Job Description

Inspire a community and mobilize our mission as Volunteer Services Supervisor! 

Are you passionate about?

…Inspiring guests to connect with nature and taking action to impact the future of our world?

… Saving wild animals and wild places ?

…Being part of a dynamic, growing zoo that is welcoming to all?

Reid Park Zoological Society’s mission is to connect people with animals, inspiring the protection of wild animals and wild places. Be a part of a vibrant, growing organization as Reid Park Zoo continues to support local and global conservation and the highest standards in animal care while providing educational opportunities and family fun.

With a mission centered on conservation, the Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and participates in over 50 Species Survival Plans for threatened and endangered species. Reid Park Zoo cares for over 200 exotic animal species from around the world and maintains a state-of-the-art elephant program. This cutting-edge veterinary clinic serves as a teaching hospital for the University of Arizona veterinary program. It is a leader in the Monarch and Songbird Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) programs. With more than 600,000 visits annually, the Zoo is in the midst of an exciting expansion project, Pathway to Asia , that will add four acres to its campus, bringing new species such as red panda, Komodo dragon, and Lar gibbons, as well as a breeding facility for critically endangered Malayan tigers when it opens in 2026.

No phone calls or visits please. This position is open until filled. We are an Equal Opportunities Employer. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff by creating an inclusive environment .

Pay Range : $46,196.80 to $54,281.24 annually (salary/exempt), depending on experience

Benefits : This is a fully benefited position, including group medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; paid holiday, vacation, and sick time; retirement plan; zoo membership; employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement, and discounts on concession and gift shop purchases.

Reports to:  Human Resources Manager

Overview:  The Volunteer Services Supervisor oversees and enhances volunteer services at the Reid Park Zoological Society (RPZS or the Zoo), ensuring a positive, rewarding experience for volunteers while aligning with the Zoo’s mission and goals, which are founded in conservation education. They are responsible for developing and implementing strategic plans to increase the Zoo's overall visibility for its volunteer opportunities. As part of the Human Resources (HR) department, this role will work closely with the HR Manager and volunteer coordinators to recruit, train, and retain a talented, dedicated volunteer workforce that supports Zoo operations and educational programs. This role requires strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills. 

The role involves supervising the day-to-day activities of the Reid Park Zoo volunteers including their interactions with others, and the Volunteer Services Coordinators. 

Key Responsibilities:

General Duties

• Demonstrate and model the core values of RPZS
• Perform duties in accordance with RPZS policies and procedures
• Provide excellent customer and guest service, both internally and externally, as a component of all job duties
• Follow Zoo safety protocols and procedures

Volunteer Recruitment and Orientation

• Develop and implement outreach strategies to attract diverse volunteers and promote volunteer services and programs within the community
• Oversee volunteer recruitment, onboarding, engagement, retention, matching volunteers to roles, scheduling, and tracking hours
• Conduct orientations for new volunteers, providing essential information about the zoo, its mission, and volunteer roles

Training and Development

• Design and deliver training programs that equip volunteers with the necessary skills and knowledge to be effective mission ambassadors and perform their duties effectively
• Assess training needs and provide ongoing education opportunities for volunteers to enhance their experience, engagement, effectiveness, and alignment with Zoo mission, standards and culture expectations

Supervision and Support

• Ensure the Zoo’s commitment to attracting and retaining a diverse staff and volunteer team by creating an inclusive, welcoming environment where everyone feels they belong
• Mentor and develop staff to promote their professional growth and skills
• Complete 90-day reviews for new hires and jointly create a work plan with goals for the year
• Deliver annual performance reviews for direct reports and collaborate with them to align on work plan goals for the coming year
• Provide regular training and development, support, guidance, and timely performance feedback to staff
• Make recommendations for promotion and status changes as appropriate
• Participate in employee/volunteer relations concerns, conflicts or performance in partnership with HR
• Monitor and evaluate volunteer performance, providing both positive and corrective feedback on a timely basis
• Oversee daily volunteer activities and supervise volunteer coordinators, ensuring that volunteers are effectively supported and recognized for their contributions
• Ensure volunteers are well-matched to their roles and provide ongoing support and feedback
• Ensure volunteers use their unique skills and professional expertise to help the Zoo in the areas it needs
• Actively collaborate with other departments to anticipate and identify volunteer needs, create volunteer opportunities, and ensure the needs of the departments and community are met effectively
• Act as a primary point of contact for volunteers and coordinators, addressing concerns, and facilitating communication between volunteers, coordinators, and staff
• Participate in emergency drills
• Implement strategies to recognize volunteer contributions and cultivate a positive and engaging environment
• Promote an inclusive and equitable workplace by valuing diversity and showing respect for all individuals

Program Evaluation and Improvement

• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the volunteer program, making recommendations for improvements as needed
• Collect feedback from volunteers and staff to continuously enhance the volunteer experience and effectiveness of the Volunteer Services department

Collaboration with HR

• Partner closely with the HR Manager to align Volunteer Services staff and volunteer initiatives with organizational policies, culture, and values; streamline recruitment processes, and maintain volunteer records
• Partner with the HR Manager when addressing performance, conflicts, employee and volunteer relations, and in providing coaching or corrective action when necessary
• Assist in the development and management of the volunteer budget, ensuring efficient use of resources
• Provide regular quantitative and qualitative metrics and department updates to the HR Manager
• Ensure health and safety training, and incident report completion
• Ensure company and department compliance, such as volunteer background checks and compliance training

Community Engagement

• Foster partnerships with local schools, organizations, and community groups to promote volunteer opportunities and outreach initiatives
• Plan and coordinate special events that involve volunteers, enhancing community involvement and support for the Zoo
• Provides on-the-ground support, training, and direction to volunteers during events

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Five years of progressive experience in Human Resources, Volunteer Management, Non-Profit Management, Business Administration, Project Management or related field
• Minimum of three years’ experience within a non-profit environment
• Minimum of three years supervisory experience required
• Valid, unrestricted driver’s license
• Complete pre-employment background check and drug screen (no THC)
• Proof of current year COVID-19 Booster
• Proof of negative TB test within the immediate past 12 months OR complete pre-hire TB test and annual renewals
• Experience in managing staff and volunteers, strong organizational skills, and ability to lead and motivate teams
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to actively listen, communicate effectively, constructively, and build positive, collaborative relationships across diverse groups, ages, and abilities across all levels of the organization
• Strong ability to collaborate and cooperate with others across the organization
• Ability to identify community needs, plan and develop programs, and use data to evaluate impact
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor Degree in Human Resources, Non-Profit Management, Business Administration, or a related science (conservation, zoology, biology, animal science, etc.)
• Additional years of supervisory experience strongly preferred
• Experience with training methodologies and creating engaging training content
• Previous volunteer experience
• Project management, event planning / coordination, fundraising or grant writing experience
• Experience / proficiency using volunteer management software strongly preferred
• Zoo experience and specifically, experience in an AZA zoo is strongly preferred
• A passion for and knowledge of wildlife conservation and education
• Bilingual (Any language, including ASL)

Working Conditions:

• This position requires regular interaction with animals, staff, and visitors in a zoo environment
• This position requires the ability to work a flexible schedule when needed for events, weekends, and holidays
• The role may involve physical activities, including lifting, walking, and standing for extended periods
• May work outdoors frequently, for long periods and in a variety of weather conditions

Please note that this document is not an exhaustive list. It is intended to give a reasonable idea of what might be required.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of Reid Park Zoological Society to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Resources Department

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