2025 HLTT Volunteer Job Descriptions

HEART LAKE TURTLE TROOPERS JOB DESCRPTIONS

Our Mission

Our mission is to support the protection and monitoring of the local turtle population through a citizen science volunteer program, by working in partnership with community stakeholders to raise community awareness, recruit and engage citizen volunteers and organize and deliver public engagement activities.

The fine print

The position could be updated along the way and by attending training, you will have a better idea of what is involved. Time commitment is per week but we understand that life gets in the way or you have vacation or that some weeks you may put in more time to help future weeks out. The key is to communicate your availability or lack of availability to your lead(s).

JOB DESCRIPTIONS

TURTLE SPOTTER - NOT A FORMAL VOLUNTEER POSITION

The Position:

This is NOT a formal volunteer position. You do not register with us and you are not provided with any formal training if this is the only job you will be doing.
You can contact us through our HOTLINE(647-474-4748) by text or call, Turtle Help form, social media or Website.
You will stay at least two car lengths away if watching the turtle and not disrupt the turtle.
Ideally, we would like a Turtle Spotter to stay to watch a turtle until we get a Turtle Protector Volunteer to arrive at the site

Must-Have:

No previous experience needed
Access to phone or internet so you can contact HLTT
Phone camera
Ideally, will need to be able to use GPS location apps (e.g. Google Maps)
Spotters who wish to be on wetland chat groups and attend training must take sign up as a Turtle Protector Volunteer

Time commitment: 5 minutes per turtle. This is something you can do anytime while walking on our local trails, parks, or even neighbourhoods

Age requirement: Any age with supervision where appropriate. Dog walkers can perform this activity but must maintain an appropriate distance from the turtle.

TURTLE PROTECTOR VOLUNTEER

The Position:

Turtle and turtle nest protection and monitoring field volunteers are for those who love spending time outdoors!
Spring season: assist with basking surveys or where turtles are out of water and need assistance in staying out of harm’s way
During turtle-nesting season (end of May-early July):

assist with monitoring of the local wetlands to identify turtles out of water or turtle nests that require protection
participate in wetland chat groups and respond to “call to action” when needed
install nest protectors as needed
update appropriate surveys and provide details for tracking purposes
provide clear communication to the leads and executive team

While monitoring a turtle maintain a suitable distance away from the turtle (at least 2 cars length)
Assist with crowd control on turtle nesting or hatchling release activities, helping educate the public
Do not move or handle turtles unless they are in harm’s way!

Must-Have:

No previous experience necessary. Just bring your enthusiasm and love of the outdoors and our local wildlife!
Completed TRCA online Training (previous years training will be counted)
Completed orientation with the Executive/Lead team at the specific wetlands with minimum of refresher with the team
Use of Facebook and/or Facebook Messenger, since these are currently our group’s main method of communication
Phone camera
Will need to be able to use GPS location apps (e.g. Google Maps).
Will be required to download Survey123 app to your phone for documentation

Time commitment: 2 hours minimum/week. It is desirable that you dedicate specific times as well as have some flexibility as we cannot control wildlife responses. Based on your availability; busiest times are between mid/late May and early July as well as mid August to the end of September, particularly on muggy/drizzly days.

Age requirement: 14+ years of age, must be at least in high school. Ages 14-17 must have a parent or guardian sign a waiver form. Certain activities may not be appropriate for young children for prolonged periods of time and dogs are not desirable for some of the activities.

SENIOR TURTLE PROTECTOR VOLUNTEER

The Position:

Same as Turtle Protector with increased responsibility
May be required to check nests under permit parameters
May be required to excavate a nest under permit parameters
May be required to assist in transport of hatchlings to and from Scales Nature Park in Oro Medonte
May be required to assist in releasing incubated hatchlings to their home wetland following permit guidelines
Should be prepared to talk to the public about our roles and responsibilities with our permits as well as educate the public in our turtle protection activities
May assist in research project

Must-Have:

Must have the minimum completion of one year or partial year as a Turtle Protector Volunteer
Completed TRCA online Training (previous years training will be counted)
Completed orientation with the Executive/Lead team at the specific wetlands with minimum of refresher with the team
Use of Facebook and/or Facebook Messenger, since these are currently our group’s main method of communication
Phone camera
Will need to be able to use GPS location apps (e.g. Google Maps).
Will be required to download Survey123 app to your phone for documentation
Must be comfortable with speaking to members of the public
Must take SCALES NATURE PARK advanced training
Will need to download specific Scales apps and GPS apps to your phone for documentation and adhere to their guidelines on documentation (Slack and Mergin Maps)

Time commitment: 4-6 hours or more per week from May to October - peak times are mid May to mid July, throughout August and mid October to early November

Age requirement: 18+ years

BOX MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS VOLUNTEER

The Position:

This position is ideal for people who are handy with tools and like to “fix” things!
Our nest protectors frequently get damaged or worn out due to normal wear-and-tear or vandalism
We rely on our Box Maintenance & Repairs Volunteer to ensure the mesh screen is securely fastened on the nest protector

Must-Have:

Must have a minimum of Turtle Protector Volunteer training
Ability to operate hand-tools (screwdriver/drill/staple gun)
Must use proper protective equipment while performing tasks

Time commitment: 2 hours/week but very flexible schedule. Based on your availability; busiest times are early May (before nesting season) and October/November (after fall hatchling season)

Age requirement: Any age. Children (age ≤ 13 years old) must be accompanied by an adult or guardian when volunteering. Ages 14-17 must have their parent or guardian sign a waiver form. Certain activities may not be appropriate for young children – more info can be provided.

EDUCATION & OUTREACH VOLUNTEER

The Position:

Our E&O Volunteers spread awareness and knowledge about our local turtle populations and the habitats in which they live
Our E&O Volunteers speak with members of the public to share knowledge necessary to make informed decisions, and to become stewards in whatever ways they can
Our E&O Volunteers also speak with members of the public regarding what Heart Lake Turtle Troopers is about and the work that we do
Training will be provided but you will also need to have some hands-on knowledge by having participated as a Turtle Protector Volunteer

Must-Have:

Must be comfortable with speaking to members of the public
Must have a minimum of Turtle Protector Volunteer training
Should have proven knowledge of our program and turtles in general

Time commitment: Additional 2-4 hours around event/education session.

Age requirement: 14+ years of age (must at least be in high school). Ages 14-17 must have their parent or guardian sign a waiver form.

EVENTS or FUNDRAISING VOLUNTEER

The Position:

Fundraising Volunteers are needed to assist with fundraising projects such as in special events and sales of promotional items such as t-shirts and other swag
We might need your help in distributing items to other volunteers who committed to purchase promotional items

Must-Have:

Must have a minimum of Turtle Protector Volunteer training
Ability to work with other volunteers is essential
Experience in fundraising, marketing, event management, grant writing, and media relations are all assets but enthusiasm for a great cause is paramount

Time commitment: Additional 2 hours/week around event/ session for planning and launch.

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER VOLUNTEER

The Position:

As SMM, you will work with the Marketing Executive team to determine and implement the best strategies to grow our following and engagement on social media with the goal of increasing engagement
You will develop and post professional, engaging content 2-3 times per week across our social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X [formerly Twitter] and YouTube)
Engage with HLTT followers on the different channels we have! “Like” and respond to people’s comments, etc.
Align content with the website where needed

Must-Have:

Must have a minimum of Turtle Protector Volunteer training
Background and/or interest in wildlife, nature, and environmental and habitat conservation
Tech-savvy and proficient in Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X.
Ability to schedule posts in advance to allow for timely communications through all our channels
Excellent communication skills and ability to coordinate with the Executive team regarding group announcements, events, and new initiatives

Time commitment: Very flexible schedule. 5-10 hours per week. This may be a fully remote position.

Age requirement: 18+ years old

WEBSITE ADMINISTRATOR VOLUNTEER

The Position:

As Website Administrator, you will work with the Executive team and Social Media Manager to create and update website content
You will help HLTT ensure functionality, usability, navigability, and visibility of the HLTT website across multiple browsers and device types

Must-Have:

Must have a minimum of Turtle Protector Volunteer training
Familiarity with web-design concepts. We don’t need a web expert; we just need someone who would be willing to assist us in uploading content onto our new website
Ideally can suggest driving content

Time commitment: Very flexible schedule. 2 hours per week. This is a fully remote position.

Age requirement: We will consider any age if you have the experience and knowledge.

DATA COORDINATOR VOLUNTEER

The Position:

As a data coordinator, you will work with the Executive and Lead team to maintain and ensure compliance to our data tracking
You will advise of improvements to the data tracking and work with the team to implement where appropriate
You will ensure the various data repositories are in sync

Must-Have:

Must have a minimum of Turtle Protector Volunteer training
High level of experience with Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets
Some experience with downloading data through ArcGIS or equivalent

Time commitment: Very flexible schedule. 5 hours per week during nesting season and hatchling release season, 2 hours per week otherwise. This is a fully remote position.

Age requirement: We will consider any age if you have the experience and knowledge.

WETLAND LEAD VOLUNTEER

The Position:

As a lead to a specific wetland, you will be familiar with the area and the turtle behaviours
You will watch the wetland chats and provide updates or ask for assistance where necessary
Periodically, you will ask for assistance in a planned activity such as nest box maintenance work, hatchling releases, or nest box reviews
Work with the Executive team on key initiatives at your wetland
Liase with key stakeholders as requested

Must-Have:

Must be comfortable with speaking to members of the public
Must have a minimum of Senior Turtle Protector Volunteer training
Should be physically able to walk their wetland and handle the nest box protectors
Should have proven knowledge of our program and turtles in general

Time commitment: 5 hours per week or more, flexible hours, oncall periodically to support issues

Age requirement: 18+ years of age

EXECUTIVE TEAM MEMBER

The Position:

Drive strategy for events and volunteer program
Liase with key stakeholders
Focus on mission and long term plans

Must-Have:

Must be comfortable with speaking to members of the public
Must have a minimum of Senior Turtle Protector Volunteer training
Should be physically able to walk their wetland and handle the nest box protectors
Should have proven knowledge of our program and turtles in general

Time commitment: 5 hours per week or more, flexible hours, oncall periodically to support issues

Age requirement: 18+ years old.

TURTLE TAXI VOLUNTEER - THIS IS NOT A FORMAL VOLUNTEER POSITION WITH HLTT

The Position:

Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre (OTCC) has Turtle Taxi Volunteers that enable hundreds of turtles from all over Ontario to receive life-saving treatment and care each year
In this position, you will drive injured turtles to the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre in Peterborough, or part way through to Peterborough for a relay trip. Long-distance trips often involve multiple drivers to get the turtle from the location it was found to the OTCC
Turtles will be transported in enclosed containers – drivers do not need to handle the animals directly
If you are interested in this position, we will provide you with the email address to contact OTCC to get you signed up. OTCC will add your name and email address to their turtle taxi driver email list. This list receives emails about turtles needing rides and you only have to respond when you are available to do the drive!
Heart Lake Turtle Troopers do not manage this position but we will ask for volunteers to take turtles to care facilities as needed

Must-Have:

You do not need to sign up with our group if this is the only position you will be doing
No previous turtle-handling experience necessary, in fact, you are not to bother or touch the turtles
Class G Driver’s License
Access to a vehicle that is fully insured; no gas/mileage reimbursement is provided by HLTT nor OTCC
Required to sign up for the OTCC Turtle Taxi Volunteer group

Time commitment: Based on your availability. You only need to respond to the social media/email callouts if you are able to make the trip, e.g. you are heading in the same direction as what is required.

Age requirement: 18+ years old.