Volunteer Engagement Internship

Title: Volunteer Engagement Internship

Reports to: Volunteer Engagement Coordinator(s) and Volunteer Engagement Supervisor

Overview:

Join this fast-paced department and take part in all aspects of volunteer management. The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is currently seeking a Volunteer Engagement Intern to assist with the daily operations of the Volunteer Engagement Programs. Help recruit, train, motivate, and supervise our great group of nearly 500 individuals between the ages of 14 and 85. You will gain administrative and organizational skills, learn about non-profit management, and have fun, too!

The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated, self-starter looking to increase the profile of service and volunteerism benefiting the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.

Responsibilities:

• Promote volunteer opportunities through online postings on sites such as Volunteer Match, Facebook, Handshake and colleges/universities.
• Assists in developing volunteer opportunities for Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, including conducting research, outreach to potential partner agencies, recruitment, and onsite attendance/management.
• Assist with all communications including e-blasts, print marketing, targeted participant recruitment and online listings when appropriate.
• Assists in writing volunteer newsletters and other email announcements to volunteers.
• Files, photocopies, data entry and manages data within Volgistics, a volunteer management database.
• Assists with managing volunteer applicants and tracks pending applicants.
• Performs position related duties as assigned.
• Provide exceptional customer service to all JZG staff, volunteers, interns and applicants.
• Assists with planning and recruiting for ZooTeens! Program (when applicable)
• Assist the Volunteer Coordinators with supervision of volunteers during Special Events and daily activities.
• Assist staff as needed with special projects.
• Assist with onboarding new volunteers including training and processing.
  
  
  

This is not an exhaustive list, and opportunities/responsibilities are subject to change.

Qualifications:

• An undergraduate student enrolled in an accredited college or university pursuing a degree in human services, sociology, education, business administration, non-profit management, communications or a related field preferred
• Interest in the non-profit sector, especially volunteerism or hospitality management
• Enthusiasm and patience in working with volunteers of all ages; ability to work with a diverse group of individuals
• Additional preferred abilities: strong communicator (written & verbal), creative thinker, analytical/strategic thinker, strong writer, proficient editor.
  
  
  

Physical requirements:

• Ability to sit for long periods of time.
• Must be able to walk, bend, kneel and crawl.
• Able to lift and carry 50 pounds without difficulty.
• Ability to traverse zoo grounds on foot and operate a motorized golf cart.
  
  
  

Additional Qualifications:

Education and Experience

• Enrollment in or graduation from an associate or bachelor’s degree program in a related field.
  
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Strong work ethic: dependable, timely, responsive, productive, organized
• Effective verbal and written communication skills including professional and respectful interpersonal skills
• Excellent safety practices including safe operation of hand tools, vehicles, and equipment
• Basic computer operations, including Microsoft Office, and willingness/ability to use technology
• Ability to learn new tasks and follow written and verbal instructions
• Effective time management including prioritization
• Sound judgment and critical thinking skills
• Ability to remain focused despite interruptions and manage stress to perform job effectively
• An inclusive mindset with strong interpersonal and collaboration skills
• Acceptance and application of constructive feedback
• Maintains confidentiality where required
  
  
  

Inclusion, diversity, and equity as a value

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens embraces diversity in a meaningful way and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment regardless of a person's actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, national origin, place of birth, sex, age, religion, creed, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, weight, or height.

EOE / DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE