Congratulations! I am pleased to welcome you as an SCA Conservation Intern! Based on reports from the thousands of interns who have served before you, you can expect to have a challenging and rewarding experience. Equally important, you will be making a vital contribution to the conservation efforts in the area you will be working.
This manual will help you prepare for your new position. In addition, there are enrollment forms which must be completed and returned prior to the start of your internship. SCA assigns the highest priority to your safety. Please read the safety advisories in this manual. Take full advantage of training opportunities you will receive from professional agency staff and always follow the safety guidelines and instructions provided by your supervisor. Lastly, please recognize that you may be most exposed to serious injury when pursuing recreational opportunities during off-duty hours. Safety awareness and practices should extend to leisure time activities in addition to your professional responsibilities.
Let me welcome you personally into the SCA family. If you have any questions or problems during your internship, please do not hesitate to contact your assigned Program Representative.
Good luck to you!
SCA Service Logs is the way SCA keeps in touch with members and the service they get done every day. With SCA Service Logs, members complete daily entries that tell us how many hours they serve, what work they accomplished, trainings they received, and much more. With SCA Service Logs members have a running tally of all their service achievements—a handy list they can use to update their SCA application, improve their resume, or get credit for their service.
How to get started:
AmeriCorps members use SCA Service Logs for tracking AmeriCorps Education Award service hours. AmeriCorps members should complete online service logs and have a printout of service logs approved by their supervisor at the end of each month. Specific details for AmeriCorps members are available on the AmeriCorps page of the Selected site.
Please make sure to read the Service Logs Training for Members, the step-by-step instructions and the detailed FAQs. Please contact your Conservation Internship Program Representative with questions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pets are not allowed in agency housing. Please do not take animals with you.
We want the public to know about the great work you’re doing. In order to spread the word, we’d love it if you could help by:
Some ideas for great shots include picturesque settings, yourself at work or any other interesting aspect of your internship. Digital photos are best (JPEG format is ideal), but we’d be happy to see your 35mm pictures too! Try to get crisp, clear shots that show the nature of your work and surroundings. Indoor pictures should be well-lit and as uncluttered as possible.
Writing a press release!
Tell people about your work! We have provided a template to help you. Your on-site supervisor can also be a great resource. The press release should be sent to newspapers in your hometown and the town closest to where you’re working. Your family and friends will be proud to see the article you’ve written! (There is no guarantee, of course, that newspapers will print your story, but we received many copies of articles that did get published last season.)
Use your own words to genuinely and personally express your points of view.
Send your press release by email or fax. If you use email, discuss with your coordinator the best email address from which to send the release. Be sure to include your press release text within the body of the email – do not send the news release as an attachment! Many media do not accept them due to virus concerns.
Speak to your SCA coordinator or your site’s Public Information Officer (PIO) about obtaining contact information for area media. Site personnel will likely know which reporters cover your site on an ongoing basis and the best means for getting your press release to them.
If one or more of the reporters who receive your press release contact you to conduct an interview or send a photographer – don’t panic! Make the appropriate arrangements with the reporter in consultation with your coordinator. Try to relax and be yourself. If it makes you feel more comfortable, ask your coordinator to listen in on the interview.
Please email a copy of your press release to SCA at CIPR@theSCA.orgThis [4] e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .
SCA trusts you to speak well for the organization and is confident of your ability to do so. If you have questions about what is appropriate to include in your press release or wish to have your release reviewed before you send it, please contact Deirdre Fitzgerald, Director of Communications at 603.543.1700 ext. 173.
If your story is published, please let us know by emailing Deirdre Fitzgerald at DFitzgerald@theSCA.orgThis [5] e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or by sending original copies to: SCA PR Office, P.O. Box 550, Charlestown, NH, 03603.
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| Press_Release_Template.doc [6] | 28 KB |
As a Conservation Intern you are automatically covered by SCA’s accident insurance, which provides 24-hour coverage for accidental injuries only during working and non-working hours. This insurance is an excess coverage policy, so you must use any other medical/health insurance policy you have available (of your own, or your parents) first. If you have no other insurance, SCA’s accident insurance becomes the primary policy. You will find a National Union insurance card included below. Please print it and keep it where you can easily access it.
If using SCA’s accident insurance, complete a claim form (we will send one to you or the SCA Coordinator at your site should you be involved in an accident) and return it to SCA along with any bills for authorization. Do not send the form to the insurance company! If the claim is approved, the insurance company will pay the hospital or clinic or reimburse you, as appropriate. Please read Information on Accident Insurance [link to this page] for details on coverage, benefits and exclusions.
Conservation Interns participating in a 6-12 month program who do not have medical coverage of their own will be provided medical coverage through Mega Life Insurance Company.
The limits and exclusions of the accident insurance policy are described below. This plan pays for reasonable expenses incurred within 52 weeks of the date of the accident, up to the maximum allowed by the policy, which are not covered by other insurance. This insurance policy does not include coverage for non-accident (e.g. illness) medical expenses.
Up to $100,000 Blanket Accident Medical Treatment and Accidental Death & Dismemberment.
The above benefits are payable for a covered loss occurring while participating in a Student Conservation Association program. The coverage is 24-hour accident protection for the entire term of participation in an assigned program. The Blanket Accident Medical Treatment benefit is payable for actual charges in excess of reimbursement you receive or are entitled to from other insurance or prepaid medical programs. This insurance policy is not in effect anytime that you are working a paying job in your off hours or if you are hired temporarily by the agency to which you are assigned.
Benefits will not be paid for a Covered Person’s loss that is:
1. Caused by or resulting from:
(a) intentionally self-inflicted injury, suicide or any attempt or threat while sane; or self-destruction or attempted self-destruction while insane;
(b) voluntary self-administration of any drug or chemical substance not prescribed by, and taken according to, the directions of a doctor;
(c) any loss which is covered by state or federal Worker’s Compensation, employer’s liability or occupational disease law;
2. Caused by or resulting from:
(a) declared or undeclared war or an act of either;
(b) riding as a pilot or crew member in any vehicle or device for aerial navigation;
(c) service in the armed forces of any country; however, orders to active military service for two months or less shall not constitute service in the armed forces;
(d) sickness or disease, except pyogenic (pus forming) infections which occur through an accidental cut or wound;
3. Caused by or resulting from:
(a) normal health checkups;
(b) dental care or treatment other than care of sound, natural teeth and gums required on account of injury resulting from an accident while the Covered Person is covered under this policy, and rendered within 6 months of the accident;
(c) services or treatment rendered by a doctor, nurse or any other person who is:
(i) employed or retained by the Policyholder or Participating Member; or
(ii) who is the Covered Person or member of his/her immediate family;
(d) charges which:
(i) the Covered Person would not have to pay if he/she did not have insurance; or
(ii) are in excess of Usual and Customary charges;
(e) expenses for nervous or mental disease or disorders, except as specifically provided for in the policy;
(f) expenses to the extent that benefits or services are provided by any Health Care Plan but only to the extent that such benefits relate to charges of the type included under covered medical expenses. In no event shall such reduction reduce total benefits payable beyond an amount equal to 100% of total allowable expense;
(g) alcoholism or drug addiction, except as specifically provided for in the Policy;
(h) eyeglasses, contact lenses, hearing aids or examinations or prescriptions therefore.
National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, PA
AIG Claims Services
Insurance Card
Policy #GTP9109533
The Student Conservation Association, Inc.
P.O. Box 550
Charlestown, NH 03603-0550
603-543-1700
__________________________ _____________________
Intern Signature Social Security #
The material contained on this site is provided for general information purposes only and is not a complete description of all terms, conditions and exclusions applicable to the product described. For a complete and up-to-date description of the terms, conditions and exclusions of insurance coverage please contact the SCA Conservation Internship program at 603-543-1700.
SCA understands that adults of legal drinking age may choose to consume alcohol after work hours and off program time during their term of service with SCA. Instead of prohibiting this activity, SCA strives to foster a culture of personal and professional responsibility where the consumption of alcohol by legal adults may be done in a responsible manner. With this in mind, alcohol consumption while an SCA member is a privilege and not a right. If the consumption of alcohol becomes a management or safety issue, SCA may revoke this privilege.
The following standards are in addition to the SCA drug-free workplace standards outlined in the SCA Employee Handbook (p.18).
Alcohol is permitted in SCA rented/leased/donated housing under the following circumstances:
1. You must be of legal drinking age.
2. Where alcohol consumption is prohibited by the SCA partner or facility, it will necessarily be prohibited by SCA.
3. There may be no partying in SCA housing (e.g., coolers, kegs of beer).
4. The consumption of alcohol may not infringe on the SCA experience of other members in the dwelling.
5. It is unlawful for minors to be offered or to consume alcohol.
6. No driver of an SCA vehicle my consume alcohol (designated driver rule).
7. Alcohol consumption may not negatively influence a member’s performance during their service.
8. Alcohol is not permitted to be consumed on a field-based hitch.
Per SCA vehicle standards, alcohol is not permitted (consumed or transported) in SCA vehicles (SCA Field Operation Standards, p. 51) It is prohibited to either consume or be under the influence of alcohol during service hours consistent with the standard outlined in the SCA Employee Handbook, p.18.
Alcohol consumption must be done in accordance with all local, state and federal laws.
SCA high school program crew leaders may only consume alcohol after work hours either before crew members arrive or after they depart the program.
Any behavior occurring off-time that is unbecoming of an SCA member or that negatively impacts SCA’s partners or the communities in which we work is grounds for dismissal.
This AmeriCorps orientation is required for all SCA members enrolled in the SCA AmeriCorps Education Award program under federal regulations set by the Corportation for National and Community Service, the federal agency which oversees AmeriCorps. If you are not enrolled, please skip this section.
Please read the attached AmeriCorps Orientation document. Thank you.
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| AmeriCorps_Orientation_2011.doc [7] | 85.5 KB |
All selected interns are subject to a criminal background check. The background check is part of the selection process and must be completed before the intern begins their service. The background check process may take up to 2 or more weeks, please plan accordingly as it can have an impact on your start date. The process and forms used for the background checks are in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act. All information pertaining to the process will be kept confidential. Past history of crimes against youth or other vulnerable populations, violent crimes, or crimes of moral turpitude may disqualify the applicant for an internship. All information will be kept confidential and shared with SCA program supervisory staff in the event of an unfavorable record. An email will be sent to the intern directly from Sherri Lloyd in our HR Department. The background check company is EasyBackgrounds.com. Please note: this background check is separate from and may not qualify for background checks or security clearance as required by your hosting Agency.
We are confident that in your upcoming term of service, you will meet resource management and conservation professionals of the highest personal and professional integrity. Some of these people will inspire you, serve as mentors, and have a lasting effect on the rest of your life. You will come to value and treasure your opportunity to work side by side with these experienced professionals.Even in a workplace as professional as those of our cooperating agencies, discrimination can occur. It is the policy of all of our partner agencies to maintain a workplace environment free from any type of discriminatory conduct, including making statements or jokes, or committing acts regarding a person's race, color, national origin, religion, gender, physical condition, age, marital status or sexual orientation that are offensive, derogatory, or harassing. Nonetheless, over the years, a small number of our volunteers have reported that they were victims of violations of this policy. Therefore, we feel that it is our responsibility to advise you that there is a possibility, however remote, that you could be confronted with discriminatory behavior. Most of us immediately recognize the more overt forms of discrimination. There is one kind of discrimination that sometimes takes subtle and insidious forms, namely, sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is not merely defined as sexual advances and/or requests for sexual favors that are unwelcome. It is also verbal comments, gestures and/or physical contact which is deliberate, repeated, unwanted and unsolicited.Sexual harassment can sometimes be so subtle that it is not readily recognized at first. It may take the form of unwelcome verbal comments, jokes, suggestions or derogatory remarks based on sex; unwelcome physical touching, pats, squeezes, repeated brushing against or the impeding or blocking of one's movement; unwelcome visual harassment, sexually suggestive or derogatory pictures, drawings or cartoons; unwelcome communications, notes, phone calls or e-mail. This may include words or actions that the initiator intends to be "harmless", benign or playful, but which may not be so perceived by the recipient or an onlooker.From your perspective, you should take seriously and not tolerate any conduct that makes you feel uncomfortable, degraded or intimidated. Also, do not ignore offensive behavior because it occurs outside of work hours. Inform the initiator that his/her words and/or actions are unwelcome and state that they should not be repeated and will not be tolerated. If the behavior continues, or if you do not feel safe or comfortable confronting the individual directly, please report the situation immediately to your supervisor or, if this is not appropriate, to any other management representative of your choice.Many of our hosting sites have Personnel Directors or Equal Employment Opportunity Representatives who are trained to deal constructively and professionally with incidences of harassment. We urge you to consider contacting these officials. They will make sure that your concerns are dealt with in confidence to the extent consistent with a full and fair investigation. Oftentimes, they are experienced enough to resolve the difficulties you may be experiencing through informal discussions. However, they will also know when more formal measures are called for which they will advise you of, but will not take without permission (with the rare exception of serious assault).These measures could involve conducting a thorough investigation of your allegations, interviewing others who may have witnessed the behavior which has caused you discomfort, identifying any areas of factual dispute, and eventually reaching a conclusion as to whether the alleged conduct constituted a violation of agency policy or federal or state law. If this is indeed the case, they will know the next steps to take to invoke remedial action or sanction. They also will ensure that there will be no retaliation of any kind as a result of your utilization of their complaint procedures. No action will be taken against any individual who makes a good faith complaint or against any individual participating in the investigation or enforcement of this policy. However, any individual who knowingly makes a false claim of sexual harassment will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.We all have a responsibility for maintaining high standards of conduct in the workplace. Sexual harassment has no place in it and should never be condoned. Most importantly, for your own well being, we urge you to not tolerate it and to take the steps outlined above, if necessary. Please remember that our agency partners will not be able to take remedial action to correct problems or individuals if they do not know that inappropriate behavior is occurring. Think of the next person who will be in the position you are in and allow our agencies to send out the message that sexual harassment is simply unacceptable.
Each agency counts on SCA interns to accomplish certain goals for the season. Work schedules and plans are made according to the agreed-upon dates of your tour of duty. If for any reason you leave your position before your tour of duty is completed, you must notify both your Coordinator/Supervisor and your SCA Program Representative .Under most circumstances you are required to return the unearned portion of the living allowance. If you leave early, you will also forfeit your return travel grant. The only exceptions to this policy are early departures required by
To avoid jeopardizing your return travel grant and your AmeriCorps education award (if applicable), confirm your starting and ending dates with your Coordinator or Supervisor well in advance of beginning your position. When you discuss these dates with your Coordinator, take into consideration any commitments you have after your tour of duty is complete (e.g. school, job, etc.). Do not commit yourself to position dates you cannot fulfill. With agreement by the Coordinator, you are free to decide upon dates that are mutually satisfactory. However, you may not shorten or extend your program without notifying SCA in advance.
You will receive a bi-weekly subsistence allowance via a Chase e-Funds debit account. These cards are provided in partnership with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Upon receipt of your completed enrollment forms, SCA will process your card to ensure you receive it promptly. Your card will automatically “re-load” every two weeks during your internship. When applicable, your travel grant reimbursement will also be loaded onto the card with your first and last stipend.
To activate or check your balance please call 1-877-669-9806 or email www.mychasepaymentcard.com [8].
You will typically receive your card within 2-3 weeks of starting your internship providing all paperwork has been recieved by SCA. If you have not recieved your card in this time, please contact your Member Rep at the SCA Office.
Upon receipt of your enrollment forms, a Chase e-Funds card will be sent to your site.
To activate your new Chase e-Funds card, please call 1-877-669-9806 or visit the website at www.mychasepaymentcard.com [8] and follow the directions.
Your PIN or Personal Identification Number is a secret four-digit code that gives access to your card account. Always keep it separate from your card, and never tell it to anyone. Your PIN is ready to use as soon as you activate your card.
No. It’s a prepaid debit card. Each time you use the debit card, the purchase or withdrawal amount is deducted from the amount available in your account. There is no routing number attached to the card.
Since no credit is being extended, a credit check is not required but Chase does do an identity verification. Please send your social security card, license, passport, and/or birth certificate along with your enrollment forms in order to be sure that your identity can be verified.
No minimum balance is required to keep the account open.
No. Your account does not earn interest.
If so, will the charge be added to my withdrawal? Most ATMs charge non-customers a service fee or surcharge between 50 cents and $1.50 for using the ATM. This amount will be deducted directly from your account at the time of withdrawal. You can avoid ATM surcharges by using a Chase, Bank One, and other surcharge-free ATMs. Look for the Allpoint logo on ATMs at Target stores nationwide. You can also find Allpoint logos regionally at many grocery and convenience stores. For a full list of Allpoint locations in your area go to www.allpointnetwork.com [9] and type in your ZIP code.
*PLEASE NOTE*: If the surcharge screen appears during your Allpoint ATM transaction, enter “yes” to accept the surcharge and proceed with your withdrawal. You will not be charged the surcharge fee, which you can verify by checking the ATM transaction receipt.
Visit www.chase.com [10], click on “Personal Accounts” then click on “Find ATM/Branches”. Or visit www.allpointnetwork.com [9] and use the ATM locator.
Your Chase e-Funds card can be used to withdraw your funds at over 900,000 ATMs worldwide within the Chase, Visa®, Pulse®, or Interlink® networks. You can access your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week using your Chase e-Funds card. Your card will also be accepted at retail locations, such as, grocery stores and drug stores that accept Visa® debit cards. You can get money back in addition to your purchase using debit POS (Point of Sale) at participating locations.
Always select "checking".
You will receive one free ATM withdrawal per disbursement. After each additional withdrawal, you will be charged $1.75 per transaction. Please see the Chase pricing sheet for more details.
Yes, if you select "checking" as account type. There may be a $1.00 fee for an ATM balance inquiry. You can always get free balance information by accessing the Chase E-funds website, www.myaccount.chase.com [11] or by dialing the toll-free number on the back of your card.
To change any personal information such as address and phone number on your account, please contact SCA. [link to map] In addition, you should update your records by calling the Customer Support number on the back of the card 1-877-669-9806.
You may choose either. If you select “credit” simply sign your receipt and go. If you select “debit” you will be asked to enter your PIN after swiping your card.
You can access the full amount of your funds by requesting cash back when making a point-of-sale debit purchase (for example, at a supermarket). To receive exact cash back at a supermarket or similar vendor, select “other” at the machine, then type in the exact amount you would like. Money orders can be purchased at a post office if necessary. You can also make a purchase and get cash back for free at a post office. You may also access your full account balance by requesting a cash disbursement at a bank that displays the Visa logo (fees may apply).
Your Chase card will expire on its expiration date found on your card. You may call to cancel your account any time after your position ends. If you will be serving with SCA in the future, you can keep your card active for later use.
The Chase e-Funds program allows you to withdraw all of your funds in a single day (up to $3,000 for ATM and PIN-based purchases combined) and to spend up to $5,000 per day via signature-based purchases. Remember that individual ATM’s vary regarding the amount they allow you to withdraw at one time.
Since your card has a Visa logo, you will be able to use your Chase e-Funds card for both transactions. For online purchases you must use the zip code of the address on your statement.
Your transaction history listing all transactions in the statement cycle, including deposit credits and transaction debits, is available at no charge through the internet at www.myaccount.chase.com [11] or by calling the toll-free number on the back of your card.
For your security and privacy, only you and Chase Bank can see withdrawal and purchase transactions. SCA can only view the credits that Chase Bank makes to your account.
If you are having difficulties with your Chase e-Funds card, please call Customer Support at 1-877-669-9806.
If your Chase e-Funds card is stolen, notify your Program Director and call Chase Customer Support IMMEDIATELY at 1-877-669-9806. Your card will be deactivated and a new one mailed to you. If your card is lost, you will be responsible for the $15 replacement fee.
Your card cannot be used until you activate it. You select your own PIN number, and you can change your PIN number at any time during the life of your card by calling Customer Service.
The free Chase ATM withdrawals will continue to bank each time you do not use it.
You cannot transfer funds directly to or from this Chase account as there is not an ABA number attached to it.
The following attachment is a list of Chase card fees that you, the cardholder, will be responsible for.
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| chase_member_fees.pdf [12] | 293.96 KB |
Paylocity will allow you to view and print your living allowance statements online 24/7.
Please follow the instructions in the following attachment in order to register on the Paylocity website.
| Attachment | Size |
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| paylocity_instructions.doc [13] | 198 KB |
Your subsistence allowance is automatically loaded onto your Chase e-Funds Debit Card on a bi-weekly schedule.
Please note: If your enrollment forms aren't recieved on time you will be automatically be moved to the next pay date, there are no exceptions.
Also, you must contact your Member Representative at SCA with any pay schedule changes by the Monday before the pay date that the changes need to be reflected on. In some instances your Supervisor at the site may need to verify changes before they are made.
Pay Date Must have all paperwork and changes by:
11/18/11 11/10/11
12/02/11 11/24/11
12/16/11 12/08/11
12/30/11 12/22/11
01/13/12 01/05/12
01/27/12 01/19/12
02/10/12 02/02/12
02/24/12 02/16/12
03/09/12 03/01/12
03/23/12 03/15/12
04/06/12 03/29/12
04/20/12 04/12/12
05/04/12 04/26/12
05/18/12 05/10/12
06/01/12 05/24/12
06/15/12 06/07/12
06/29/12 06/21/12
07/13/12 07/05/12
07/27/12 07/19/12
08/10/12 08/02/12
08/24/12 08/16/12
09/07/12 08/30/12
09/21/12 09/13/12
10/05/12 09/27/12
10/19/12 10/11/12
11/02/12 10/25/12
11/16/12 11/08/12
11/30/12 11/22/12
12/14/12 12/06/12
12/28/12 12/20/12
01/11/13 01/03/13
It has been brought to our attention that SCA interns have been experiencing problems using their Chase e-Funds cards, particularly at gas pumps and resturants. We've been working diligently with JP Morgan Chase to resolve this issue.
If you experience any problems using your Chase e-Funds card, contact your SCA Program Representative. Please have the following information handy:
1. What state/town were you in when you attempted to use the e-Funds card?
2. What type of store?
3. What was the store's name?
4. Were you attempting to pay for gas? At the pump or in the store?
5. What time of day were you trying to use your card?
6. What type of error did you get? (i.e. invalid number, declined, insufficient fund)
7. Were you using credit or debit? (Did you try both?)
8. What was the dollar amount of the transaction at the time of error?
9. Did you ask for your card number to be entered manually? (Did this work or not?)
Paying at the pump may result in a decline. Instead, go inside, pay the attendant a specific amount before you pump, and sign the receipt.
When paying a restaurant tab, keep in mind that you may need to have enough in your account for the dining bill and a 15-20% tip for the transaction to be approved. You may also use an ATM prior to dining out and pay with cash.
For more information, please click here [14].
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.
t 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pets are not allowed in agency housing. Please do not take animals with you.
The budget for travel costs is set at $650 (roundtrip). Travel costs exceeding $650 will be approved under special circumstances, such as when the intern is required to bring a car to the field site, when flying outside the continental United States (Alaska and Hawaii), flying to remote areas, the intern is selected late by the hosting agency or when a training is required as part of the internship. If an intern submits a Travel Budget Form with a cost greater than $650, she or he may be expected to pay for travel in advance and will be reimbursed $650 by SCA. As indicated, such overages to the budget will be approved based on mitigating circumstances.
When a vehicle is required for the position, travel will be reimbursed at 19 cents per mile, plus $60 per night for lodging, up to a maximum of eight nights (roundtrip).
Whether or not a car is required for the position, SCA does not assume risk for damages that occur to personal vehicles, or repairs/maintenance that become necessary en route to the field site or during the course of the service period.
SCA expects the hosting agency to provide transportation for the performance of official duties or full reimbursement for the use of personal vehicles for such purposes.
Interns are required to book their flight using Egencia [15], SCA’s web-based travel vendor. Interns are expected to book their air travel as early as possible. Neglecting to do so may result in extra costs for the intern.
An internship begins once the intern has arrived at the field site, and ends when the intern leaves the site to return home. If the intern leaves the position before completing a full length of service, they will forfeit return travel reimbursement and may be required to return travel funds received. If the intern declines the internship position after SCA has purchased round trip travel, the intern may be required to return funds expended on their behalf.
Interns with approved air travel will be able to receive a reimbursement for checked luggage. When an airline charges fees for checked luggage, the intern will be reimbursed up to $50 to cover roundtrip luggage fees. Reimbursement will be calculated by doubling the fee charged on the departure flight. For example, if the intern is charged $20 in luggage fees on the departing flight, a second $20 reimbursement can be expected for the return trip. Receipts for luggage fees incurred on departure flights must be submitted at least four weeks before the intern leaves the field.
Fees for any additional luggage will be the responsibility of the intern, except in instances where the partnering agency approves extra funds for additional luggage/equipment.
SCA expects you to make your own travel arrangements, with a few exceptions. Interns traveling to Alaska, Hawaii or the Virgin Islands and those participating in the 6-12 month positions that choose to fly must go through SCA’s travel agency.
The Travel Budget Form must be completed and returned to SCA for reimbursement. SCA will load one half of the total round-trip travel cost on your Chase e-Funds debit card. The return travel cost will be loaded onto the card approximately 2 weeks before your scheduled departure.
Please read this entire document for a clear understanding of how you should use the Egencia on-line site to make your travel arrangements.
In order to provide greater efficiency and convenience for Amtrak travelers, Egencia is pleased to announce the Amtrak online booking functionality on our site, effective as of April 27, 2011. You can now enjoy a more efficient Amtrak booking process as well as faster boarding with Amtrak's convenient barcode right on the Egencia itinerary.
When am I eligible to utilize the online travel service that Egencia provides for SCA?
Your SCA contact will notify you when you are eligible for SCA-paid travel to/from training and/or to/from your program site.
When is the best time to book my travel on-line with Egencia?
We suggest booking your travel on-line Monday through Friday, 8:30am-5pm (until 3pm is best on Friday) EST, as soon as possible after selection. This will enable your supervisor to approve your itinerary quickly and help keep down the cost of your ticket.
How do I get to the Egencia website?
Click here -> visit Egencia [16].
This link will take you to the Egencia website and Create an Egencia User Account. Fill out the traveler profile, filling out all of the mandatory fields. Please be sure the name used in the traveler profile matches the name on your photo ID.
Note: Due to higher flight prices, interns traveling to Alaska or Hawaii will be allowed to book flights that exceed the $650 travel budget.
How do I pay for my travel?
If you have been authorized to log-on to the Egencia website, SCA has made previous arrangements to pay for your air travel. If SCA is paying for this travel, then they will also pay the associated booking fee.
If you are paying for all or a portion of your travel to/from your site, (again, as outlined by your SCA contact), then you should use your own credit card for payment. Any reimbursement (if applicable) would be made after the travel expense has been submitted to SCA. If you are paying for your travel, then you will be responsible for paying the associated booking fee.
If you decline your Internship position after SCA has purchased your round trip travel, you may be required to return funds expended on your behalf.
Who do I call at Egencia in the event I have travel problems?
The phone numbers to call at Egencia for an agent to assist you with any travel problems are
1(866)397-2677 or 1(702)939-2530.
| Attachment | Size |
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| online_booking_-_southwest_airlines.doc [17] | 135 KB |
SCA assigns the highest priority to the well-being of our members, and we all share the philosophy that there is no compromise when it comes to safety. While SCA is proud of our unparalleled record of safety, we are also mindful that maintaining this record requires constant care, diligence and attention.
Every visitor to a national park, forest or other natural preserved area, and certainly every visitor who ventures into the backcountry, incurs certain risks. The participants in SCA's programs are no exception. Whether posed by the elements, the terrain, the wildlife or the work, these risks are inherent to our programs and to the settings in which they are conducted. We cannot eliminate these risks or guarantee the safety of SCA participants. While you are serving your internship, you need to be cognizant of your own safety and the risks associated with some activities in which you may participate. We encourage heightened awareness of personal safety, particularly now that you will be living and serving in a new and unfamiliar environment.
In recent years, among the most common accidents befalling participants in SCA programs have been vehicle-related injuries. It is therefore critical that you read and heed the advice below even though it may seem commonplace.
Whether driver or passenger, be sure to observe all the normal safety precautions of seatbelts, speed limits, and vehicle and weather conditions. These can become critical under work and travel conditions you may encounter during your assignment.
If you are working with any of the federal agencies, you may need an Operator’s Permit before you can drive any government vehicle. Before driving any government vehicle, you must learn all the rules, regulations and operator maintenance procedures applicable to that vehicle and in your area. Whether you are driver or passenger, all the above continue to apply at any time you are in a government vehicle.
For those involved in operations off paved roads, special precautions are required. Travel on dirt, gravel, narrow, muddy, steep or backcountry roads, or on routes off any road at all, requires special attention, judgment, and occasionally training. Keep in mind that such travel may involve impaired sight distance over hills and at corners, loose gravel or sand, stream crossings, steep hills, soft shoulders and other factors affecting the control and handling of four-wheel drive vehicles.
If at any time you are driving a vehicle transporting other people, be sure you have learned and observe all required safety rules and practices. This applies especially to those circumstances where people are transported in open vehicles or with items of equipment.
SCA interns have also had accidents and close calls operating their own and others’ vehicles during their off-duty time. Please remember that the attention to generally-accepted safety procedures is no less crucial when you are tired after a day or week’s work than it is while on duty.
Finally, whenever you leave a vehicle, please be sure it is secured, in gear and the parking brakes are set.
Living and working in sometimes remote outdoor locations can expose you to increased environmental hazards. These hazards strike the uninformed more than the prepared, so being knowledgeable of accepted safety precautions will minimize the risks you may incur. In addition, be sure to learn about other hazards that may be specific to the area in which you are working (e.g. bears or other wildlife, unusual weather conditions). Your Supervisor should provide you with such information and any necessary training. If you are uncertain, ask. Below is information on just a few of the hazards you may encounter and the information provided is not intended to be inclusive.
To protect yourself outside, go to a low-lying, open place away from trees, poles, or metal objects. Make sure the place you pick is not subject to flooding. Be a very small target! Squat low to the ground. Place your hands on your knees with your head between them. Make yourself the smallest target possible. Do not lie flat on the ground—this will make you a larger target!
Be especially watchful for wildlife at dawn, dusk, and in the first few hours after darkness falls. Many species of wildlife are most active at these times, so drive slowly and be alert.
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by certain ticks, and if untreated, can be quite dangerous. If your internship is in a part of the country with a high incidence of Lyme disease (to find out, check the Centers for Disease Control [18] web site, then you should take the extra precautions advised by the CDC.
SCA’s number one priority is the safety and well-being of our members. While SCA maintains a remarkable safety record, we do not assume it can remain so without exceptional diligence and a high level of commitment from you as the intern’s supervisor.
SCA is proud of our safety record and risk management program. Utilizing 49 years of experience, SCA has developed standards and guidelines that promote a strong safety culture. SCA continually evaluates safety through hazard assessments, incident and “near-miss” analysis and integrates the lessons learned into our protocols, procedures and training. In addition to being time and event-tested, SCA's risk management protocols and procedures are thoroughly reviewed (and revised, if necessary) annually by SCA’s Risk Management Team.
SCA’s 24 hour contact number is 800-967-6449. This line has been set up to support our members, staff, and agency partners. During business hours, this line rings directly in to SCA Headquarters at Charlestown, NH. Outside of regular business hours, including weekends and holidays, this number will connect you with an on-call staff member. This staff member will provide you support and/or connect you with the appropriate SCA staff member. This line should be used for urgent communications and not for normal business use. During normal business hours please call 603-543-1700 and alert the person answering the phone to the nature of your call.
In the event of an injury, accident, illness or other serious incident affecting the health or well-being of a Conservation Intern, please notify SCA as soon as possible by calling our national headquarters at 603-543-1700 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST. Alert the person answering the phone to the nature of your call.
If your emergency takes place outside regular business hours, or if you are unable to reach SCA at the main telephone number, please use our 24-hour emergency contact line: 800-967-6449. Use this number as a last resort, as on-call responsibilities are shared by program staff who may or may not work specifically for Conservation Internships. Do not use this number for procedural or business matters that are best handled during regular working hours.
Seek needed medical attention at once. If an accident or injury occurs off-duty you will need to provide the hospital with your primary health insurance information. If you do not have primary health insurance, the visit will be covered under SCA's 24-hour accident insurance with AIG. You will need to submit a claim form if using this accident insurance. SCA will send this form to your sit coordinator/supervisor upon notification of your injury. You must return it to SCA, along with any bills, for authorization.
If the injury or accident was on the job it will be covered by Worker's Compensation. You will need to contact your program representative immediately to let them know about the situation.
Links:
[1] http://selected.thesca.org/images/stories/selected/service_log_training_mbrs.pdf
[2] http://www.thesca.org/serve/service-logs-guide
[3] http://www.thesca.org/service-log-faq
[4] mailto:CIPR@theSCA.orgThis
[5] mailto:DFitzgerald@theSCA.orgThis
[6] http://www.thesca.org/sites/sca.sf.lmp05.lucidus.net/files/Press_Release_Template.doc
[7] http://www.thesca.org/sites/sca.sf.lmp05.lucidus.net/files/AmeriCorps_Orientation_2011_0.doc
[8] http://www.mychasepaymentcard.com
[9] http://www.allpointnetwork.com
[10] http://www.chase.com
[11] http://www.myaccount.chase.com
[12] http://www.thesca.org/sites/sca.sf.lmp05.lucidus.net/files/chase_member_fees_0.pdf
[13] http://www.thesca.org/sites/sca.sf.lmp05.lucidus.net/files/paylocity_instructions_0.doc
[14] http://selected.thesca.org/images/stories/selected/gas%20and%20resturant%20info.pdf
[15] https://www.egencia.com/pub/agent.dll?qscr=newa&gpid=D4A6AC1B0E57&&zz=1236183165157&nojs=1&dchg=EX01C872B9E4KX%2431%243DBVJU%243Ddp%2430m%2439%2432m%2431%2434%2439p%2435%2432%2439dp%2434%2432%2433x%2436%2434%2438m%2435i%2436%2431%2433um%2435%243B%2E
[16] https://www.egencia.com/pub/agent.dll?qscr=newa&gpid=D4A6AC1B0E57&&zz=1236183165157&nojs=1&dchg=EX01752E7DB8KX%2431%243DBVJU%243Dm%2432%2436%212%2437%2436%2431%2435%2434%2431%2430%2436%2434%2435%2430%212%2431%2437%2433%2439%2431%2437%2438%2437x%2438%212%2432x%2432m%2430%243B%2E
[17] http://www.thesca.org/sites/sca.sf.lmp05.lucidus.net/files/online_booking_-_southwest_airlines.doc
[18] http://www.cdc.gov/