Volunteer Coordinator

Why Work At Utah's Hogle Zoo

For over 90 years, Utah's Hogle Zoo has been a loved and trusted part of the community. Located within Salt Lake City proper, the Zoo is nestled in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountain range at the mouth of Emigration Canyon. The Zoo spans over 42 acres and is home to a diverse collection of animals. Being only minutes from both a vibrant downtown and national wilderness area, Salt Lake City is a dream for cultural aficionados and outdoor enthusiasts alike. This city has it all from professional sports teams, theater, cultural attractions, universities, nightlife, and many green spaces. From mountain ranges to deserts, Utah is home to five National and 45 State parks. Few places have so much, so close to where you live and work.

At Utah's Hogle Zoo we look for employees who are passionate about conservation, who approach their daily work with a can-do attitude, who are resourceful, who communicate respectfully with everyone, and who are ready to work hard to support the zoo towards our mission of Creating Champions for Wildlife. If all of this sounds exciting to you, then come and excel with us at Utah's Hogle Zoo!

Position Summary

The Volunteer Coordinator is a professional, motivated individual committed to supporting a robust volunteer program. The Volunteer Coordinator recognizes the importance of vetting, training, supervising, and mentoring volunteers. They understand the significant contribution of volunteers to daily zoo operations as well as special events and projects. They know that they must be advocates for both zoo staff and volunteers to foster a team environment. The Volunteer Coordinator will assist the Volunteer Manager in all aspects of program development. This includes but is not limited to recruitment, the application and interview process, orientation, training, recognition, and retention. In this role, they will work closely with the Education Department and Animal Care Team with regard to interpretive and animal handling training. The Volunteer Coordinator should be willing to develop their volunteer management skills continually.

Reporting Relationship

Reports directly to the Volunteer Manager.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Assist with recruitment, placement, and retention of volunteers.
• Assist with volunteer interviews, orientation, and training.
• Provide ongoing support and guidance to volunteers.
• Assist with volunteer communications and updates.
• Assist with maintaining an accurate and up-to-date volunteer database.
• Assume program management duties as necessary when the volunteer manager is not present.
• Assist in training volunteers, including interpretation and animal handling training.
• Assist in evaluating volunteer interpreters to aid them in improving interpretive skills.
• Assist in developing and delivering volunteer recognition and incentive programs.
• Commitment to the Zoo's Mission.
• Ability to work weekends and evenings as necessary.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Must maintain strict confidentiality.

Education And Experience

• B.A. or B.S. degree; science, education, or human resources background preferred. Two years paid experience at an AZA-accredited zoo or aquarium preferred. Two or more years of paid experience working in a formal volunteer program is preferred.
• Must be professional, enthusiastic, and hardworking with a strong interest in volunteer management in the zoo and aquarium industry.
• Must demonstrate excellent interpersonal communication skills and collaborate effectively with volunteers, education staff, and other Zoo departments.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

This list contains knowledge, skills, and abilities typically associated with the job. It is not all-inclusive.

Required technical skills include the knowledge of:

• Computer operations and software applications.
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Google Suite
• Volgistics

Must possess excellent communications skills, including:

• Interpersonal conflict resolution.
• Interpersonal communication methods.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Effectively promoting organization and services offered.

Must have the ability to:

• Follow written and verbal instructions.
• Apply critical thinking techniques.
• Analyze and solve problems.
• Prioritize work.
• Perform within deadlines.
• Ability to focus with interruptions.
• Deal with stress caused by large crowds.
• Work well in a team environment as well as independently.
• Must work well with audiences of varying ages, abilities, and experience levels. Knowledge of basic teaching methods and non-traditional techniques for early childhood development.
• Excellent multitasking and time management ability.
• Ability to respond to emergencies calmly and follow protocols.

Job Requirements

• Position requires driving and proof of a valid driver's license.
• Position requires handling animals and proof of a negative TB test.
• The incumbent must consistently demonstrate judgment, high integrity, and personal values consistent with the values of the Hogle Zoo.
• Utah's Hogle Zoo is a drug-free workplace. All employees are subject to random drug testing.

Utah's Hogle Zoo is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Work Environment

The incumbent performs in a typical office setting with appropriate climate controls and frequently outside in various weather conditions. Tasks require a variety of physical activities which do not generally involve muscular strain, but do require activities related to walking, standing, bending, stooping, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, and seeing. Common eye, hand, finger dexterity is required to perform essential functions. The job requires lifting of up to 30 lbs.