Volunteer Program Coordinator - Full Time

Come join us at the Reid Park Zoological Society!

Reid Park Zoological Society is seeking a Volunteer Program Coordinator. Bachelor’s degree plus 12 months experience working with volunteers or performing regular volunteer work is preferred. Alternatively, an Associates’ Degree with three years’ experience is acceptable. This position is open until filled.

The Society is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to create inspiring memories for all by connecting people and animals to ensure the protection of wild animals and wild places.  We provide educational and fun experiences for visitors of all ages. Reid Park Zoo is the largest attended cultural attraction in Southern Arizona with approximately 500,000 visitors annually.  Be a part of a vibrant, growing organization as Reid Park Zoo implements an exciting master plan that will be investing over $60M in new exhibits over the next ten years. 

No phone calls or visits please.  This position is open until filled.  We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.  We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff by creating an inclusive environment.

Overview: The Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for providing programmatic and administrative support to Reid Park Zoo’s Volunteer Program. This position assists in the recruiting, interviewing, training, scheduling, evaluation, retention, recognition, and supervision of Zoo volunteers and interns with primary focus on the teen program.  The position helps to maintain the volunteer database and provide support for special event volunteer needs. The position is required to work weekends, holidays and some evenings.

Reports To:   Volunteer Program Supervisor

Responsibilities: 

Volunteer Management

• Provide support, mentoring, and supervision to new and current volunteers in specific positions
• Aid the Volunteer Program Supervisor, and work with other Zoo departments, to fulfill volunteer needs
• Recruit and support volunteer participation for special events, such as the annual fundraiser, member events, and holiday events
• Maintain communication with volunteers via phone calls, email, and additional methods
• Photograph volunteers and volunteer activities
• Design and execute regular evaluations of volunteers
• Complete all trainings as required; these may include but are not limited to job specific training, safety, zoonotic disease, animal handling, DEAI training, etc.
• Manage all aspects of the Zoo Crew (Teen) volunteer program, including, recruiting, interviewing, training, evaluations, recognition, budget, conservation programs, and skills development

Volunteer Training

• Develop new programs and volunteer position types and the associated training
• Act as lead staff for the Zoo Crew, Community Engagement, and Work Study volunteer program training and management, and assist with Docent program and intern training and management
• Instruct and support volunteers on the use of the CollaborNation professional development website and Better Impact, the volunteer management software

Administration

• Assist with the administration of the volunteer database, maintaining accurate records for all volunteers and distributing regular reports to Zoo administration
• Assist with developing content and postings for the Volunteer and Zoo websites
• Complete administrative tasks for the Volunteer Program
• Manage the enrichment tree
• Maintain inventory of volunteer and intern uniforms and conservation program supplies
• Other duties as assigned

 Qualifications, Skills and Abilities 

• Bachelor's degree in a science or environmental education related field preferred
• 12 months experience working directly with volunteers or performing volunteer work required
• Experience with volunteer program management preferred 
• Comfort leading trainings, such as animal handling, guest experience, guest service, interpretation techniques, conservation
• Experienced in curriculum development
• Availability to work weekends and/or evenings
• Experience in an AZA Zoo or aquarium facility preferred
• Regular physical attendance at work
• Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Windows programs and technology, such as tablets and POS systems
• Experience with Better Impact and volunteer systems is preferred
• Customer service, problem solving and time management skills required
• Ability to tactfully handle stressful situations, negotiate, resolve conflicts and maintain confidentiality
• Ability to patiently deal with a variety of personalities and volunteer concerns
• Ability to work independently on multiple projects and remain focused in a busy, often noisy, environment
• Excellent organizational skills & attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to establish & maintain working relationships with all stakeholders  
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds occasionally
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, sit, and walk outdoors (in weather extremes) for extended periods of time
• May spend extended time sitting using computers
• Leads groups over areas with uneven terrain.

Please note that this document is not an exhaustive list.  It is intended to give a reasonable idea of what might be required.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of Reid Park Zoological Society to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Resources Dept  hr@reidparkzoo.org.