Volunteer Policies & Important Information

Volunteer Selection & Placement
OPR Coastal Primate Sanctuary reserves the right to accept or decline volunteer applicants and to determine volunteer assignments based on the needs and priorities of the organization. Placement may take into consideration an applicant’s availability, experience, skills, training, reliability, ability to safely perform the responsibilities of the position, and compatibility with available volunteer opportunities.

Volunteer assignments may be changed, reassigned, suspended, or discontinued when necessary because of sanctuary operations, safety concerns, animal welfare considerations, staffing needs, policy violations, or other organizational circumstances.

Unpaid Volunteer Status
Volunteer positions with OPR Coastal Primate Sanctuary are unpaid. Volunteers provide their services freely and without expectation of wages, employee benefits, or future employment. Volunteer service does not create an employment relationship with OPR.

Washington law generally defines a nonprofit volunteer as an individual performing services without compensation other than limited reimbursement or allowances for actual expenses.

Background Screening
As part of the application and selection process, OPR may conduct appropriate state and/or national criminal-history screening. Applicants will be notified before an inquiry is made through the Washington State Patrol or an equivalent federal law-enforcement inquiry, where applicable. 

Where OPR uses Washington’s qualified-entity fingerprint screening process, applicants have rights concerning the privacy, accuracy, and correction of criminal-history information before that information is used to determine suitability for volunteering.

Health & Safety Requirements
For the protection of our animals, volunteers, staff, and visitors, volunteers must comply with OPR health and safety requirements, including annual TB screening, sanitation and biosecurity procedures, personal protective equipment requirements when applicable, and any other health precautions established by the sanctuary.

Orientation & Training
All volunteers must complete required orientation and training before performing assigned duties. Volunteers may only perform activities for which they have been trained, authorized, and assigned.

Confidentiality & Conduct
Volunteers are expected to maintain appropriate confidentiality regarding sanctuary operations, animal information, donor information, security procedures, and other non-public information. Professional and respectful conduct is required while representing OPR or participating in sanctuary activities.