Volunteers are vital to the success of the Harpeth River Watershed Association. Much of our restoration work and community impact relies on the generosity of individuals who volunteer their time and talent to assist on various projects.

HRWA is expanding its volunteer program to offer other opportunities to individuals interested in protecting their water resources, learning new skills and having a great time! The descriptions below describe these new opportunities. If you are ready to have fun, meet new people and actively work toward preserving our water resources for future generations, contact us today to join our fantastic volunteer team. Training may be required.

 

Contact for more information:

Sarah Gann, Education, Outreach and Volunteer Programs Manager,
(615) 790-9767
sarahgann@harpethriver.org

 

Become a Volunteer

Download the Volunteer Application and email or mail it to:

Sarah Gann (sarahgann@harpethriver.org)
Harpeth River Watershed Association
P.O. Box 1127
Franklin, TN 37065

 

Volunteer Position Descriptions

 

Volunteer River Restoration Corps

Volunteers will assist in physical restoration work on selected stream sites by creating and installing cedar revetments, building bridge structures, assisting with river clean up events or planting trees. Volunteers may also photograph sites for documentation and recommendation for restoration work.

Volunteers should:

• Be interested in aquatic science and protecting the environment

• Be willing to work as a team and have fun!

• Be 18 years or older or accompanied by an adult (families and groups are welcome)

• Be available to volunteer on at least 4 events per year

• Be physically able to navigate entry and exit to a stream site and work comfortably in or near the water

• Be able to lift items weighing 25lbs or more

Training:

No previous experience or training is required. All information will be taught on-site.

 

Volunteer Scientists

Volunteers will assist in water quality monitoring through tests and visual assessments. Tests may include dissolved oxygen, turbidity, stream flow, benthic macro-invertebrate sampling and others. Volunteers will participate in scientifically valid studies that provide data on the quality of water resources in our area.

Volunteer should:

• Be interested in aquatic science and attend training to learn sampling techniques

• Be willing to work independently to obtain samples and run tests at designated intervals and return data in a timely fashion

• Be 18 years or older or if younger, accompanied by a trained adult

• Be able to navigate the stream site to obtain needed samples

• Be willing to participate in a minimum of 1 study cycle per year

Training:

No prior experience is required, training on sampling and testing techniques will be provided prior to survey.

 

Adventure Volunteers

Volunteers will lead field trips for HRWA members and other community groups to their favorite watershed sites. Events may include bird-watching, wildflower walks, canoeing, kayaking, biking or hiking. Volunteers are encouraged to suggest other types of adventure experiences. Each event will require approximately 3-4 hours of time.

Volunteers should:

• Be experienced in designated event

• Be 21 years or older and have reliable transportation

• Be certified in First Aid, carry HRWA first aid kit to event

• Be able to provide all personal equipment, participants provide their equipment

• Be available to lead or assist with 2 or more events per year

Training:

Experience and enthusiasm are the main pre-requisites for this position. Knowledge of local history and ecology is helpful, but not necessary.

 

Horticulture Volunteers

Volunteers will present information to various civic organizations or school classrooms on topics such as building rain gardens, installing rain barrels and using native plants in their landscape. Volunteers may also represent HRWA in area garden shows. Volunteers may use PowerPoint presentations, table display of established gardens, handouts of native plant suggestions and information on purchasing rain barrel materials.

Volunteers should:

• Be interested in gardening, native plants, water conservation or related topics

• Have experience or be trained in installation and maintenance of rain gardens and rain barrels

• Be comfortable delivering messages and demonstrating techniques in a small workshop setting

• Be 18 years or older and have reliable transportation

• Be available to deliver 2 or more workshops per year

Training:

Training workshops will be provided on a quarterly or as needed basis. Training workshops will last 2-3 hours.

 

Ambassador Volunteers

Volunteers may assist with school fairs, community festivals, classrooms or party planning for events such as the Hootenanny and Silent Auction. Programs may consist of short-repeated activities or pre-packaged lessons that teach a variety of topics related to water quality and river life. Programs may be related to a restoration event and parties may be related to fundraising events. Volunteers may also host informational/recruitment booths at events while discussing HRWA mission and goals.

Volunteers should:

• Be enthusiastic about clean water and healthy rivers

• Attend training to learn programs and key messages

• Be comfortable delivering messages to students of all ages

• Be 18 years or older and have reliable transportation

• Be available to deliver 3 or more programs per year

Training:

Training workshops will be provided on a quarterly or as needed basis. Training workshops will last 2-3 hours. Depending on program, additional training may be required.

 

Volunteer Speakers Bureau

Volunteer will attend public meetings, group meetings and other community events to provide brief talks about the mission of HRWA. Volunteers may utilize table top display, print media, PowerPoint presentations and membership information during presentation. During meetings, volunteer may be asked to discuss HRWA’s stance on the issue and take note of citizen concerns and return information to staff. Volunteers may deliver prepared talks on HRWA history and accomplishments and how individuals can become involved. Volunteers may also assist with fundraising drives.

Volunteers should:

• Be enthusiastic about clean water and healthy rivers

• Attend training to develop an understanding of HRWA mission and key messages

• Possess excellent verbal communication skills

• Be comfortable with public speaking

• Be comfortable utilizing electronic presentation equipment during program

• Be 18 years or older and have reliable transportation

• Be familiar with elected officials and current issues

• Be available to volunteer during 3 or more events per year

Training:

Training workshops will be provided on a quarterly or as needed basis. Training workshops will last 2-3 hours. Depending on program, additional training may be required.

 

Administrative Volunteers

Volunteers will take phone calls and direct them to the correct staff member, assist with filing, copying, mailings or preparation for events such as the Hootenanny. Volunteers may also assist with newsletter preparation, light typing, updating the member database files or helping to create/gather display materials for festivals or events.

Volunteers should:

• Be willing to assist in an office setting with accompanying tasks

• Be comfortable with phone interactions

• Be 18 years of age or older

• Be available to volunteer 2 days per month for 2-4 hours at a time

Training:

Training will occur on the job during first few volunteer shifts.

 

Consultant Volunteers

Consultant volunteers are those professional individuals or companies that provide pro- bono project-based services, such as lawyers, scientists, business people, photographers, artists, computer experts, etc. These volunteers work with the staff member who has responsibility for the identified project. Volunteers will be contacted as needed.

 

Volunteer Benefits

Each volunteer’s time and talent is extremely valuable to the Harpeth River Watershed Association. In an effort to recognize the contributions of our volunteers, several benefits will be provided to active volunteers.

Benefits may include:

• Harpeth River Watershed Association T-shirt

• Harpeth River Watershed Association Volunteer name badge

• Recognition in the Harpeth River Watershed Association newsletter

• Entrance into a drawing to win Hootenanny tickets based on hours donated

• Invitation to annual Volunteer Recognition event

• Recognition of hours donated