A Toolkit for Volunteer Leaders
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Job Descriptions V-2

The fires I have started cannot be put out by anyone else.

For effective recruitment, orientation and supervision of volunteers you need a job description. This is one of those details that people like to skip. It takes a little time and thought about details -- not very exciting -- but can make the exciting part go much better. Without a job description for the volunteers with which you work, you may feel overwhelmed and frustrated by the job of keeping volunteers going. The volunteer may have the same feelings and decide to drop out.

LEARNING OBJECTIVE

When you complete this module you should be able to write a job description for a volunteer in your educational program.

EXERCISE:

Study the following format for a job description. Then fill in the information for each number in the format using a position which you need to fill (if you are familiar with the job to be filled, this should present no problems - - otherwise this can be done as a hypothetical job description which is less effective than the real thing). Then use the completed job description along with the module on recruitment (V-3) to recruit a volunteer to fill the job.

A FORMAT FOR JOB DESCRIPTIONS

1. Job Title.

2. Brief and general statement of what the job entails.

3. Specific expectations of the person who fills this job.

4. To whom is this person responsible?

Supervisor:

Organization or agency:

Which is a part of:

5. State how the volunteer fits within the overall work of the organization.

6. Competencies needed by the volunteer for this job.

Skills:

Knowledge:

Attitudes:

Experience:

Resources (car, telephone, tools,):

7. Time required per week:

8. Benefits (training provided, expenses paid, materials provided, opportunity to work with people who have ___ experience):

9. Job site (address & telephone number):

An example of a completed job description may be helpful in completing this exercise.

AN EXAMPLE OF A COMPLETED JOB DESCRIPTION

1. Title: 4-H Project Leader - Gardening

2. Job: Teach interested youth in your community 4-H club about home gardening.

3. Expectations: Attend leader training on Feb. 1 at the county 4-H office. Announce the formation of your project group to start no later than March 15. Meet with youth and parents who respond to the announcement. Meet between March and September according to the schedule that is agreeable to most of the group. Encourage your members to be actively involved in the community club as well as your project club.

4. Responsible to: Yavapai County 4-H agent and Cottonwood Community Club Leader. 4-H is a part of the Cooperative Extension Service in Yavapai County which is directed by the County Extension Director who is responsible to the University of Arizona, College of Agriculture.

5. The project leader works with other leaders at the local and county level and with the 4-H agent to plan and deliver the 4-H program to youth who choose to participate. County activities are planned and implemented by the County Leaders Council. Every project and community club leader is automatically a member of the Council and may participate as actively as s/he desires. The 4-H Leaders Handbook provides more information on your role, responsibilities, and the policies which govern 4-H.

6. Competence needed:

Experience in growing home gardens in the Cottonwood area.
Enjoy working with youth in an informal setting.
Enthusiastic, well organized, patient.
Willing to answer many questions from youth and their parents.
Enjoy working as a team with other volunteer project leaders of the Cottonwood Community 4-H Club.

7. Time required: Varies according to the interest of your project group and how much you choose to participate at the county level. You should be prepared to offer (1) two one-hour project meetings each month between March and September, (2) to attend a community club meeting once each month and (3) to attend a meeting for project leaders in Cottonwood once each month.

8. Benefits: The county 4-H agent will provide you with a four hour workshop on how to organize a project club. You will receive a 4-H Leaders Handbook and a Project Leaders Guide for Home Gardening. The County Agricultural Agent provides technical training for "master gardeners" which you are welcome to attend. The county office has many technical bulletins on different garden plants. The Cottonwood Community 4-H Club offers a chance to share your expertise and enjoy other educational and social activities with families.

9. Job Site: Your home is your office. You will need access to a garden plot where you can demonstrate the techniques of home gardening. You need a place for your club to meet. This may be at your own home or at the home of one of the members.