickey, Human Resources Director at 254-898-4241.