Volunteer Services Associate

Pay Rate: To maintain internal equity, we have identified the pay range for this position at the Oakland Zoo as $24.00 to $25.00 per hour. An offer within this pay range will be determined by the experience and qualifications of a candidate and will be our best and final compensation offer.

Under the supervision of the Director of Volunteer Services, the Volunteer Services Associate supports the management of all aspects of the zoo-wide Volunteer Services Program. They will uphold the mission and values established by the Conservation Society of California/Oakland Zoo and adhere to policies and procedures as set forth by the Zoo and the Senior Director of Volunteer Services.

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The Oakland Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package, including Health insurance, Dental insurance, Vision insurance, Flexible spending account, Retirement plan, Paid time off, Employee Assistance Program, and A Family Zoo Membership.

• Volunteer Services Associate provides radio and administrative support to the Volunteer Services staff and zoo volunteers.
• Maintain positive working relationships with volunteers, co-workers, and program participants.
• Prepare and maintain volunteer supplies as needed.
• Assist with the planning, preparation, and execution of zoo and volunteer special events, programs, training, tours, and activities.
• Demonstrate superior customer service, both internally (i.e., co-workers) and externally (vendors, visitors, students, parents, etc).
• Demonstrate knowledge of, and support the Conservation Society of California’s mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and codes of behavior.
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned.
• Facilitates on-boarding process and acts as liaison for volunteer coordinators in other zoo departments for new volunteer applicants. Ensures all required documentation is completed and received.
• Point of contact for Volgistics (new volunteers, reports, assignments, and special events).
• In coordination with the Program Manager, Volunteer Services provides docent and volunteer support for zoo-wide special events.
• Creates reporting for AZA, annual reporting, taxes, and grants.
• Coordinates volunteer recognition – volunteers, docents, and teens.
• Manages donation requests in collaboration with Development Department
• Supervise Docent, Zoo Ambassadors, Teens, and Volunteers
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

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• High School Graduate
• Previous experience working with volunteers.
• Computer and administrative experience
• Weekend and evening work required.
• Must be able to work indoors and outdoors and in variable weather conditions.
• Must be able to navigate moderate hills, be on feet for 60 minutes at a time and lift 50 lbs.
• Possess a current California Driver’s License and maintain a good D.M.V. Driving Record (that satisfies the Zoo’s Insurance Carrier)

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Knowledge/Skills/Qualities - May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills and abilities commonly associated with this position.

• Knowledge and experience working with volunteers and volunteer programming.
• Excellent oral (including public speaking) and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage stressful situations and maintain a sense of perspective and humor.
• Ability to solve problems and show good judgment.
• Ability to organize tasks and ensure timely completion of projects with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Courteous and respectful interaction with supervisors, co-workers, visitors, volunteers, and the general public.
• May be required to work holidays and evening hours.
• Ability to work well with little to no direct supervision.
• Ability to work well within a team.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced, often changeable environment.
• Friendly, energetic, and open manner; good rapport with volunteers

• Collaboration – builds trusting relationships with both internal and external stakeholders across our organization and community-wide and approaches differences of opinion with curiosity and humility.
• Dependability – demonstrates trustworthiness and reliability, including while working with little or no direct supervision
• Communication – communicates respectfully and effectively with stakeholders across identities, both verbally and in writing
• Leadership – mentors, advises, and develops people across identities with consideration for cultural relevance and responsiveness, self-awareness around implicit bias and understanding of the power dynamics that exist in organizations.
• Inclusive Culture - fosters a culture of mutual respect, transparency, collaboration and belonging which allows all employees to feel appreciated, included, and valued.
• Passion – wholeheartedly believes in, represents, and models Oakland Zoo’s mission and PRIDE values at all times.
• Relationship-Building - able to build and maintain trusting relationships and mutually beneficial partnerships with internal and external stakeholders
• Solution-oriented – utilizes an open-minded and strengths-based approach to finding solutions for complex challenges.
• Wildlife Aware - understands mission to support the conservation and welfare of animals at The Zoo, locally and globally. This is demonstrated by a willingness/passion to reflect this mission in all actions and to continue to learn how to take action for wildlife.
• Sustainability – oriented toward the mission and values of the Oakland Zoo and able to put those into practice by finding creative and resourceful ways to develop sustainable practices within your role and department.

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