Interpretive Volunteer Coordinator presso Utah's Hogle Zoo

Interpretive Volunteer Coordinator

Department:     Education                                            FLSA:  Nonexempt - Benefited

EEOC Class:    Professionals                                      WC Code:  9102 Park Operations

POSITION SUMMARY

The Interpretive Volunteer Coordinator is a highly motivated and energetic individual committed to integrating the Zoo Guide interpretive volunteer program into the guest experience. The Zoo Guide program is comprised predominately of volunteers ages 18 and older but does include volunteers as young as 14. This individual recognizes the immense value of the volunteer program and the role volunteers can play in conservation education. This position is housed in the education department, but they will also work closely with the volunteer manager in the Human Resources Department. This individual will support, train, and monitor the zoo guide volunteer program under the direction of the guest engagement supervisor and the education director. They will also work closely with the CTE Manager who coordinates the Zoo Corps teen program.

This individual is part of the guest engagement team and is responsible for developing a new interpretive volunteer team that works alongside fulltime and part time staff. They are responsible for training, coordinating, mentoring and overseeing the day-to-day interpretive activities of the zoo guide volunteers within the organization and will also provide support as needed to the zoo corps program. This includes tasks such as supporting the volunteer manager in interviewing potential zoo guides and zoo corps volunteers, assigning roles based on their skills and interests, scheduling shifts, providing training, mentoring, and evaluation, and maintaining accurate volunteer records to ensure the smooth operation of the interpretive volunteer program. They must have skills in program development as well as building strong relationships between staff and volunteers.

Utah’s Hogle Zoo has been a loved and trusted part of the community for over 90 years. Our mission is to create champions for wildlife by making connections between people and animals to inspire action. This is everyone’s job who joins us, regardless of the position they are hired for. If that excites and inspires you, then we look forward to talking!

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

Reports directly to the Guest Engagement Manager.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. This position will develop and manage all aspects of the zoo guide program under supervision of the guest engagement supervisor and in conjunction with the volunteer manager. 
2. This position is responsible for the interpretive zoo guide program in the guest engagement department, including the development, training, mentoring and long-term planning and day-to-day operations of this program. These tasks include, but are not limited to, program rules and expectations, program development, training, oversite, mentoring multi-year planning, interpretive strategies, working with other departments, and creating and presenting training materials and program materials and activities.
3. Assists in performing evaluations of the interpretive volunteers and programs, daily schedule adjustments to meet program and staffing needs, and serves as a radio point of contact in both standard and emergencies.
4. Provides support and is a resource for the interpretive volunteer program, serving as an exemplary model of behavior and skill for the volunteers and helping all interpreters brainstorm solutions to problems. Models appropriate behavior and professionalism, foster constructive and inclusive attitudes and problem-solving and positively influences collaboration and teamwork.
5. Works with the Volunteer Manager to provide a positive experience for all volunteers.
6. Assists in leading volunteer and seasonal educator orientations, training, mentorship, and evaluation for program delivery. 
7. Is familiar with the current research in informal/non-formal learning environments.
8. Exercises flexibility in dealing with program delivery and late-notice changes. Can pivot and adjust programming to present smooth and polished programs regardless of the situation. 
9. Collaborates closely with the rest of the guest engagement team to ensure that the interpretive volunteer program is aligned with the rest of the rest of the guest engagement programming. Operates visual/audio equipment as needed.
10. Facilitates proactive communication with other teams including but not limited to the education, volunteer, animal care, and events staff.
11. Demonstrates a willingness to learn new information. Knowledge of animals and the outdoors is a plus. Able to quickly pick up and utilize new skills as needed.
12. Collaborates with the supervisor, volunteer manager, and zoo team members to document and address all guest, staff, or volunteer issues/incidents quickly and professionally.
13. Commitment to the zoo’s mission and conservation efforts.
14. Ability to work overtime as needed. 
15. Performs other duties as assigned.
16. Maintains strict confidentiality. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

• A bachelor’s degree is required in education, environmental sciences, biology, museum studies, or related fields. Relevant experience may substitute for education.
• Must have training in basic teaching methods and informal educational techniques. 
• An understanding of concepts across multiple science disciplines.
• Spanish speaking preferred.
• Prefer a minimum of 3 years of interpretive training experience, specifically working with volunteers in a non-profit setting.

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Follow written and verbal instructions.
• Effective written and verbal communication.
• Apply critical thinking techniques.
• Analyze and solve problems.
• Prioritize work.
• Perform within deadlines.
• Work weekdays and weekends (including evening hours).  
• Ability to focus with interruptions and a shared workspace.
• Ability to work in large crowds as well as one-on-one with volunteers and staff.
• The ability to remain professional in in stressful situations..
• Work well in a team environment as well as independently.
• Must work well with audiences of varying ages.
• Work indoors and outdoors in inclement weather.
• Multitask and manage time effectively.
• Respond to emergencies calmly and follow protocols.
• Consistently demonstrate judgment, high integrity, and personal values consistent with Utah’s Hogle Zoo values.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS POSITION 

• Utah’s Hogle Zoo is a drug-free workplace. All employees are subject to random drug testing. 
• Provide a negative TB test prior to hire date and maintain TB testing through course of employment

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The incumbent performs in a typical office setting with appropriate climate controls and outside in all weather. Tasks require a variety of physical activities that 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, and finger dexterity are required to perform essential functions. Lifting to 30 lbs. is required. 

Utah’s Hogle Zoo is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all.

Apply for this position at: https://www.hoglezoo.org/jobs/