Dedicated to its founding mission in 1936 as an education institution, the Staten Island Zoological Society remains at the forefront of weaving effective education programs into its cultural role as a place of adventure, discovery, and fun for all age groups.  The Education Department develops high-quality educational programs based on current curricula and standards, including the Next Generation Science Standards, New York State Science Learning Standards, and the Common Core Standards, serving youth ages Pre-K through adult.  As New York’s “Biggest Little Zoo”, the Staten Island Zoo showcased more than 1,200 animals nestled in a beautiful 8-acre park, reflecting more than 350 species of animals.  An AZA accredited institution since 1988, the Zoo remains a leader in wildlife conservation, maintaining more than 70 endangered or threatened species and participating in the SPP and education to highlight the plight of vanishing wildlife throughout the world.

The Volunteer, Docent, & Intern Coordinator is responsible for the overall management, development, and implementation of these programs at the Staten Island Zoo.  This includes but is not limited to recruiting, training, scheduling, and managing volunteers in order to support the Zoo’s overall mission and day-to-day operations.  This individual will work closely with other supervisors at the Zoo to place volunteers, interns, and docents in roles that align with their skills and the organization's needs.  This education department position requires an individual with strong organizational skills that can adapt to different teaching environments and works well in a fast-paced environment.  This position directly supervises all individuals under the “volunteer” umbrella. 

Full time, 35 hour a week position including one weekend day

Description of Duties:

• Respond to inquiries about volunteer opportunities, process applications, conduct interviews, create schedules, complete orientations, and oversee training for volunteers, interns, and docents
• Maintain and uphold program manual and guidelines for all aspects of the volunteer program
• Evaluate all aspects of volunteer programs to ensure effectiveness and implement changes needed
• Provide ongoing support and guidance for all volunteers including letters of recommendation, record of hours, and documents for service organizations
• Keep accurate records of active and inactive volunteers, including contact information, background checks, TB tests, and hours served; track volunteer hours and activities through Better Impact system
• Assess the needs of different managers and areas of the Zoo in order to recruit and place interns and volunteers
• Regularly evaluate volunteer performance and provide ongoing support and professional development
• Develop and facilitate the Docent and Jr. Docent training course once a year, including grading homework and administering tests; program has both asynchronous online and synchronous in-person sessions
• Schedule and facilitate 11 docent meetings annually
• Work with SYEP providers during the summer
• Attend monthly SCINetwork partner meetings, both online and in-person at other NYC cultural institutions
• Recruit & coordinate volunteers for special events including Zoofari Summer Camp and the annual Spooktacular Halloween event
• Deliver in-person and virtual education programs to school groups, scout groups, and the general public both on and off site
• Help facilitate aspects of the Zoofari summer camp program as needed
• Additional tasks as needed in support of the Education Department

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in education, biology, environmental education or a related field
• Experience working with youth, informal or formal teaching experience
• Experience working in a nonprofit organization, zoo, aquarium, or other informal education facility
• Knowledge of management principles and evaluation techniques related to programs that involve a wide variety of volunteers; experience with volunteer management preferred
• Experience with animal handling, particular tractable ambassador animals preferred but will train

Skills:

• Ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple projects; time management skills and flexibility a must
• Strong computer and data management skills
• Strong public speaking skills and the ability to disseminate information to groups of all sizes
• Able to adapt to new situations and experiences
• Ability to work well with a diverse group of staff and volunteers
• Ability to work productively in a semi-structured environment with frequent interruptions
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
• Willingness to occasionally adjust hours based on the needs of the education department

Additional Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a background check
• Ability to work outdoors under various weather conditions
• Valid state driver’s license
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 30 pounds
• Negative TB test
• Covid-19 Vaccination

Reports to:  Director of Education