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Responsibilities and Expectations

We're Counting On You!

The professional staff with whom you will be working are counting on your assistance. Agencies have decided to bring on an SCA intern to help them meet pressing needs. They have made necessary arrangements to support your position and to include you in their operation. In general, you can expect to be treated as if you were an employee. If you respond similarly-with the same commitment and energy as you would if an employee-all will benefit. If for any reason you must decline the position you have accepted, please notify both the Agency Coordinator or Supervisor and your SCA Program Representative IMMEDIATELY.

Dual Selection

It is the policy of the Student Conservation Association to provide excellent customer service to both its agency partners and members. Due to the time and cost involved in recruiting the highest-caliber candidates for internships, SCA expects that applicants will be thoughtful and thorough in their consideration of any positions offered to them. Candidates should be confident that any position they accept is appropriate for their individual circumstance (i.e. the position meets their professional goals, personal needs, etc.).

In the event that a member is selected by two hosting agencies (that is, accepts a position at a second site while remaining committed to the first), the member will be expected to honor their commitment to the site where they were first offered a position.

Duties

The Agency Coordinator or Supervisor should outline your duties, including any changes since the original position description was submitted. If you have any questions in this regard, please feel free to contact that person again. Of course, as with any job, there undoubtedly will be times when you will be needed for tasks not mentioned in this general outline.

We expect that you will perform all duties to the best of your ability and to the same standards as regular employees. You will be a representative of SCA within your agency and an ambassador to the public for both your agency and SCA. If you have concerns about what you are asked to do or say, you should discuss this with your Supervisor.

Training

We expect the agency to provide you with the appropriate training for duties requiring specialized skills (such as search and rescue, safety procedures, and the operation of four-wheel drive vehicles, boats, power tools and other mechanized equipment). When provided safety gear, such as chaps or a helmet, you must utilize them. If at any time you feel insufficiently trained to carry out a task safely, stop and ask your Supervisor for additional instruction.

Prohibited Activities

Two activities in which SCA interns may not engage are law enforcement and fire fighting. You may, however, be given fire-fighting training. In the event the need arises, the agency may take you on as a temporary employee to fight fires if you are willing and have been properly trained. During any such period of employment you would not receive living allowance funds from SCA.

Hours

You are expected to work the same hours and schedules as other personnel at the site. These hours may be irregular and may vary during your position. You may be asked to work weekends or holidays, with compensatory time off at another time. Flexibility on your part will be important. We encourage you to use your time off to explore and learn more about the area in which you are assigned. Please contact your Program Representative to find out if there are other SCA interns serving nearby.

Rules and Regulations

You are expected to observe the agency rules and regulations applicable to your site, including any relating to personal appearance. Since you may be required to explain regulations of the agency to the public, make sure you know and understand them. If you are in doubt, discuss them with your Coordinator or Supervisor.

Government Vehicles

You may be authorized to use government vehicles in the course of your official duties. Make sure you are properly licensed (see your Coordinator or Supervisor), that you observe all operators' rules and instructions and that you never use a government vehicle for personal business. Liability arising from unauthorized use of a government vehicle will be your responsibility, as are any fines or tickets resulting from traffic violations. Unauthorized use of a government vehicle may be grounds for dismissal.