Volunteering

Mission
Mission

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The mission of the Water Resources Volunteer program is to increase outreach opportunities in the community to create a shared water ethic that inspires pollution prevention and water conservation habits. Volunteer outreach will raise public awareness of local water issues like storm water pollution, water conservation, springs protection, wetlands, local watersheds, and the distinction between storm and sewer systems.

Volunteers are an invaluable resource that will help to achieve more education in the community than staff alone could ever provide.

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Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities
  • Outreach Programs
    After training, volunteers will conduct educational programs and activities in schools, camps, libraries, and community centers. Program focus will be grounded in watershed, non-point source pollution prevention, water conservation, and wetland and springs protection.

  • Outreach Tabling
    Volunteers will provide outreach materials and offer information to the public on a variety of EPD Water Resource programs at various community events. Volunteers may also use tabletop models for easy demonstrations.

  • Rain Garden Maintenance
    Volunteers will assist with maintenance of rain gardens at public schools. Activities may include pulling weeds, pruning plants, spreading mulch, planting, and providing interpretation of the rain garden. Volunteers may work with students or independently per request.

  • Photographer
    EPD needs photographs that lead to a better understanding of local water connections and for use in marketing. The photographer volunteer will take pictures of programs and events and those that capture the beauty of local wetlands, lakes, springs, other natural areas, and wildlife. Images may be used by EPD for public education and marketing.

  • Videographer
    EPD needs a videographer to assist in developing videos used for pollution prevention and water conservation educational purposes and for promotional purposes. Videos may be displayed on the county website, county Facebook page, used in classrooms, and other educational settings.

  • Artist
    Volunteers will help promote the agency’s environmental mission through creative art for marketing and educational purposes. For example, they may decorate rain barrels for prizes at events or organize artists for the annual Springs Celebration event.

  • Social Research Assistant
    Volunteers will collect important data through public surveys and will assist with data management.

  • One –Time Volunteer Opportunities-Special Events (Individual or Group)
    Special event volunteers are needed to assist with event set up, staff information and activity booths, and help with event break down/clean up. Examples of Events include Science Night and a Springs Celebration and Chili Cook-Off.
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Volunteer Benefits
Volunteer Benefits
  • Raise awareness about local water issues
  • Provide education that helps protect water and wildlife
  • Create a local water ethic
  • Participate in unique educational opportunities
  • Connect with other volunteers
  • Learn and have fun
  • Volunteer recognition
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Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
  • Persons 18 or older
  • Possess a valid Florida driver’s license
  • Provide own transportation
  • Able to correspond by email
  • Pass background screenings
  • Provide a professional or volunteer reference
  • Interview with EPD staff member/s
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Volunteer Application
Volunteer Application
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Contact​​​​​​​​​​​​​

​​If any accommodations are needed for persons with disabilities, please contact the Equal Opportunity Office at (352) 374-5275 or (352) 374-5284 TDD.

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