The normal work week consists of five (5) days, eight (8) hours long. The actual days of the week that you work may include weekends because of the intensive nature of oiled wildlife rehabilitation. However, you must not work more than five consecutive days, eight hours long, without time off unless approved by your supervisor. Your schedule of daily work hours will be given to you by your supervisor. You will be notified promptly whenever a change is necessary. Should you have any questions concerning your work schedule, please ask your supervisor.
Absence or Lateness
From time to time, it may be necessary for you to be absent from work. IWR is aware that emergencies, illnesses, or pressing personal business that cannot be scheduled outside your work hours may arise. If you are unable to report to work, or if you will arrive late, please contact your supervisor immediately. Give him or her as much time as possible to arrange for someone else to cover your position until you arrive. If you know in advance that you will need to be absent, you are required to request this time off directly from your supervisor. He or she will determine when will be the most suitable time for you to be absent from your work. Because of the temporary nature of oiled wildlife rehabilitation, IWR only pays for actual hours worked.
When you call in to inform IWR of an unexpected absence or late arrival, ask for your supervisor directly. For late arrivals, please indicate when you expect to arrive for work. Notifying the switchboard operator or a fellow-project worker is not sufficient. If you are unable to call in yourself because of an illness, emergency or for some other reason, be sure to have someone call on your behalf. If your supervisor is not available when you call, you may leave the information with another supervisor.
Attendance
You are expected to be at your work station and ready to work at the beginning of your assigned daily work hours, and you are expected to remain at your work station until the end of your assigned work hours, except for approved breaks and lunch. When your work takes you away from your work station, please let your supervisor know where you are going and how long you expect to be gone.
Breaks/Rest Periods
You are entitled to two (2) fifteen (15) minute rest breaks each day. Normally these rest breaks will be scheduled in mid-morning and mid-afternoon. These will be determined by your supervisor. Always be sure to return to work on time at the end of any break. If you must take an unplanned break, please coordinate with your co-workers to maintain adequate coverage of your responsibilities, especially when caring for animals.
Lunch Period
If you work longer than four (4) hours, you will be given an unpaid lunch period. The time when lunch periods are scheduled varies depending on the needs of the rehabilitation program. Your supervisor will give you your lunch period schedule.
You may leave the premises during your lunch period, however, you must punch in and out /sign in and out. It is important to return to work on time at the end of your lunch period.
Lunch Room Facility
For your convenience and health, IWR provides a lunch room for those who want to bring their lunch from home. This area is for everyone’s use. It is your responsibility to do your share in keeping this facility clean and sanitary. Please clean up after yourself. In some cases, meals may be catered so that project workers do not have to leave the rehabilitation center.
