Wildlife Education Program Coordinator - Assistant Volunteer Coordinator

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The Organization:

The North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre is a well-established wildlife rehabilitation and education facility in Errington, BC, on beautiful Vancouver Island. Founded in 1984 and overseen by a Board of Directors, Senior Director of Operations and Executive Director, the North Island Wildlife Recovery Association (NIWRA) has continued to grow due to the dedication of staff, fantastic volunteers and incredible community support. NIWRA is a not-for-profit registered charity that advocates for the well-being of Vancouver Island wildlife and strives to educate the public about wildlife and related issues.

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The Position:

The Wildlife Education Program Coordinator - Assistant Volunteer Coordinator will work under the direction of the Executive Director.  The incumbent must be professional in appearance and in all aspects of his/her work to emulate the high standards NIWRA sets.

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The Education Program is integral to NIWRA's mission to educate the public on wildlife and nature issues. The Wildlife Education Program Coordinator provides leadership and guidance to the education program volunteers (adult and youth) and will also assist the Volunteer Coordinator. Responsibilities are performed with considerable independence and reviewed periodically.

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This full-time position has three components that support NIWRA's established programs.

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Responsibilities:

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​Wildlife Education Program Coordinator

• Become certified as a NIWRA tour guide

• Train education volunteers

• Work collaboratively with the NIWRA education volunteers

• Display proficiency in the NIWRA narrative  

• Play a significant role in all NIWRA tours

• Represent and reinforce/enforce the NIWRA narrative and expected conduct

• Monitor progress and organize training opportunities through shadowing, training tours, and extra engagement events (on and offsite).

• Biofacts: Responsible for maintenance, storage and inventory (including taxidermy mounts/displays) and ordering, developing and/or procuring new (and replacement) items.

• Manage in-house communications platform: post shifts for tours and pair shadows with appropriately trained guides. Answer questions. Provide animal care updates.

• Schedule orientation and training sessions

• Develop and update educational manuals as necessary

• Microscopes: Train volunteers to use the microscopes with the public and organize various education opportunities (for volunteers and visitors).

• Other duties as required.

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Assistant Volunteer Coordinator

Assists the Volunteer Coordinator to recruit and onboard volunteers

• Receive volunteer applications

• Conduct reference checks and handle follow-up calls

• Send RCMP Police Information Check package

• Schedule meetings with the Volunteer Coordinator and Department Heads

• Arrange and provide orientation tours for new volunteers

• Create name tags for volunteers

• Promote NIWRA’s volunteer program to community groups

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Green Teen Coordinator

The Green Teen Coordinator is responsible for the safety and support of our youth docents, whether onsite or offsite.

• Proficient in all things Green Teen (youth docents)

• Lead trainer of Green Teens, coordinating and providing support to volunteers.

• Communications: Applications. Intake/orientation in spring. Maintain the current active wait list of youth volunteers.

• Onboard youth to in-house communications platform and train on use.

• Organize pre-season training (with the help of returning members) and prepare for the annual Eagle Release event in April.

• Post shifts throughout summer. Ensure opportunities and engagement for Green Teens. Plan for appropriate adult support.

• Coordinate Green Teens to assist Animal handler presentations in the Learning Centre and at occasional offsite events.

• Handle end-of-season arrangements (letters/gifts, certificates, celebration).

• Address issues regarding appropriate behaviour as warranted.

• Research various forms of education and engagement techniques

• Other duties as required

 

Qualifications:

This rewarding position requires a mature person who works well within a team and independently and can readily adapt to changing circumstances.  It requires attention to detail.

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• One year experience in administration

• Completed High School diploma

• Strong knowledge of Vancouver Island wildlife and nature

• Must be able to work weekends and evenings when required

• Must be willing to get an RCMP Police Information Check as a condition of employment

• Must have a valid BC Driver’s license with a clean driving abstract

• Must be able to speak and write English fluently.

 

Preferred Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent interpersonal, communication and public relations skills

• Background in education an asset

• Experience working with volunteers

• Experience in public speaking and leading groups

• Knowledge or experience with educational programming

• Ability to follow directions

• Strong leadership skills

• Attention to detail with strong problem-solving skills

• Excellent teamwork skills and a strong work ethic

• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office programs

• Highly organized with the ability to multi-task

• Willingness to learn.

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Compensation & Work Schedule:

• $21.00/hour to start and $23.00/hour upon successful completion of the probation period.

• Benefits: Extended health benefits upon successful completion of the probation period.

• Full-time position FORTY (40) hours per week. Must be flexible to meet the needs of the organization. Some weekends and evenings required.

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