Education & Outreach  -  Senior Volunteer Program

The Senior Volunteer Program assists the Department by providing enhanced public service to the community while offering opportunities for senior citizens to make a definitive contribution toward protecting California's wildlife resources.

Personnel and Administrative Procedures

Volunteer workers acquire no property interest, vested or non-vested arising from their work with the Department. Their status is maintained solely at the discretion of the Regional Manager and may be separated from the program without cause. Senior Volunteers are non sworn employees of the DFG and have no powers of arrest or law enforcement authority.

a. Eligibility

All SVP applicants must meet the following minimum eligibility requirements.

1. No felony convictions.
2. Available to volunteer during office hours and occasional weekend assignments.
3. Willing to perform various duties, as assigned.
4. Able to work with minimal supervision.
5. At least 50 years of age.
6. Possess a valid California Driver's License with acceptable driving record and medical approval.

b. Selection Procedures

1. Applicants must complete the required Senior Volunteer Program application.
2. Applicants must pass a qualification interview conducted by the DFG Regional Coordinator and SVP Lt. Administrator.
3. Applicants must successfully pass a modified background investigation conducted by the Department or contracted agency. As a result, the applicant must be in good standing within the community.
4. Applicant must complete a State Medical Questionnaire, and be prepared to discuss with the Assistant Chief or Regional Coordinator.
5. Applicant must complete an authorization to release information for background purposes. Applicants must complete an Incompatible Activities form.
6. SVP volunteer members should attend monthly meetings, all scheduled training and report on time to their assigned duties.
7. SVP volunteer members shall complete a Volunteer Service Agreement (VSA).

c. SVP Volunteer Duties

The volunteer may be asked to perform a variety of duties which may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Inspection of State properties (Ecological Reserves and wild land areas).
• Respond to complaints regarding problem wildlife (depredation and public safety).
• Assist Department employees at public outreach events, which may include DFG sponsored hunting and fishing programs, sporting and outdoor recreational expositions, recruitment efforts and other conservation education programs.
• Conduct animal welfare permit inspections pursuant to California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 671.
• Assist Department Hunter Education Program (co-instruct classes, administer equivalence exams, test and interview instructors).
• Deliver written citations, (Notices to Appear) issued by DFG enforcement personnel, to various courts within the county.
• Disseminate sport fishing regulations and informational brochures to the public at piers, lakes and boat landings.
• While in the field, observe and report incidents involving pollution and streambed or habitat destruction.
• Prepare monthly citation reports and mileage logs.
• Assist the office staff with public inquiries.
• Computer Data Entry (Daily Activity Reports).
• Assist with evidence storage, documentation and disposal.
• Miscellaneous clerical duties (filing, shredding and photocopying).
• Assist support staff with supply/equipment purchasing and dispersal.
• Assist with equipment maintenance and equipment related details (transporting vehicles and vessels to shops, launch and retrieve vessels, transporting equipment to work sites).
• Assist enforcement personnel with long-term incidents while under immediate supervision of an officer.
• Assist Department law enforcement training effort.
• Participate in DFG Wildlife Watch and Marine Watch Programs.