 
Love animals? Want to make a positive impact on the planet? Come join Woodland Park Zoo as a Learning Coordinator (Volunteer Engagement). We have one, full-time, benefitted positions open.
This position works with a team to coordinate a large-scale volunteer program in support of zoo-wide needs and connects community members with the zoo’s mission. In addition to supporting our general volunteer program needs as described below, one of the major responsibilities for this position will be collaborating with staff across zoo departments to develop, implement, and support episodic and event volunteerism to support zoo operational and programmatic needs.
Desired Skills:
- Experience with volunteer or program coordination, customer service, and/or training of volunteers or staff.
- Excellent communication skills, verbal and written, and interpersonal skills.
- Familiarity with zoos and aquariums, conservation, environmental justice, and sustainability topics.
SUMMARY
This position leads and coordinates the development and implementation of a large-scale volunteer program to connect community members with the zoo’s mission. This includes volunteer recruitment, training, communications, recognition, and daily programmatic support.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:
- Collaborate with staff across zoo departments to develop and coordinate volunteer engagement opportunities to support zoo operational and programmatic needs.
- Utilize best practices in volunteer management to recruit, train, onboard, evaluate, and oversee volunteers to ensure a quality and safe volunteer, staff, and guest experience.
- Remain current with trends and best practices in volunteer engagement through networking with other professionals, professional development, and literature.
- In alignment with the zoo’s vision, mission, and annual priorities lead the development of programs and experiences that inspire volunteers and zoo audiences to make conservation a priority in their lives.
- Present engaging programs and facilitate extraordinary experiences for audiences of all ages and/or specific target audiences, virtually and in-person, on and off zoo grounds, independently or in collaboration with other staff or volunteers.
- Transport program participants, materials, and resources as needed for program delivery.
- Write culturally relevant program materials, incorporating the zoo’s priorities and focus areas, such as the zoo’s field conservation projects, climate awareness and resilience, and empathy for wildlife.
- Apply the principles of adult learning, facilitate trainings for zoo staff and volunteers as directed.
- Assist with training peers, instructors, volunteers, interns, and other zoo staff as directed.
- Lead project teams or content areas as directed.
- Assist as directed in evaluating the impact of programs, curricula, activities, and projects.
- Collect, organize, and analyze data, preparing reports as needed.
- Collaborate with evaluation team members to develop and implement evaluation plans and apply evaluation findings to improve program outcomes.
- Design, make, maintain, stock, clean, and organize program props, materials, and supplies in accordance with department procedures.
- Perform logistical support duties which may include booking and organizing rooms and resources, register participants, process payments, schedule activities, and maintain records and databases.
- As assigned research content and write articles, blog posts, flyers, publications, grant narratives, volunteer or program participant communications, and other promotional and support materials.
- Provide feedback on curriculum, program, and activities; identify and recommend policy and process improvements to department leadership.
- Provide excellent customer service and assistance to the public, staff, and volunteers.
- Provide crowd control, group management, and rectify minor customer issues, complaints, and disputes as needed.
- Develop agendas and facilitate inclusive participation in meetings, building consensus, resolving conflicts, and capturing notes as appropriate.
- Support department leadership in maintenance of internal and external partnerships.
- Support donor cultivation by leading zoo tours, developing materials related to Learning & Innovation programs & experiences, coordinating volunteers, or providing support for zoo donor events, as directed.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college and two (2) or more years of experience in developing, coordinating, delivering, or evaluating engaging, inclusive experiences, trainings, or programs for youth and adult volunteers or audiences; and/or equivalent combination of education and experience and/or training.
- Excellent verbal, written, and communication skills. High attention to detail and the ability to audit work for accuracy and quality.
- Ability to listen patiently and attentively, ability to express self clearly and effectively, and ability to adapt communication based on audience and purpose with inclusivity.
- Ability to develop programs and experiences that center on diversity, equity, access, and inclusion.
- Proficient and experienced in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams. Ability to conduct internet research and work with customized databases and technology.
- Ability to work successfully both as a team member and independently.
- Ability to balance and prioritize multiple tasks and requests and meet deadlines in a professional manner.
- Capable of employing best practices and continually seek to improve effectiveness of the position while regularly demonstrating an approach to accuracy.
- Ability to communicate effectively and comfortably with audiences of different backgrounds and experiences.
- Ability to work within diverse teams and environments, while treating everyone with respect.
- Ability to effectively present information to zoo management, public groups, donors, volunteers, and zoo board members.
- Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
- Ability to work both on grounds and virtually as required.
- Ability to work varying hours and a flexible schedule, including weekends, evenings, and holidays.
PREFERRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS
Washington State Driver’s License.
Certification in Volunteer Administration (CVA) or willingness to pursue.
Ability to speak a language in addition to English.
Experience working with volunteers in an informal education organization such as a zoo, aquarium, museum, camp, or park.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- This position is required to frequently lift up to 35 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to perform essential functions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to a typical office environment and/or outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.
Pay: $26.44/hour, plus benefits
Employment Requirements:
Applicants must be at least 18 years old. A criminal background check will be required of the selected applicant.
COVID-19 Vaccination
- As of November 24, 2021, employees working on or accessing zoo grounds are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If hired, you will be required to submit proof of vaccination by your first day of employment.
- People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine.
- Employees may make requests for a reasonable accommodation based on a medical disability or for sincerely held religious beliefs. Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation.
Application Directions: Applications are accepted online through our Jobs Page at zoo.org/jobs; no other forms of application will be accepted. Cover letter and resume are required.
Woodland Park Zoo is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in application and employment for any reason, including race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, age, disability or medical status including genetic information, and/or veteran’s status.
Woodland Park Zoo is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in all of its services. If you need accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact our recruiting team at careers@zoo.org.
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