SUPPORT WRV
Tool Manager: Equipping Volunteers for Successful Restoration Projects
Tool Managers play a critical role in Wildlands Restoration Volunteers’ projects by ensuring volunteers have the right tools, equipment, and supplies to safely and effectively complete restoration work. As a Tool Manager, you help set projects up for success by managing logistics that support both volunteers and project outcomes.
Tool Managers work closely with WRV staff, Project Leaders, and other volunteer leaders to prepare, transport, organize, and maintain tools. Your attention to detail and organization helps keep projects running smoothly and safely from start to finish.
What Is a Tool Manager?
A Tool Manager is a volunteer leader responsible for overseeing the tools and equipment used during WRV restoration projects. This role ensures that tools are available, in good working condition, and used safely and appropriately. Tool Managers help create an efficient and organized work environment that supports volunteer crews in the field.
How Tool Managers Make an Impact
By managing tools and equipment, Tool Managers directly contribute to project efficiency, safety, and volunteer confidence. When volunteers are properly equipped, restoration work can proceed smoothly and effectively. Tool Managers help reduce downtime, prevent injuries, and support a positive project experience.
Responsibilities and Collaboration
Tool Managers collaborate with Project Leaders, Crew Leaders, Technical Advisors, and WRV staff to coordinate tool needs and logistics. Responsibilities may include inventorying tools, transporting equipment to and from project sites, setting up tool stations, and ensuring proper use and storage during projects.
Background, Training, and Preparation
Tool Managers bring organizational skills, attention to detail, and comfort working with tools and equipment. Prior experience with tools or outdoor work is helpful but not required. WRV provides training and guidance on tool safety, logistics, and project expectations to help Tool Managers feel prepared and confident.
Commitment and Involvement
Tool Managers support projects on a flexible basis depending on availability. The role may involve preparation before project day and active participation during the project itself. Tool Managers are an essential part of WRV’s volunteer leadership team and help uphold the safety and effectiveness of restoration efforts across Colorado.
TOOL MANAGER
Description
The tool manager (TM) is responsible for organizing, transporting, managing, and returning tools and equipment used on projects. Medium- to large-scale projects have more than one designated tool manager.
Objectives
Ensure the appropriate tools and equipment needed for the project arrive on time at the correct location. The TM also makes sure all tools are returned to the tool shed in a clean and well-organized manner after the project and that all tools are accounted for after the project.
Responsibilities
- Work with the technical advisor to determine what tools are needed for the project.
- Work with the cook team to determine which kitchen gear or other project support gear is needed for the project.
- Help the cook team set up and break down cook equipment as needed.
- Transport tools safely to and from the project site. WRV staff will rent a tool truck if needed.
- Organize and distribute tools efficiently to volunteers at beginning of a project.
- Mentor and train new tool managers after you have gained experience.
- Make sure all tools are accounted for and clean when tools are gathered at the end of a project.
- Inventory broken and missing tools and alert WRV staff to any problems with tools.
- Discard all trash, recycles, and compost at end of project.
- Attend project debrief session to provide feedback.
Background or qualifications
Some prior experience working on a WRV project is preferred.
Training and Preparation
Attend tool management orientation, and/or read the Tool Manager Handbook. No prior training needed.
Site Visits and Meetings
The tool manager attends planning meetings and site visits as needed to fully understand the logistics of the project and the tool requirements. The tool manager picks up rental truck if needed.
Commitment
Be a tool manager on at least one project per season.
Oversight
Reports to Project Leader. Works with the Technical Advisor, Cook Team, and WRV staff. Oversees the volunteers helping with tool management.
Measures of success
- Volunteers have the appropriate number and type of tools at the project
- Tools are loaded and unloaded safely
- Tools are returned clean and well organized to the tool shed
- Rental trucks are returned safely and in an appropriate time frame