TITLE 16 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER II - VOLUNTEERS IN PARKS PROGRAM

16 USC 18g - Creation of program

The Secretary of the Interior (hereinafter referred to as the Secretary) is authorized to recruit, train, and accept without regard to the civil service classification laws, rules, or regulations the services of individuals without compensation as volunteers for or in aid of interpretive functions, or other visitor services or activities in and related to areas administered by the Secretary through the National Park Service. In accepting such services of individuals or volunteers, the Secretary shall not permit the use of volunteers in hazardous duty or law enforcement work or in policymaking processes, or to displace any employee: Provided, That the services of individuals whom the Secretary determines are skilled in performing hazardous activities may be accepted.

16 USC 18h - Incidental expenses

The Secretary is authorized to provide for incidental expenses, such as transportation, uniforms, lodging, and subsistence.

16 USC 18i - Federal employee status for volunteers

(a) Employment status of volunteers
Except as otherwise provided in this section, a volunteer shall not be deemed a Federal employee and shall not be subject to the provisions of law relating to Federal employment, including those relating to hours of work, rates of compensation, leave, unemployment compensation, and Federal employee benefits.

(b) Tort claims
For the purpose of the tort claim provisions of title 28, a volunteer under this subchapter shall be considered a Federal employee.

(c) Civil employees
For the purposes of subchapter I of chapter 81 of title 5, relating to compensation to Federal employees for work injuries, volunteers under this subchapter shall be deemed civil employees of the United States within the meaning of the term employee as defined in section 8101 of title 5, and the provisions of that subchapter shall apply.

(d) Compensation for losses and damages
For the purpose of claims relating to damage to, or loss of, personal property of a volunteer incident to volunteer service, a volunteer under this subchapter shall be considered a Federal employee, and the provisions of section 3721 of title 31 shall apply.

16 USC 18j - Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this subchapter, but not more than $3,500,000 shall be appropriated in any one year.