Volunteer Program Coordinator - Full Time

Come join us at the Reid Park Zoological Society!

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

No phone calls or visits, please. We are 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 600,000 visitors annually. Be a part of a vibrant, growing organization as Reid Park Zoo implements an exciting master plan, including “Pathway to Asia”, the zoo’s Asia-themed expansion expected to open in 2026 with additional zoo improvement projects and renovation to follow.

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 intern program and interpretive materials development. 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

Volunteer Management Responsibilities:

• 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
• Completes 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 intern program, including, managing applications, interviewing, training, evaluations, budget, etc.

Volunteer Training Responsibilities:

• Develop new programs and volunteer position types and the associated training.
• Act as lead staff for the intern program, and assist with, Work Study and Interpretive Volunteer program training and management.
• Instruct and support volunteers/interns on the use of the CollaborNation, professional development website, and Better Impact, the volunteer management software.
• Comfortable leading trainings such as animal information sessions, guest experience, guest service, interpretation techniques, conservation, and experienced in curriculum development.

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Assist with the administration of the volunteer database, maintaining accurate records for all volunteers and interns and distributing regular reports to Zoo administration.
• Assist with developing content and postings for the Volunteer and Zoo websites.
• Completes administrative tasks for the Volunteer Program.
• Manages the enrichment tree
• Maintains inventory of volunteer and intern uniforms and interpretive program supplies

Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications, Skills & Abilities

• Associate’s Degree in a science or environmental education or related field, and three years’ experience working with volunteers or performing volunteer work required
• Current (2024-2025) COVID-19 Booster, and maintain current
• Pre-employment drug screen (we do not test for THC)
• Pre-employment background check
• Pre-employment TB test or evidence of negative TB test result within the immediate past 12 months, and annual TB test required thereafter
• Valid, unrestricted driver license
• Availability to work weekends and/or evenings
• Experience with volunteer programs
• 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 diverse personalities and volunteer or intern concerns
• Ability to work independently on multiple projects and remain focused in a busy, often noisy, environment
• Excellent organizational skills & and attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to establish & and maintain working relationships with all stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications, Skills & Abilities

• Bachelor's degree in a science or environmental education related field
• Experience in an AZA Zoo or aquarium facility
• Bilingual (Spanish / ASL)

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds
• Required to stand, sit, and walk outdoors (in weather extremes) for extended periods of time.
• May spend extended time sitting using computers
• Required to bend, stoop, kneel, reach and lift frequently
• 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 Department.