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!
