Volunteer Services Coordinator

Volunteer Services Coordinator (S)

The North Carolina Aquariums at Fort Fisher is seeking an organized, communicative, and enthusiastic individual to join our team as a Volunteer Services Coordinator. The NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher is closed for construction of a major renovation for approximately 30 months. While the Aquarium building is closed, the primary duty station is Discovery Bay at Independence Mall in Wilmington, NC.

Reporting to the Education Curator, this position will be responsible for coordinating all aspects of the Aquarium's volunteer program which consists of volunteers of varying abilities, cultural backgrounds, and talents. The contributions of volunteers are an impactful component of our mission to inspire care and conservation of nature by connecting people with the aquatic world. The successful candidate will coordinate volunteers within our Discovery Bay location and will also work with the Education Curator to revamp the volunteer program for the opening of the renovated Aquarium. Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Designing and maintaining defined training pathways and checkpoints to support volunteer knowledge and skill development for roles and responsibilities that will support various aspects of aquarium operations (Education, Husbandry, etc.), including identifying creative opportunities for volunteers to contribute via their unique skills and talents.
• Actively recruiting volunteers, providing orientation and onboarding processes, scheduling, and service tracking.
• Evaluating, coaching, and organizing professional development opportunities for volunteers, and coordinating volunteer recognition activities.
• Supporting the day-to-day operations of the volunteers, including provision of supplies, station rotations, and work "on the floor" at interactive exhibits such as our touch pools and discovery carts.
• Working within the Education Department to support programming with volunteer service for tabling at festivals and career days, assisting with Outreach programs and camps, and assisting with outdoor programs such as fishing, kayaking, and marsh exploration programs.
• Working with other departments or partner organizations to identify and coordinate volunteer service that works well for the volunteers and benefits the department or our shared objectives with the partner organization.
• Supporting the efforts of the Teen Volunteer Coordinator for recruitment, screening, orientation, training, and supervision of the Junior (Teen) Volunteer program.
• Representing the Aquarium to relevant professional organizations and networks as needed and staying up to date with best practices by participating in professional development opportunities at least biennially.

Applicants who possess the following are preferred:

• Experience managing a volunteer program at a zoo, aquarium, park, museum or tourist attraction.
• Experience developing and/or maintaining an effective framework for volunteer training
• Experience in administrative work, including working with different computer software, databases.
• Experience working with and supervising adults and youths.
• Demonstrated communication skills and habits.

This position is located at:

900 Loggerhead Road

Kure Beach, NC 28449

Bachelor's degree from an appropriately accredited institution; OR High school or General Educational Development (GED) diploma AND four years of work in volunteer services enabling the applicant to acquire the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.