Volunteer Coordinator

An exciting opportunity has arisen for someone to join our 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 must demonstrate a great understanding of education needs and stay up to date with the ever-changing Australian curriculum.  You must have excellent organisational and time management skills, and the ability to conduct yourself in a professional manner.

A successful candidate will have a demonstrated ability to work in a high performance environment with a capacity to deliver all requirements of the role, great work ethic and the ability to work to a high standard within a team.

Duties May 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 anomalies, concerns, issues raised by or related to volunteers.
• Conduct  performance feedback and review sessions will  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 data base 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.
• 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 adhoc 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 volunteers team members in the achievement of departmental objectives and priorities.

Essential Criteria –

• Hold current driver’s licence
• Available to work weekends, public holidays, and school holiday periods
• Current blue card (valid for employment) or exemption
• Demonstrated capacity to manage groups using a positive behaviour approach
• Computer literacy, especially MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint and  the ability to learn job specific computer programs
• A high level of interpersonal skills and the ability to engage, negotiate and communicate effectively with all levels of staff and guests to ensure professional ongoing relationships and program development

Preferred Criteria –

• Formal education qualifications (e.g. Bachelor of Education) or equivalent experience
• Current knowledge of and experience with curriculum-based learning
• Demonstrated ability to engage a range of ages and abilities through innovative and authentic education programs
• Current 1st Aid Qualifications
• Any other relevant certificates
• Experience in or an understanding of primary and high school level biology/science disciplines
• Experience with delivery of inclusive and supported education programs, catering to a range of disabilities
• Certificate III Captive Animal qualifications, or higher
• Workplace training and assessing qualifications