Employee Training Module 8

Introduction Employees perform best when they have been properly trained. When Employees know the rules and policies the are less likely to make mistakes that will lead to financial, legal and logistic problems.

Implement Policies The District Board decides the policies the District will implement. A policy is a statement of intent, and is implemented as a procedure or protocol. Employees follow and execute Board policies.

Implement Activities The district hosts and directs activities for their area that benefit conservation. Employees are hired to help organize and implement these activities. Activities can include: Student education, area tours, workshops, community garden, poster contest, speech contest, county fairs.

District Organizational Structure Supervisors are elected officials, and are held accountable to the public Board Members (Supervisors) The District Manager directs the rest of the staff and reports directly to the board. District Manager No public servant [while acting on behalf of their agency] shall solicit, accept or agree to accept any pecuniary benefit from a person known to be subject to such regulation, inspection, investigation or custody. The Staff Members report to the District Manager or directly to the board (depending on the district) Staff (Admin Assistants and Others)

Roles of the Board and Staff Supervisor Staff Sets policy on finance, personnel and other matters Provides information to board. Implements approved policies

Advise board on issues, projects, budgets and other matters Employees see the day to day needs of the district. They can give educated opinions and information to the Supervisors. Then the Supervisors can make better decisions.

Employees implement and are involved in district activities and programs. People need to know about these programs! Employees report on activities and programs to the board, residents and partners. This can be verbally or written.

Development of Training Plans Supervisors should have a document detailing employees’ responsibilities and how they will accomplish those responsibilities. Supervisors should also specify who should be doing the training for these responsibilities.

Training Certification If outside programs are needed to train employees for specific responsibilities (ie, Quickbooks, weed certification), those should be planned for.

Mentoring Employees work well if they have a mentor they can turn to for help or advice. The IDEA (Idaho District Employee Association) is a great resource to help with mentoring new employees. Former employees or people from other agencies can also help mentor new employees.