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 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 Work in cooperation with Department Managers to plan, develop, promote, implement, maintain, and evaluate a wide range of volunteer opportunities. Supervise volunteer staff and provide direction, coordination, and consultation for all volunteer functions within the Zoo. Manage on-grounds volunteers by leading meetings, creating volunteer schedules, and providing support to volunteers during their shift. Perform outreach, recruitment, interviews, and place applicants for volunteer work. Manage volunteers and volunteer programs. Manage volunteers at large Zoo events where many volunteers are needed. Manage information and communications using Volunteer Platform (currently: Volgitics). Maintain files, records, applications, and other data concerning the volunteer program. Develop ongoing programming to fit Zoo needs. Identify, cultivate, and develop volunteer leaders. Coordinate and schedule assignments, meetings, lunch & learn, and events. Participate in training sessions, direct, and monitor daily activities of volunteers. Inform volunteers of Zoo policies and procedures, and standards of volunteer service in collaboration with HR Specialist. Confere with volunteers to resolve grievances and promote cooperation and interest. Organize and participate in volunteer recognition programs. Serve as a liaison to other areas around the Zoo that utilize volunteer support. Identify and put in place volunteer retention strategies. Provide volunteer recommendation letters and hour reports as needed in collaboration with the Director of Education. Maintain accurate records and provide timely statistical and activity reports on volunteer programs. Develop relationships with community organizations, businesses, and schools. Adhere to and enforce Zoo’s policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual. Attend 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, voicemails, 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. 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. 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 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‑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 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Santa Barbara Zoo