Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Volunteer Services Specialist position assists the Volunteer Services Manager in daily volunteer operations including recruitment, training, and retention. They promote the mission of the zoo by assisting in creating and carrying out volunteer orientations and supporting volunteers and events staff during events. The Volunteer Services Specialist may oversee the work assignment and work performance of volunteers and interns and advocate for the BZI volunteer program in the local community through knowledge and enthusiasm.

DUTIES

1. Assists in the recruiting of group and corporate volunteers for Zoo’s annual special events
2. Coordinates and implements recruiting, onboarding, and daily support for the Teen Volunteer Program
3. Supervises and support volunteers and paid interns during daily volunteer/intern opportunities and special events
4. Collaborates with interdepartmental teams to achieve designated volunteer and events goals
5. Continues to assess volunteer needs/opportunities to ensure high quality program
6. Assists the Volunteer Services Manager in maintaining an up-to-date volunteer training manual and handbook
7. Administers volunteer policies and procedures, revising as needed
8. Assists in maintaining a retention program for volunteers
9. Participate in surrounding communities to promote and build awareness of the volunteer program
10. Assists in updating the on-line volunteer database as necessary to ensure volunteer information and assignments are up to date
11. Assists in carrying out regular communication with volunteers to make sure they are up to date on knowledge and current events concerning the Zoo’s animals, programs and conservation efforts.
12. Completes administrative paperwork as needed/directed.
13. Participates in Birmingham Zoo teams and projects as needed
14. Works proactively to advance a team spirit and positive work climate among volunteers
15. Other duties as assigned

PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS

1. Becomes familiar with and follows the BZI staff handbook, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) for the Department as well as the SOP’s for their assigned team.
2. Sets a positive example for their fellow staff. Acts as a reliable, friendly, and helpful team member and representative of BZI all times to co-workers, visitors and guests.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Docents, Interns, Adult and Teen Volunteers

SAFETY ANALYSIS

The Volunteer Services Specialist is expected to maintain the highest level of safety in the work area through implementation of safety protocols and procedures. The position is impacted by hazardous exposures common to an office environment as well as public safety in an outdoor environment and ride operations. Some of the following exposures will occur daily:

• Hazards associated with train and carousel ride operations
• Hazards associated with maintenance trades
• Hazardous waste management
• The proper use and understanding of cleaning agents
• Thorough understanding of guest safety protocols, particularly with young children.

Specific training and procedures designed to maintain the safety of people as the highest priority of the zoo followed by the safety of the animal collection will be provided.

The use and understanding of a variety of personal safety equipment is mandatory.

All employees of the Zoo are required to be familiar with the Zoo’s overall safety policies as outlined in the staff handbook as well as being responsible for reporting any injury immediately to the first aid department, Safety Manager, or Manager on Duty (MOD.)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee should expect:

• Use of hands, fingers, tools or controls
• Frequently required to remain stationary, walk/move across the Zoo, access and move items high up or low to the ground, communicate effectively with staff and animals. May be required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
• Requires regular walking or moving throughout the Zoo Campus.
• Exposure to the elements and wet surfaces can be expected.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

The Birmingham Zoo recognizes that skills and knowledge come from both formal and informal experiences including education, paid work, volunteer service, and life experience. Those who meet the majority of the requirements for a position are encouraged to apply.

Education and work experience

1. High school diploma or equivalent, post-secondary education is preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience working with a volunteer program

Skills and Knowledge

1. Strong written and verbal communication skills
2. Goal oriented, highly motivated, and be able to multi-task
3. Experience training, teaching, or presenting information to others
4. Proficient with computer including Microsoft Suite with willingness to learn new programs
5. Must possess excellent communications, and interpersonal skills to work successfully as part of a team
6. Weekend and evening availability required

Other Requirements

1. May be required to provide documentation of negative test results and/or of up to date status on certain vaccinations if working with some species.
2. Must be willing to travel locally. Must have a current valid driver’s license with no prior traffic violations (within the last five years) to operate Zoo vehicles.

POSITION TYPE AND HOURS OF WORK

1. Part-time (less than 30 hours/week), permanent
2. Evening and weekend availability required

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Birmingham Zoo is dedicated to creating a global community where all people value wildlife and wild places. As a workplace, the Zoo is guided by its core values: Passion, Excellence, Teamwork, Sustainability, and Inclusion.

Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and others who identify as nonwhite, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA community, neurodivergent individuals, and those with diverse lived experiences are encouraged to apply for this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and functions of this position.

Birmingham Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected status or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications will be accepted until position is filled. If selected, a background check and drug test will be conducted prior to beginning employment.

Birmingham Zoo Inc. is a not-for-profit entity. The rate of pay for this position is $16.44/hour.