Tech Team Description
Typically called docents at other centers, Tech Team volunteers will have the opportunity to become our on-site “experts” and provide on-site school tours and programs, take tours of other Roseville Utility facilities, assist with special events, conduct research, assist in creating educational programs, and educate and advise citizens in the Center's areas of specialization. Specialty areas include: electricity; solid waste; water conservation; storm and waste water.

• Electricity: This specialty focuses on electrical energy generation, distribution and conservation. Tech Team members will learn about and teach others about Roseville Electric’s energy conservation programs and facilities including the new natural gas power plant, as well as how photovoltaic systems, compact florescent bulbs and LED lighting and other technologies work and can be utilized by the public. A school tour module on electricity will teach students about what electricity is, how it flows and how they can conserve electricity at home.

• Solid Waste: This specialty focuses on solid waste reduction and the proper disposal and reuse of materials. Tech Team members will learn about and teach others about the City of Roseville’s solid waste disposal system and the regional Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) as well as how individuals can reduce, reuse and recycle in their daily lives, and utilize recycled products and materials at home and work. A school tour module on solid waste will teach students what elements are found in garbage and how those items can be recycled, sent to the landfill or separated as toxic waste.

• Water Conservation: This specialty focuses on the use and conservation of drinking and recycled water. Tech Team members will learn about and teach others about the City of Roseville’s drinking water system and recycled water system (treated waste water used to irrigate landscaping and cool the power plant), as well as topics including homeowner and commercial water conservation strategies and new technologies (low flow faucets, toilets, and appliances; landscape design, plant selection and irrigation systems).

• Storm and Waste Water: This specialty focuses on how treated waste water and storm runoff flow through the region's streams and watershed. Tech Team members will learn about and teach others about the City of Roseville’s waste water treatment facilities and the flow of non-point source pollution through the storm drain system. A school tour module on watersheds will teach students how to test and monitor water quality in local creeks.

The volunteer jobs that encompass the above duties are titled Exhibit Hall Docent, Technology Lab Docent, and Green Living Workshop Docent. The Center also offers non-technical volunteer opportunities in support of the educational programs and operations of the facility. Duties most common to front desk receptionists, administrative assistants and exhibit technicians are an important part of the Tech Team. The job that encompasses these types of duties is titled Front Desk Reception. Tech Team members are encouraged to and frequently volunteer in more than one capacity or job here at the Utility Exploration Center.

Type and Length of Training Provided
All Tech Team volunteers will participate in a 2-hour basic training program about the Exploration Center and the City of Roseville. Those team members providing school and public tours will be asked to complete a 6-hour tour guide/communicators training program. Specialization training will incorporate home study and mentoring with Tech Team volunteers and/or City of Roseville staff responsible for managing these technologies.

Time Commitment Requested
Tech Team volunteers are asked to volunteer a minimum of three hours per week – generally to coincide with school tours which will occur on Tuesday through Friday between 10 AM and 3 PM. However, the center will be open on Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM and volunteers will be needed during these hours as well.

Qualifications:

• Required
  Interest in learning about and sharing information on the Center's mission of sustainability and areas of specialization; ability to work with all age and knowledge levels; strong customer service orientation.

• Desired
  Communications skills (writing, public speaking); Research skills; Web site use and computer skills; background in education, environmental sciences, or public utilities.

• Special requirements and conditions
  Fingerprinting and background checks will be conducted on all candidates.

To sign up to Volunteer Click Here (This will take you to www.myvolunteer.com/Roseville)
If you have any questions, please call Melissa Kinsey, Volunteer Coordinator at (916) 746-1553 or mkinsey@roseville.ca.us