MassWildlife Volunteer Code of Conduct

Volunteers with MassWildlife are expected to adhere to the volunteer code of conduct.

Thank you for your interest in becoming a volunteer with the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife). MassWildlife is responsible for the conservation—including restoration, protection, and management—of fish and wildlife resources in Massachusetts for the benefit and enjoyment of the public. Massachusetts is home to an impressive variety of plants, fish, and wildlife, from the well-known black bear to the endangered bog turtle. MassWildlife employs a diverse and committed staff of over 150 professionals who work to balance the needs of both wildlife and people. MassWildlife’s activities are mainly supported by revenue from the sale of hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses, stamps, and permits, a portion of federal taxes on hunting and fishing equipment sales, various bond initiatives, and donations.

MassWildlife relies on volunteers (both formal and informal) to help support a variety of programs and services, including hunting and angling programs, wildlife education, and observation and monitoring. The purpose of these guidelines is to establish the rules of behavior and deportment of formal volunteer instructors who are considered unpaid agents of the Commonwealth while they are actively involved in teaching or training within MassWildlife programs. Examples include: Hunter Education Volunteer Instructors, Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Program Mentors, Angler Education Volunteer Instructors, and volunteers for the Deer Hunt for Paraplegic Sportsmen. 

Volunteer Liability and Indemnification

While actively involved in teaching or training within the Program and strictly following the guidelines set forth by MassWildlife, the volunteer may be considered a Public Employee under MGL. c. 258 (Tort Claims Act). Under the Tort Claims Act, employees of the state will be indemnified from personal financial loss, all damages and expenses, including legal fees and costs, if any, in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000 arising out of any claim, action, award, compromise, settlement or judgment by reason of an intentional tort, or by reason of any act or omission which constitutes a violation of the civil rights of any person under any federal or state law, if acting within the scope of his official duties or employment. Public employees will not be indemnified for grossly negligent, willful, or malicious civil rights violations. In any litigation, the final determination of whether a person is considered an uncompensated Public Employee is made by the Attorney General’s Office.

Volunteer Instructor Conduct

Because Volunteers represent MassWildlife, they are expected to follow these rules of behavior and deportment. Rules include:

1. Volunteers must follow the prescribed teaching program. Only those materials, supplies, teaching aids, and equipment approved by MassWildlife can be used in the program.
2. Volunteers must complete training as prescribed by the MassWildlife Program Coordinator and maintain ongoing certification in compliance with program policies and procedures.
3. Volunteers must comply with all MassWildlife Program policies and procedures. Courses will be monitored by MassWildlife staff to observe instructor compliance with program policies and procedures.
4. Volunteers must be committed to the MassWildlife Program and its objectives.
5. Volunteers must maintain positive working relationships with fellow volunteers and Program staff. Volunteers must be a positive role model to all course participants.
6. Volunteers must recognize the bounds of instructor responsibilities and authority.
7. Volunteers must treat everyone with respect and maintain a courteous and positive attitude.
8. Volunteers must maintain a clean and neat appearance to present a positive image to the public. Provided uniform items and instructor ID badges should be worn where applicable.
9. Volunteers must not use profane, obscene, discriminatory, or other unbecoming language or actions.
10. Volunteers must maintain positive course evaluations from students.
11. Volunteers will not pressure any student to become a member of any club, association, or other organization while conducting any MassWildlife Program.
12. Volunteers must not share personal opinions about regulations and laws, lobby for a political cause or candidate, or distribute political material
13. No engaging in any commercial activity.
14. No smoking or chewing tobacco or marijuana.
15. No alcoholic beverages or non-prescription drugs before and during Program activities.
16. No conduct that may be dangerous or detrimental to the Program or its participants.
17. No arguments with or criticism of others while in front of course participants. Settle disagreements in a responsible manner outside the classroom, using the chain of command as necessary. 

Sexual Harassment and Abuse

The purpose of this section is to protect volunteers, staff, and students from situations in which they are vulnerable to abuse. Massachusetts General Law defines sexual harassment as a form of sex discrimination. Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or other behavior of a sexual nature when:

• Submission to or rejection of such advances, requests or behavior is made, either explicitly or implicitly, a term or condition of inclusion or a basis for a program decision; or   
• Such behavior has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with performance; or
• Such behavior has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, humiliating or sexually offensive environment. 

To prevent sexual harassment volunteers must abide by the following:

1. At least two instructors will be present at every program. Some programs may require additional minimum instructors.
2. In situations that require individual discussion such as verbal testing and test reviews, the meeting must be conducted in the view of others.
3. Physical contact when providing instruction should be appropriate and only with permission.
4. Instructors must ensure that the privacy of all course participants is respected. Any intrusion of privacy should occur only when health and safety are at risk.
5. Physical/verbal hazing are prohibited.
6. All aspects of MassWildlife’s Programs are open to observation by parents, guardians, staff, and approved agents of the MassWildlife Program.
7. In the event harassment or abuse is reported to a volunteer or suspected in any MassWildlife Program, it must be reported to the MassWildlife Program Coordinator. If you experience harassment or abuse as a volunteer, you have the right and are encouraged to file a complaint with the MassWildlife Program Coordinator. Once an allegation of abuse or harassment is made, immediate and appropriate action will be taken to resolve the situation. 

Diversity, Inclusion, and Non-Discrimination

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts recognizes the importance of inclusion, diversity, and equal opportunity in all aspects of state-sponsored programs, services, and activities.  MassWildlife employees and Program Volunteers share accountability and responsibility to support a culture of inclusion that values and promotes diversity and equal opportunities for all people. Staff and volunteers are held to a high standard to ensure programs remain free from discrimination and harassment. All programs, activities, and services provided shall be conducted without discrimination based on race, color, age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, disability, veteran's status (including Vietnam-era veterans), or background. This applies to all people related to the MassWildlife Program, including staff, volunteers, and students. If discrimination or harassment is reported to you or suspected by you in any MassWildlife Program, you must be report it to the MassWildlife Program Coordinator. If you experience discrimination or harassment as a volunteer, you have the right and are encouraged to file a complaint with the MassWildlife Program Coordinator. Once an allegation of discrimination or harassment is made, immediate and appropriate action will be taken to resolve the situation. 

Disciplinary Action and Termination

If it is determined that a volunteer has violated this Code of Conduct or received poor instruction evaluation, MassWildlife will take such action as is appropriate under the circumstances. Such action may range from additional required trainings to termination. MassWildlife may remove a volunteer from service if MassWildlife determines that the volunteer is in violation of any rule set forth in this Code of Conduct. Other reasons for termination or removal include but are not limited to:

1. Conviction for any felony or crimes related to domestic violence.
2. Conviction of or citation received for violations of any laws or regulations related to fish, wildlife, or natural resources.
3. Failure to meet the minimum federal and state requirements relative to possession of firearms, rifles, or shotguns.
4. Failure to meet any requirement of program required instructor certification/re-certification.

Any volunteer so removed from service shall be notified in writing.  Such notice shall indicate the reason and effective date of removal. Any instructor removed for cause or who voluntarily leaves the program shall make arrangements to return their instructor ID card, uniform, equipment, supplies, and all other Program materials in their possession within 14 days of date of termination. Any volunteer wishing to be reinstated after having been removed for reasons of inactivity shall contact the MassWildlife Program Coordinator.