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Supervisor of Volunteer Programs (Full-Time)

Zootampa At Lowry Park In Tampa, Florida
Tampa, United States Posted: February 24, 2025


Are you passionate about animals and conservation? ZooTampa is looking for a Supervisor of Volunteer Programs. Are you the kind of person who is passionate about rescuing, rehabilitating and caring for animals? Do you care about creating exceptional, personal experiences with co-workers and guest? Do you want to work in a fun and immersive environment where your contribution impacts the mission of the organization? If so, apply today, we are scheduling interviews soon.

Position Summary
  • The Supervisor of Volunteer Programs is primarily responsible for developing, implementing, evaluating and supervising the Guest Engagement Ambassador (Volunteer) Program.
  • Additionally, this position will lead, monitor, and track training on volunteer-led programs.
  • The Supervisor of Volunteer Programs will also coordinate and implement strategies for mentoring and ongoing support of volunteers.
  • This position is flexible and accommodates ever-changing job responsibilities and business needs.  
Who We Are
  • Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park is one of the most popular zoos in the southeastern U.S., with over 1.2 million visitors annually.
  • We have grown to what now encompasses 56 acres of naturalistic wildlife habitats in a lush, tropical garden setting with wide-ranging activities.
  • The Zoo, accredited by Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), offers popular educational programming, fun recreational amenities, up-close animal encounters and engaging seasonal events for which it has won awards as one of the country’s most family-friendly zoos.
  • Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and care for animals; create exceptional personalized experiences that connect people with wildlife and each other in fun, immersive ways.
  • Our vision is that everyone we touch is motivated to join us in taking action to protect and preserve wildlife.
  • Join us and become a part of creating unforgettable natural connections!
  • Your day to day
Essential Functions (Including, but not limited to):
  • Conducts all activities in alignment with AZA standards and guidelines, all relevant laws and regulations, safety standards, and standards that ensure animal welfare.
  • Maintains a thorough knowledge of all programs offered by ZooTampa’s Guest Engagement Ambassadors. Primarily responsible for training, coordinating, and supervising these programs.
  • Demonstrates commitment to diversity, equity, access, and inclusion in all aspects of the volunteer program.
  • Supervises Guest Engagement Ambassadors and responsible for daily volunteer operation.
  • Supervises the Volunteer Programs Specialist (PT).
  • Assists with onboarding and training of new volunteers.
  • Leads, monitors, and tracks training opportunities for new and current volunteers.
  • Responsible for volunteer communications, enrichment opportunities, and appreciation events.
  • Assists with the preparation of supplies/materials necessary for programs, which may include researching information and developing visual aids.
  • Assists with new development and maintenance of conservation stations and kiosks, including evaluation and makes recommendations to improve programs.
  • Monitor programs and information used to ensure programs stay current, relevant, and accurate.
  • Collaborates with Behavioral Research team to evaluate effectiveness of messages and programs.
  • Schedules and leads ongoing coaching sessions for Guest Engagement Ambassadors.
  • Works closely with other areas of the Zoo to ensure the safe and successful implementation of programs.
  • Interacts with general public by answering questions and delivers ZooTampa at Lowry Park’s conservation messages.
  • Ensures a high level of service and positive experience for visitors and program participants.
  • Other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
  • Degree or equivalent background in environmental education, biology, interpretation, or conservation. 
  • CIG or CIGT certification preferred.
  • Demonstrated leadership or supervisory experience.
  • Must have a valid Florida Driver’s License.
Preferred Skills and Experience:
  • Knowledge of a variety of environmental, conservation, and interpretive programs as well as experience presenting in a public setting to a variety of age levels preferred.
  • Experience developing, designing, and leading interpretive programs.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with ability to lead and motivate team members.
  • Experience working with volunteers.
  • Flexibility to adapt to varying situations.
Organizational skills
  • Ability to take initiative, produce work independently, and to act on behalf of a team.
  • Ability to work with all ages and provide a high level of service to Zoo visitors, program participants and Zoo staff.
  • Ability to communicate ideas and contribute effectively, both written and verbally.
  • Ability to multi-task in a fast paced environment while maintaining a positive attitude.
  • Knowledge of personal computers, related software, and audio/visual equipment; familiarity with Office suite.
Additional Requirements
  • Must be comfortable working with and around various species of animals.
  • Ability to work and move about in extreme weather conditions typical to west central Florida (i.e. heat, rain, or cold).
  • Must be able to maintain control during emergencies that may arise.  
  • Must be able to work on weekends, holidays, flexible daily hours, long shifts, as well as various evening hours.
Compensation:
  • This is a Full-time Hourly position.
  • Our Perks at ZooTampa
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Pet, Life Insurance, 403(b) Pension Plan
  • Vacation and sick time
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Tuition Forgiveness
  • Free gym membership
  • Free admission to the Zoo, MOSI, and the Florida Aquarium
  • Free or discounted admission to many attractions in Florida
  • Discounted auto insurance
  • And so much more!
  • Equal Opportunity Employer & Drug-Free Workplace
Experience Required
  • Qualifications: Degree or equivalent background in environmental education, biology, interpretation, or conservation.
  • CIG or CIGT certification preferred. Demonstrated leadership or supervisory experience.
  • Must have a valid Florida Driver’s License.
  • Preferred Skills and Experience: Knowledge of a variety of environmental, conservation, and interpretive programs as well as experience presenting in a public setting to a variety of age levels preferred.
  • Experience developing, designing, and leading interpretive programs.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with ability to lead and motivate team members.
  • Experience working with volunteers. Flexibility to adapt to varying situations.
  • Organizational skills Ability to take initiative, produce work independently, and to act on behalf of a team.
  • Ability to work with all ages and provide a high level of service to Zoo visitors, program participants and Zoo staff.
  • Ability to communicate ideas and contribute effectively, both written and verbally.
  • Ability to multi-task in a fast paced environment while maintaining a positive attitude.
  • Knowledge of personal computers, related software, and audio/visual equipment; familiarity with Office suite.
Perks
  • Our Perks at ZooTampa Medical,
  • Dental,
  • Vision,
  • Pet,
  • Life Insurance,
  • 403(b) Pension Plan Vacation and sick time Employee Assistance Program Tuition Forgiveness Free gym membership Free admission to the Zoo,
  • MOSI and the Florida Aquarium Free or discounted admission to many attractions in Florida Discounted auto insurance And so much more!

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