The South Florida Wildlife Center is a wildlife trauma hospital and rehabilitation facility for orphaned, injured and sick wildlife. We are open to the public as a drop off for sick/injured/displaced wildlife. As such, please read through our policies regarding dress code, conduct, scheduling and representing the center as an intern.

DRESS CODE:

-Internship shirt will be available to purchase during orientation.

-Comfortable bottoms (pants, shorts) can be worn as long as they are appropriate (no holes/rips, no shorter than 2” above the knee). Only closed toe and closed heel shoes are to be worn (no matter the department) on property. The uniform t-shirt is not to be altered in any way.

**Please be aware: if proper uniform is not worn to your shift, you will be told that you can’t work your scheduled shift, until you comply with the dress code**

CONDUCT:

All interns must sign in and out, when reporting for a shift. It is a liability issue (we need to know who is on site, in case of an emergency) and it is also how we keep track and record service hours. If you fail to sign in or out, you will not receive credit for your shift.

While working your shift, you are to check in with your assigned department.

Please be open and don’t hesitate to contact the volunteer support team or supervisor if you have any questions or concerns.

In the event of an injury/illness- notify a supervisor or volunteer support, so that care can be provided, proper forms can be filled out and emergency contact can be called (if necessary).

SCHEDULING:

The area supervisor [Rehabilitation and Release - Mari Diaz] and the Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator - Julie D'Errico will discuss scheduling prior to the internship and at orientation. If you have any questions regarding discussed schedule, please reach out to Volunteer Support team at info@southfloridawildlifecenter.org.

You will also receive frequent correspondence (email) through Volgistics for any updates, events, news, etc.- so please make sure that you have a current email address on file and check it regularly.

REPRESENTING SFWC:

There may be volunteer roles (off-site) at events or outside of the center, where volunteers/interns/externs can participate. If you sign up and volunteer for any roles, such as these, please remember that you are representing the South Florida Wildlife Center. Always wear proper uniform, if you are working with the public- always display a professional and courteous attitude and appearance, and always provide the most current information regarding the center (training will be provided).

WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY:

I have voluntarily applied to assist South Florida Wildlife Center (hereinafter referred to as SFWC) with the work referenced in the Position Description(s) for my volunteer role(s), and as specified in the Volunteer Agreement I signed.

By applying for and performing this volunteer work, I agree as follows -

I am aware that this is a contract between me and SFWC and that it waives legal rights that I may have now or in the future and releases SFWC and others from claims for damages.

I am voluntarily participating in this activity with full knowledge of the tasks involved. I agree to accept any and all risks associated with my participation, including but not limited to injury and illness.

I understand there are risks and dangers associated with working with wild, feral and domesticated animals, including but not limited to, bites, scratches, zoonotic diseases (diseases transmitted from animals to humans), and allergic reactions. I also understand there may be risks involved with exposure to certain chemical cleaning products while performing my volunteer duties. I fully understand and accept those risks and dangers.

I fully assume all the risks involved with my volunteer activities and acknowledge that they are acceptable to me. I agree to use my best judgment in undertaking these activities. I also agree to follow the rules and safety instructions as given by SFWC employees and volunteers authorized to act in a supervisory capacity.

I agree that I will not sue, prosecute, or in any way make a claim against SFWC for injury to me or damage to my property resulting from the negligence or other acts, howsoever caused, by any employee, agent, volunteer or contractor of SFWC or other people as a result of my volunteer duties.

I fully and forever release and discharge SFWC from any and all actions, causes of action, claims, liabilities, or demands I have or may have in the future, whether known or unknown, for injury, illness, death or damage arising out of or related in any way to my volunteer duties.

I agree that SFWC may use my name, and pictures, photographs, or video and/or sound recordings of me on television, on radio, on the Internet, in emails, and in stories, news articles, advertisements, or other written or digital materials. I agree that such uses may include education, advocacy, and fundraising. I consent to and authorize, in advance, such use and agree that SFWC does not have to notify me of such use or provide me with other consideration for such use. I waive any rights of privacy and/or publicity I may have in connection with these uses.

I agree that the rights I am giving up and agreements I am making apply equally to me and to my heirs, successors, assigns, guardians and legal representatives. I agree that none of those individuals may make any claim or take any action that I could not make or take myself.

I agree that this Waiver and Release of Liability protects and is for the benefit of South Florida Wildlife Center and their respective employees, officers, directors, consultants, interns, volunteers, licensees, and all others acting on their behalf. I also agree that I may not make any claim or take any action against any of those affiliates or individuals that I could not make or take against SFWC itself.

I intend to fully and voluntarily waive any rights I have as described in this Waiver and Release of Liability. To the extent that legal consideration is required for this Waiver and Release of Liability to be effective, I agree that I have received good, valuable and sufficient consideration by being permitted by SFWC to provide volunteer service and to receive training and instruction.

I HAVE CAREFULLY READ THIS WAIVER AND RELEASE AND FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS CONTENTS AND ACCEPT AND SIGN IT OF MY OWN FREE WILL.