Volunteer Coordinator

Under the supervision of the Executive Director and in cooperation with EYNC Staff, the Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for the organization, operation, supervision, maintenance, and evaluation of the Nature Center volunteers and volunteer program. Coordinates and oversees training of docents and other volunteers. Assists with planning, development, and implementation of special events for up to 1,400 guests.

​

 

Hours: up to 30 hours per week

Rate: $25.00 per hour

Schedule: Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm, with occasional weekend and evening hours expected.

​

 

Description:

Works with staff at all levels, observes established policies and procedures, promotes the professional use of volunteers:

· Maintains, evaluates and develops volunteer programs and services responsive to the needs of the Nature Center; recruits, screens, interviews, places, and trains and evaluates volunteers. Supervision is shared with appropriate staff.

· Maintains a positive relationship between the volunteers and the EYNC through both formal and informal interactions to build loyalty and reduce turnover, thereby creating a stable and reliable volunteer base.

· Maintains computerized records on volunteers, volunteer hours, and the Volunteer Program.

· Prepares and administers the annual Volunteer Program budget and other reports as needed.

· Serves as a communication link between staff and volunteers.

· Recruits volunteers for programs and special events, and assists with and coordinates related training.

· Maintains a working file of volunteer job descriptions and create new job descriptions as needed.

· Provides public relations material concerning volunteer opportunities.

· Plans, organizes and facilitates volunteer recognition and appreciation events, nature education opportunities, and volunteer field trips.

· Must have organizational skills

· Must be able to work gracefully under pressure with deadlines and interruptions

· Must be a “people person” and enjoy working with and visiting with all kinds and ages of people.

​

 

Other Duties:

· May be called to work as a Naturalist on Duty on weekdays or weekends; includes opening and closing the building, greeting visitors, answering questions in person and over the phone, giving trail directions, selling daily parking passes, handling emergencies etc.

​

 

This position will meet these special requirements: Background check as required by the American River Natural History Association. Possession of a valid first-aid and CPR Certificate within the first six months of appointment.

​

 

Working Conditions: This position requires working occasional weekends, holidays and evenings, sometimes in outdoor settings with adverse weather conditions (heat, cold, wind, rain) etc. Work is conducted primarily at the Effie Yeaw Nature Center.

​

 

Ability To:

Plan and direct the work of others; deal successfully with the public; work effectively and establish good working relationships with cooperating organizations and groups in both the private and government sector; speak and write clearly and effectively; work with and motivate volunteers; help to develop and implement long range operational plans. Assist in planning and leading special events including but not limited to; Bird and Breakfasts, Art Galas, and Nature Fests, to organize the varied positions and shifts, and to ensure that all special event volunteers have the direction and support needed to be successful and satisfied. Act with diplomacy and respect confidentiality.

​

 

Preferred Knowledgebase:

· General principles and practices of interpretation, natural resource management and conservation, park facilities and park services.

· History of California, Aquatic ecosystems of the American River Parkway, biology, ecology and history of the Sacramento region.

​

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS for Volunteer Coordinator

1. Completion of a Bachelor of Art or Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university in any field or equivalent experience.

1. Two years working or volunteering with a nonprofit organization, working closely with volunteers in a supervisory capacity and in helping to organize special events as well as on-going programs.

2. Two years working or volunteering in a Nature Center/Park setting providing visitor services.

3. Competency in working with Volunteer database software and be comfortable with Microsoft Office software