Overview:
The National Audubon Society is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects birds and the places they need today and tomorrow. We work throughout the Americas towards a future where birds thrive because Audubon is a powerful, diverse, and ever-growing force for conservation. Audubon has more than 700 staff working across the hemisphere and more than 1.5 million active supporters.
North America has lost three billion birds since 1970, and more than 500 bird species are at risk of extinction across Latin America and the Caribbean. Birds act as early warning systems about the health of our environment, and they tell us that birds – and our planet – are in crisis. Together as one Audubon, we are working to alter the course of climate change and habitat loss, leading to healthier bird populations and reversing current trends in biodiversity loss. We do this by implementing on-the-ground conservation, partnering with local communities, influencing public and corporate policy, and building community.
Audubon is committed to a culture of workplace excellence, where our talented and diverse staff are deeply engaged with a strong sense of belonging. The birds Audubon pledges to protect differ in color, size, behavior, geographical preference, and countless other ways. By honoring and celebrating the equally remarkable diversity of the human species, Audubon brings new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work throughout the hemisphere.
Position Summary:
Audubon’s Rowe Sanctuary is a premier location for the annual Sandhill Crane Migration, where a million birds roost on the Platte River each spring. At Rowe Sanctuary, we welcome approximately 35,000 visitors annually during the migration, provide guided tours to blinds overlooking the river, and offer daytime programming. The Seasonal Volunteer Coordinator will work to train and manage volunteers. The volunteers will act as ambassadors for the birds by educating visitors about the Platte River, guides for the tours, and will ensure the safety of both the birds and people. The Volunteer Coordinator will ensure volunteers receive both pre-arrival training and on-site training. The Volunteer Coordinator will organize daily volunteer schedules from March 1 to April 10 and ensure shifts are filled. The Volunteer Coordinator will serve as the volunteer point of contact for support and daily troubleshooting.
Please note that this is a seasonal position.
Compensation:
$17.00 / hour
Essential Functions:
- Facilitate pre-arrival training and on-site training for volunteers to be Sandhill Crane and Platte River Ambassadors.
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Coordinate and organize volunteers' schedules to ensure tours and programs are properly staffed with knowledgeable volunteers, traffic flow issues are addressed, trails are scouted for safety issues, daily tour check-in runs smoothly, gift shop is properly staffed, and that the roosting Sandhill Cranes are safe from human disturbance.
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Serve as the point of contact for volunteers, answer their questions and address their needs and concerns. Coordinate closely with on-site staff to address habitat and facility needs.
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Perform volunteer duties at the center and sanctuary as needed.
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Support volunteers, field phone calls and emails, and provide logistical support when possible.
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Assist with organizing a volunteer appreciation event at the end of the season.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Five years’ experience volunteering or volunteer management, preferably in a natural science field.
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Experience with and a high comfort level in public speaking and interacting with the public on an informal basis is required.
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Demonstrated interest in protecting migrating birds and wildlife, preferably along the Platte River.
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Knowledge of Sandhill Crane migration preferred.
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Willingness to work outdoors in harsh conditions and provide their own transportation to and from the sanctuary.
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Willingness to work on weekends and holidays; candidate must live in the Gibbon, NE area.
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Excellent oral and written communication and public speaking skills.
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Working knowledge of on-line database use and management.
EEO Statement:
The National Audubon Society is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, inclusion and equal opportunity and actively seek a diverse pool of candidates in this search.
Accessibility Statement:
The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Accommodations@audubon.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.