Volunteer Supervisor

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!

Regular, Full-Time, Non-Exempt, Hourly

Tuesday - Saturday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

$27.98 - $29.33 per hour

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.

• 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

• 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

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.

• High School graduate
• Professional experience in volunteer or personnel management in an organization