Extension Volunteer Onboarding Procedure

The Extension volunteer onboarding process ensures that all prospective volunteers are welcomed, informed, and properly prepared for their roles. The following steps outline the standard procedure:

Step 1 - Application Submission

Interested individuals must complete the Extension Volunteer Application. The online application will email local county Extension professionals with the application submission to review*.

Paper copies are available in English and Spanish.

• Applications are reviewed locally for eligibility and alignment with program needs.
• If the applicant meets eligibility and aligns with program needs, proceed to the next step.

*If you or someone in your office needs to be added to the notification list for volunteer applications, email Robert Moore.

Step 2 - Interview

Applicants must participate in an interview to learn more about the program and share their interests, skills, and availability.

• Conduct interview
• Review required volunteer onboarding documents with the applicant

Step 3 - Screening and Required Onboarding Documents

Screening includes reference checks, background check, and signing volunteer onboarding documents.

Reference Checks
Extension professionals can send out reference forms to the three references provided by the applicant by mail, email, or contact the reference by phone.

Fingerprinting
All Extension volunteers must complete a fingerprint background check. Fingerprint results can take anywhere from two weeks to several months. While waiting for results, it is encouraged to have the applicant complete the required onboarding documents during that time. 

• Please review the fingerprinting process and complete required documents associated with fingerprinting.
  • UNR Fingerprint Packet (sections for applicant and Extension professional to fill out and/or sign)
  • Fill out the Fingerprint Card and rollprints (sections for the applicant and Extension professional to fill out and/or sign)

If you receive a notice that the applicant is unable to volunteer based on the results of the fingerprint background check, please send them the non-acceptance letter. The letter provides information for them to reach out to UNR Police Services if they would like to discuss their results in more detail. 

Volunteer Onboarding Documents
Required volunteer onboarding documents must be signed and kept on file at local county Extenison office. Below are the required documents:

• UNR Policy on the Protection of Children Packet
  • Form B & C must be signed by volunteer annually and kept on file at local County Extension Office
• NSHE Terms of Employment for Volunteer Document
• Extension 4-H Child Abuse & Neglect Self-Study Guide
• Adult Assumption of Risk Wavier
• Photo Release Wavier
• Extension Volunteer Code of Conduct
• Volunteer Position Description (Program specific)

Step 4 - Orientation, Training, and the Volunteer Management System

Accepted volunteers may attend an orientation online and/or in-person developed by their volunteer program area to learn about the program, UNR Extension, and expectations of the volunteer position.

Volunteers may complete any required initial training specific to the program area they are volunteering in.

All volunteers must be entered into Workday unless they are approved 4-H or Master Gardener volunteers.

• 4-H volunteers are to enroll in 4-H Online. This system houses 4-H volunteer information and annual consent documents.
• Master Gardener volunteers are to enroll in Extension Online. Master Gardener volunteers will use this system to track their annual commitment hours, as well as house Master Gardener volunteer information and annual volunteer consent documents. 

Step 5 - Ongoing Support

It is extremely important that volunteers receive supervision, continuing education opportunities, and regular check-ins from the local Extension office. Specific program areas may provide support in continuing education opportunities. 

Encourage volunteers to provide regular feedback. This is crucial in creating a positive and meaningful volunteer experience.