An exciting opportunity has arisen for someone to join the Education Team in a Full Time capacity as the Volunteer Coordinator!
Australia Zoo is an equal opportunity employer, where we recognise the diversity of our workforce and community – be it on the basis of gender, age, race, sexual orientation, or religious belief. We provide specific workplace programs to support diversity and equal employment opportunities for women, people with disabilities and all cultural backgrounds.
Under the direction of the Head of Department, the Volunteer Coordinator has the primary responsibility of managing and coordinating all aspects of the Volunteer Program, as well as the volunteers themselves.
To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate a strong understanding of the important role that volunteering plays in the community and in supporting lifelong learning. You must have excellent organisational and time management skills, and the ability to conduct yourself in a professional manner.
Duties include:
- Recruitment, selection, appointment and performance management of volunteers – in line with Australia Zoo policies, procedures and guidelines and with consideration of Australia Zoo ethos and philosophies.
- Assist with the ongoing development, review and implementation of volunteer induction procedures, manuals, guidelines, reward and recognition program and associated communications on a regular basis, to ensure relevance and currency.
- Maintain timely communication with all volunteers regarding Australia Zoo updates, guidelines, communications and events.
- Meet with volunteers each morning to allocate and communicate daily tasks, expectations and responsibilities for their day and debrief each afternoon on the outcomes of their day.
- Liaise with management, heads of departments and keepers regarding operational requirements and volunteer performance.
- Actively follow up and report on any and all concerns or issues raised by or related to volunteers.
- Conduct performance feedback and review sessions with volunteers as requested.
- Identify training needs and conduct and/or arrange training for all volunteers as required.
- Maintain all relevant information relative to volunteers, including but not limited to personal database information, spreadsheets, information systems, volunteer reward and recognition program, performance feedback, review and management, training and development, availability etc.
- Coordinate and facilitate as required, special projects or group tasks assigned to volunteers.
- Maintain up to date advance weekly volunteer rosters and update relevant management in a timely manner on any variation from normal scheduling.
- Establish new and build on existing networks with schools/universities/colleges etc. relative to work experience and placement program opportunities.
- Recruitment, selection, appointment and facilitation of Australia Zoo’s High School Work Experience Program.
- Develop and maintain open, positive and professional relationships and communication with all Australia Zoo employees, including but not limited to zoo management, AZWH and AZWW staff as well as keeping, education and volunteers department staff.
- Provide monthly and/or ad hoc reports on volunteer statistics to management and others as requested.
- Respond to all telephone and electronic communications and enquiries from prospective volunteers in a timely manner.
- Assist the department with education, “Zookeeper for A Day” or associated support duties as required.
- Work collaboratively with all education and volunteer team members in the achievement of departmental objectives and priorities.
- Adherence to all Child Safety Policies.
Essential Criteria:
- Blue Card, or Blue Card exemption (or willing to obtain)
- Drivers Licence
- Experience with delivery of volunteer programs, including catering to a range of inclusive and supported volunteer programs
- Any other relevant certificates
Preferred Criteria:
- Current First Aid and CPR Qualifications
- Certificate III Captive Animal qualifications, or higher
Here is a checklist of information you will need to have ready before you start to complete the employment application form:
- Education history
- Employment history
- References
- Any qualifications you may have eg First Aid
- Any achievements you may like to tell us about
- your availability (what hours can you work)
- A resume in .pdf format
- Any other info that may support your application
