(5)_Attch_3_SBSC_policy_guidelines.pdf

United States Department of the Interior

U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

SOUTHWEST BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE CENTER

2255 NORTH GEMINI DRIVE, MS-9394

FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA 86001-1600

928 556-7094 Telephone

928 556-7070 Fax

April 6, 2017

SOUTHWEST BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE CENTER INSTRUCTIONAL MEMORANDUM

Type: POLICY

From: David Lytle Center Director

Subject: ALCOHOL AND ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES - Prohibitions on the use of alcohol and illegal substances

This memorandum documents prohibitions on the use of alcohol and illegal substances for employees, contractors, cooperators and volunteers of the Southwest Biological Science Center

(SBSC).

1. ALCOHOL

• No alcoholic beverages may be consumed during working hours, or when otherwise engaged in field operations or work-related travel. This specifically includes any time personnel are in or on a government owned, leased, or rented vehicle or boat—regardless of alternative work schedules on the trip.

• Alcohol may only be consumed during off-duty hours. To assure that there is no residual effect of alcohol, no alcoholic beverage may be consumed within 4 hours of the beginning of an on-duty cycle.

• Alcohol may be transported in government vehicles but should be placed out of sight in the load. All alcoholic beverages transported shall be loaded directly from trucks to boat(s) or field housing if possible. If alcoholic beverages must remain on the boat ramp or in view of the public for some time, they shall be kept covered until loaded on the boat(s) or into field housing. Operators and passengers in government vehicles must obey all applicable State laws, including "open container" prohibitions.

• Storage or consumption of alcohol on the USGS facility and grounds is strictly prohibited by Department of Interior policy. Alcoholic beverages transported to the facilities for off-duty use while participating on field or river trips shall be loaded directly into transportation

Attachment 3 140G0318Q0039 vehicles upon arrival. Any remaining alcoholic beverages at the end of a field trip must be removed from the facilities immediately following the trip.

• Alcohol is a prohibited item for government credit card purchase. Alcohol taken on a field or river trip must be purchased with private funds.

• Consumption of alcohol is a personal decision, and those consuming alcohol are responsible for their own behavior and conduct. Body weight, age, sex, and other factors affect blood alcohol and associated physical and behavioral effects, and you must be aware of and stay well within your "limit." This may be one drink for some, or more for others. Again, know your limit and stay well within it.

• Respect the sensitivities of others regarding alcohol use. Some field or river trips may be no-alcohol as determined by the trip leader. If the host or location for a project have more restrictive guidelines, you should follow their lead; as one example, be aware of the laws and customs in other countries.

• Use particular discretion when you are around (or are likely to encounter) members of the public; this includes contact with recreational field or river trips. All individuals associated with SBSC activities (employees and non-employees) are expected to be professional and respectful at all times, and this includes avoiding offense to others, including in situations regarding consumption of alcohol.

• On trips with participants who are under age 21, SBSC management, the trip leader, and trip sponsors determine if there is any alcohol on the trip. If alcohol is allowed, trip leaders and all other participants will be responsible for assuring that there is no under-age drinking.

• Confirmed violation of these policies will be addressed within the full range of appropriate administrative and disciplinary actions, ranging from a verbal reprimand or written letter of reprimand, review of contracts, and temporary suspension without pay. Repeated, serious violations may lead to removal from employment and/or termination of contracts.

• Incidents involving misuse of alcohol and violations of these policies must be reported via the SBSC Incident Reporting process and form. This applies to anyone observing any such violations.

2. ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES

• Use of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited in the workplace, including field or river operations, or in camp (DOI Departmental Manual 370 DM 792.9 states "the use of illegal drugs by Federal employees, on or off duty, cannot be tolerated").

• Confirmed violation of this policy will be addressed within the full range of appropriate administrative and disciplinary actions. Violations may lead to removal from employment and/or termination of contracts.

• Incidents involving misuse of illegal substances must be reported via the SBSC Incident Reporting process and form. This applies to anyone observing any such violations.

3. SCOPE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

These rules apply equally to employees, cooperators, contractors, volunteers, and any other participants in USGS work activities, whether at USGS office locations, field sites, or while on official travel. Adherence to these rules and guidelines, and to presenting a professional appearance to other agencies, cooperators, and the general public, is everyone's responsibility.

Trip leaders, senior staff, and employee supervisors are, in particular, responsible for assuring that staff and non-staff alike adhere to the guidelines included here. In consideration of the safety of all involved, they can and should take immediate steps to curtail any problems. Safety, however, is the responsibility of everyone and all employees, volunteers, contractors, and cooperators are expected to act in any case where they feel there are concerns for the safety of any members of the group. It is also expected that will report any issues and concerns using the Incident Reporting process.