Volunteer Supervisor

Are you a natural leader with a passion for volunteerism and conservation? The Santa Barbara Zoo is seeking a Volunteer Supervisor to recruit, manage, and inspire a dedicated team of volunteers who help bring our mission to life. Join us in fostering meaningful connections, empowering volunteers, and creating unforgettable guest experiences that champion wildlife and education!

Position Status: Regular, Full-Time, Non-Exempt, Hourly

Schedule: Tuesday - Saturday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Compensation: $27.98 - $29.33 per hour

*You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position*

SUMMARY:
Under the general direction of the Director of Education, the Volunteer Supervisor promotes the Zoo and its mission through community outreach, recruitment, training, planning, development, implementation, management, and evaluation of the Zoo’s volunteers and volunteer programs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Working in cooperation with Department Managers, plans, develops, promotes, implements, maintains, and evaluates a wide range of volunteer opportunities
• Supervises volunteer staff and provides direction, coordination, and consultation for all volunteer functions within the Zoo
• Manages the on-grounds volunteers by leading meetings, creating volunteer schedules, and providing support to volunteers during their shift
• Performs outreach, recruitment, and interviews and places applicants for volunteer work
• Manages volunteers and volunteer programs
• Manages volunteers at large Zoo events where many volunteers are needed
• Manages information and communications using Volunteer Platform (currently: Volgitics)
• Maintains files, records, applications, and other data concerning the volunteer program
• Develops ongoing programming to fit Zoo needs
• Identifies, cultivates, and develops volunteer leaders
• Coordinates and schedules assignments, meetings, lunch & learn, and events
• Participates in training sessions, directs and monitors daily activities of volunteers
• Informs volunteers of Zoo policies and procedures, and standards of volunteer service in collaboration with HR Specialist
• Confers with volunteers to resolve grievances and promote cooperation and interest
• Organizes and participates in volunteer recognition programs
• Serves as a liaison to other areas around the Zoo that utilize volunteer support
• Identifies and puts in place volunteer retention strategies
• Provides volunteer recommendation letters and hour reports as needed, in collaboration with the Director of Education
• Maintains accurate records and provides timely statistical and activity reports on volunteer programs
• Develops relationships with community organizations, businesses, and schools
• Adheres to and enforces Zoo’s policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual
• Attends all bi-monthly all-employee meetings

SECONDARY DUTIES:

Guest Relations:

• Greets every guest with a smile
• Thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo
• Answers phone calls, voice mails, and e-mails promptly
• Ensures the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping work areas clean, picking up trash, reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions
• Associates with guests to assist and share information
• Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relations procedures
• Maintains a clean neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo’s uniform dress code
• Takes responsibility for staying informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading employee communications and attending meetings
• Reflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement, the Zoo’s Core Values, and the Employee Pledge
• Applies and exemplifies “green” (sustainable) practices whenever possible
• Other miscellaneous duties as required

POSITION CRITERIA:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements and environmental characteristics described below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, and working and physical elements required of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Education & Experience:

• High School graduate
• Professional experience in volunteer or personnel management in an organization

License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications:

• B.A. or B.S. preferred with coursework in personnel management, natural history, and/or public relations preferred
• Successful completion of a Department of Justice background check
• Negative TB tests and Tetanus vaccinations as necessary
• CVA certification preferred
• First Aid & CPR Certification preferred

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Understanding of volunteer organization dynamics and relationships
• Ability to keep internal information confidential to the extent possible
• Ability to effectively problem solve in complex situations arising among volunteers and between volunteers and staff
• Knowledge of current methods, principles, procedures, and practices utilized in volunteer personnel management
• Ability to manage, coordinate, facilitate, and supervise the activities of a diverse audience and large groups of people
• Ability to speak in front of large groups of people
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to engage and motivate a diverse audience
• Ability to convey the Zoo’s mission, vision and program needs to others clearly
• Thorough knowledge of the Zoo’s mission/vision, core values, and general policies and procedures.
• Basic knowledge of biology and zoology concepts preferred
• Knowledge of current practices in thematic interpretation and environmental education preferred
• Knowledge of audio-visual equipment and computer software such as database programs, desktop publishing, and graphics programs
• Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, and our guests
• Ability to exercise safe work habits
• Ability to use Volgistics –or similar platform- for communications, scheduling, and reporting
• Willingness to learn and participate in meetings and training programs
• Awareness of, sensitivity to, and empathy with animals

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

• Available to work weekends and holidays, and when events are scheduled
• Must be able to occasionally lift 50 pounds, and 10 or fewer pounds frequently
• Ability to exert a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly push, pull, or otherwise move objects
• Ability to negotiate the Zoo work environment including behind-the-scenes, lawns, gravel, hilltop, and attic storage
• Must be physically able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including electric carts, telephones, printers, projectors, and copiers
• Involves working out-of-doors in all weather conditions
• Ability to work successfully in a shared work-space environment, with constant interruptions
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Supportive and open employment culture
• Needs to be able to handle animals and train others to do so

Tools Used:

• Electric cart
• Standard office equipment; telephone, copier, printer, facsimile machine, calculator 
• Education Department tools, artifacts, biofacts, and equipment
• Personal computer and software (Word, Excel, Outlook, Volgistics, Google Docs, and more).
• Two-way radio
• Audio-visual equipment
• Automobile or van

BENEFITS & PERKS: 

• Great team, beautiful grounds, amazing animal collection, sunshine & ocean view almost year-round! 
• Free parking, free guest passes, unlimited free tea/coffee every morning, 20% discounts on food services and retail purchases
• Access to the Collabornation learning platform, professional development, and lunch & learn opportunities
• Comprehensive benefits package for FTR staff, voluntary supplemental insurances, zoo membership, 13 paid holidays, paid sick leave, paid vacation time, 403(b) and SEP retirement plans, a paid conservation day, a paid Zoo Day to visit another AZA-accredited institution, paid time off to take your pet to the vet, and much more...

*You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position*

Please make sure to check your spam folder if you do not see an email response from the Zoo.

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This job description is representative of the expectations of the position described.  Additional duties, reporting relationships, and/or position criteria may be assigned as deemed necessary by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative.  No changes to this job description shall be made without written permission by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative.

 

The Zoo reserves the right to revise this job description at any time.  The job description does not constitute a contract for employment, and does not guarantee employment for any specified period of time.  The job description does not in any way alter the at-will employment relationship.

 
At this time, the Zoo does not sponsor employment or internship visas.