Every group that visits Itasca Station is required to have an On-site Lead. The Lead serves as the coordinator, primary point of contact (for both the group and Itasca staff), and on-site supervisor for their group. On-site Leads are responsible for knowing the details of their group’s stay at Itasca, communicating any changes to the group’s needs to Itasca staff during their time at the station, and ensuring that all their group members are following station policies.
In the case where the On-site Lead responsibilities are split between different individuals, it is important to clearly define who is covering which responsibilities and communicate this division of responsibilities with their group members and with Itasca staff. The On-site Lead is not required to be the same person who made the arrangements for the group’s stay at the station, so Itasca Staff must be notified of who will serve as the On-site Lead via [email protected] before the group arrives at Itasca Station.
The following list provides an overview of the On-site Lead's responsibilities. These will be detailed in depth in the On-site Lead training (coming soon!).
- Complete the online On-site Lead training (link in Training Hub coming soon!).
- Reside on-site for the entire duration of the group's stay.
- Provide on-site supervision for group members.
- Know the details of the stay, including check-in/check-out dates, spaces reserved, etc.
- Know who the group members are (participants and their guests).
- Know relevant medical issues and dietary restrictions in the group.
- Ensure that participants with severe dietary restrictions (e.g., life threatening allergies/celiac disease) check in with dining hall staff upon their arrival.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for your group's health and safety needs, and be prepared to respond in an emergency (it is recommended to designate a secondary point of contact for group health/safety emergencies).
- Serve as the primary point of contact for group members and for communication with station staff.
- Attend the Station Welcome Talk (if scheduled) along with all group members.
- Ensure every member of the group is aware of and following all station policies and code of conduct.
- Ensure proper use of rented space and equipment.
- Encourage respectful and timely dining hall use.