Supervisor of Volunteer Programs (Full-Time)

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!