Animal Education and Rescue Organization

What About The Turtles Volunteers

What About The Turtles · Program Structure

How a WATT Walk
Comes Together

Roles, responsibilities, and the people who make every rescue possible.

Core Roles
1
Required

Construction Liaison

1–2 people

Build and maintain relationships with construction companies.

Responsibilities
  • Identify active construction projects
  • Contact project managers and site superintendents
  • Present the WATT program
  • Obtain site permissions
  • Complete site cover sheets
  • Coordinate pond draining notifications
  • Maintain ongoing relationships with partners
Ideal Skills
Professional communication Organization Phone & email outreach Construction or environmental background
2
Required

Site & Volunteer Coordinator

1 person

Coordinate each rescue event from scheduling to walk day.

Responsibilities
  • Monitor weather and turtle activity conditions
  • Schedule site walks
  • Recruit volunteers for each walk
  • Confirm waivers and training completion
  • Ensure required staffing levels are met
  • Serve as point of contact on walk day
Ideal Skills
Organization Quick communication Volunteer management
3
Required · 1 per walk

Site Lead

1 required per walk

Lead operations in the field.

Responsibilities
  • Conduct safety briefing
  • Check volunteers in
  • Ensure site rules are followed
  • Coordinate search areas
  • Communicate with construction personnel
  • Complete rescue summary after walk
Ideal Skills
Experienced WATT volunteer Leadership ability Construction site safety
4
Required · 1 per walk

Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

1 required per walk

Wildlife expert and legal oversight.

Responsibilities
  • Identify species
  • Ensure legal handling and relocation
  • Assess injuries
  • Determine rehabilitation needs
  • Train volunteers
  • Provide medical triage if necessary
Ideal Skills
Licensed rehabilitator Native turtle & reptile knowledge
5
Required

Rescue Walk Volunteers

4–20 people depending on site

Search for and rescue wildlife in the field.

Responsibilities
  • Walk assigned areas
  • Search silt fencing
  • Document animals found
  • Safely relocate healthy animals
  • Alert rehabber to injuries
Ideal Skills
Ability to walk uneven terrain Follow instructions Interest in wildlife conservation
Optional Roles
6
Optional · Highly Recommended

Data Manager

Manage rescue records and reporting.

Responsibilities
  • Enter rescue data
  • Track species and numbers
  • Generate annual reports
  • Create maps and summaries
  • Support future research projects
Why This Matters: As WATT grows, rescue data can directly influence construction practices and policy.
7
Optional

Education & Outreach Coordinator

Grow public awareness and volunteer recruitment.

Responsibilities
  • Manage social media
  • Coordinate interviews
  • Present at schools and community events
  • Create educational materials
  • Recruit new volunteers
8
Future Growth Position

Research Partner

Turn rescue data into science.

Responsibilities
  • Analyze rescue trends
  • Study turtle movement and habitat use
  • Collaborate with universities and research groups
  • Publish findings
Potential Partners
George Mason University Virginia Herpetological Society Turtle Survival Alliance Northern Virginia Bird Alliance Vernal Pool Specialists
🐢

Minimum Staffing for One WATT Walk

Required headcount by event type
Standard Site Walk
  • Construction Liaison May not attend walk day
  • Site Coordinator
  • Site Lead
  • Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator
  • 3–5 Rescue Volunteers
Pond Drain Response
  • Site Lead
  • Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator
  • 8–20 Volunteers Depending on pond size
  • Data Recorder
  • Photographer / Documentation Volunteer
Waiver of Liability

William A. Hazel — Waiver of Liability & Release

Required for all visitors before accessing a W.A. Hazel construction site. Download, complete, sign, and return prior to your walk.

Download Waiver (PDF)
What to Wear & Bring
🎒

What to Wear & Bring to a WATT Walk

Construction sites are active, muddy, and exposed — come prepared.
☀️

Sun Protection

  • Wide-brim hat or cap — required
  • Sunscreen (SPF 30+) — apply before arrival
  • UV-protective or long-sleeve shirt recommended
  • Sunglasses
🥾

Footwear & Clothing

  • Sturdy boots that can get muddy — strongly recommended
  • Waders — ideal for pond drain events
  • Long pants to protect legs in brush and silt fence areas
  • Clothes you don’t mind getting dirty
💧

Hydration

  • Water bottle — bring plenty, especially in warm weather
  • Sports drink or electrolytes for longer walks
  • No water sources on site — bring everything you need
🧤

Handling Gear

  • Gloves — for safe turtle and wildlife handling
  • Nets — for capturing turtles in water or dense vegetation
  • Buckets provided on site, but feel free to bring your own
📋

Admin & Safety

  • Signed W.A. Hazel waiver — required before entering site
  • Completed WATT volunteer training
  • Bug spray recommended for wooded or wetland areas
  • First aid kit carried by Site Lead
📵

Leave Behind

  • Pets — not permitted on construction sites
  • Open-toed shoes or sandals
  • Children under 18 without a parent/guardian waiver
Pond Drain Events: Water levels can be unpredictable and terrain is especially muddy. Waders are highly recommended. Expect to be on your feet for several hours — dress and hydrate accordingly.