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.
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.