Volunteer Coordination & Engagement

Bush Heritage Australia are looking to fill a Volunteer Coordination Engagement role.

This is an exceptional opportunity to make a very real contribution to the protection of Australia’s unique wildlife and their habitat.

• Fantastic opportunity to work within a leading conservation organisation.
• Location Flexible within NSW or ACT.
• $61, 913 - $68, 793 pro rata, plus super (with opportunities for further growth)
• Flexible working hours
• Part time 0.8 FTE, or opportunity for part time 0.4 FTE (spread over 4 days each week)

For over 30 years we’ve supported and protected some of the most fragile ecosystems across the continent and seen the impact of our science-based approach. We keep our eyes on the horizon and focus firmly on long-term, landscape scale impact. As a national, not-for-profit, we want to continue to expand the areas we protect and deepen the impact we have. We work in partnership with Traditional Owners, listening to and learning from the customs and cultures that came before us.

Together we can heal and protect the bush, now and into the future.

Bush Heritage operates a national Volunteer Program where each year, hundreds or volunteers are actively engaged in all aspects of natural resource management and associated department activities on Bush Heritage Reserves, from home and Bush Heritage offices.

Reporting to the National Volunteer Program Coordinator, this role is accountable for fulfilling the ‘Key responsibilities and duties’ associated with this position. This Volunteer Coordination and Engagement role manages all volunteer placements in their region, including pre and post placement processes. The incumbent will manage all new volunteer enquires for the Volunteer Program nationally, which includes actively and passionately sharing Bush Heritage’s story to inspire and encourage support for the organisation.

As a self-starter, it is expected that the incumbent will contribute towards improving the effectiveness of volunteer management systems, including supporting the development of new systems and when required, supporting other Regional Volunteer Coordinators during periods of leave.

During the initial induction period, travel to Reserves within the incumbent’s region will be required to familiarise themselves with how each team engages with volunteers and to understand how best to support volunteers and staff in each area. Travel for region and team gatherings is required each year. 

The Volunteer Coordination and Engagement role supports the National Volunteer Program Coordinator to work collaboratively with all staff to implement the organisation’s 2030 Strategy and the Volunteer Engagement Strategy. 

It is preferred that this role is 0.8FTE. However, for the right candidate, there is the opportunity for this position to be 0.4FTE. An incumbent who has a contract for 0.4FTE will be required to split the hours over 4 days a week to maintain timely contact with volunteers and staff.

• Commitment and passion for nature conservation and the objectives and values of Bush Heritage.
• Demonstrated knowledge in volunteer management practices.
• Three years relevant experience including proven background working with volunteers.
• High level of computer literacy and proficiency with applications including a customer relationship management database and Microsoft 365.
• Demonstrated experience working with a database in a volunteer management environment, or ability to rapidly acquire the necessary knowledge and capability.
• Highly developed written communication skills.
• Highly developed verbal communication and listening skills with an excellent telephone manner and experience in providing service to people from a range of backgrounds.
• Well-developed interpersonal and rapport building skills including proven ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with colleagues, volunteers, and other stakeholders.
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organisational and time management skills including the ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and work with minimal supervision.
• On occasion, travel away from home and to remote locations as outlined in the ‘Key responsibilities and duties’.

What sets us apart

• Great life-work balance: flexible work arrangements, home based opportunity or hybrid working options available.

• Access to 20 days personal leave per year, 10 of these available from commencement if employment. We also offer cultural leave and gender transition leave.

• Employee Resource Groups for women, LGBTQIA+, and neurodivergent employees as well as a social group for bird lovers.

• Professional development activities including access to LinkedIn Learning. 

• Equitable 12 weeks paid leave to all parents, irrespective of their role as primary or secondary carers. 

• Remote staff are supported through an education allowance for kids, additional annual leave and possible casual works arrangements for partners. 

• Access to support and counselling via our Employee Assistance Program and free access to Headspace app.

To apply for this role, simply fill in your personal details and answer the questions below. You will then be taken to a page to upload a copy of your CV. There is no need to attach a cover letter or separate document answering key selection criteria. Candidates who are interested in the position are encouraged to apply even though they may feel they are not strong on individual selection criteria. In assessing merit, the panel will take into consideration “performance or achievement relative to opportunity”. We recognise that many staff today have a range of personal circumstances, and career histories.

Bush Heritage Australia does not discriminate based on race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or marital or parental status. Should you require a reasonable adjustment to be made for your application we would be more than happy to discuss how this could be arranged. Evidence shows that applicants from underrepresented backgrounds often don't apply for roles if they don't feel they meet all the requirements of the job – unlike candidates from majority backgrounds who might fulfil less requirements. We strongly encourage you to apply if you’re interested: we strive to build more diverse teams with your unique experience!

Applications close: Sunday the 2nd of June 11:30pm AEST.