Conservation Technician jobs in Norfolk, VA

Description

The Virginia Zoo, founded in 1901, is located in Norfolk, VA and is home to more than 700 animals representing over 150 species. It resides on 53 acres and is mostly outdoors with an indoor World of Reptiles exhibit, 3 classrooms, and an indoor restaurant and gift shop.  

The Conservation Engagement Manager plays an integral role in developing and implementing impactful and engaging mission-based messaging on the Virginia Zoo grounds. Through guest engagement and volunteer opportunities, the Conservation Engagement Manager takes on the task of overseeing the success of the Virginia Zoo volunteer program and providing training resources to various Virginia Zoo Departments such as Horticulture, Education, and Events. 

 This is a salaried, exempt position that supervises staff. Reports to the Curator of Education

Occasional evening and weekends as needed. 

Job Responsibilities

• Develop and manage the recruitment and intake cadence and process for all Virginia Zoo volunteer programs. 
• Manage 3rd party retention programs utilized by volunteers (Including but not limited to Betterimpact).
• Maintain inventory levels required for the successful operations of volunteer program (including but not limited to uniform ordering, materials ordering and/or creation). 
• Manage effective engagement and communication to current and potential volunteers. (Including but not limited to monthly e-mail newsletter).
• Manage the coordination and partnership of other department volunteer needs.
• Oversee and manage the scheduling and staffing of direct reports and volunteers.
• Develop and manage the volunteer program and policies. 
• Ensure proper record keeping of volunteer reports.
• Provide guidance to departments on effective and impactful mission-based messaging.
• Craft interpretive messaging to be utilized on Zoo grounds by both Zoo staff and volunteers.
• Manage the daily workflow of guest engagement and volunteer staff.
• Manage the proper storage and retention of volunteer PII and documents. 
• Recruit, train, and develop Virginia Zoological Society guest engagement and volunteer staff. 
• Responsible for providing constructive coaching and performance management for guest engagement and volunteer staff.
• Manages discipline and termination of employees in accordance with company policy.
• Reviews and submit departments timesheets in accordance with accounting policy standards.
• Manage the successful operation of all guest engagement activities and programs of the Virginia Zoo including the planning, preparation, training, and execution. 

Perks For working at the Virginia Zoo!

• Positive, fun atmosphere.
• 15 Paid holidays
• Generous amount of PTO
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, and retirement plan are offered following a 60-day probationary period.
• Free Zoo membership.
• Discounts in the gift shop and restaurants.
• Behind-The-Scenes tour.

Requirements

Required Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines with multiple ongoing projects.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Resourceful self-starter with an ability to anticipate business needs.
• Ability to prioritize tasks.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
• Ability to formulate and craft effective educational interpretive messaging.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Education/Interpretation or related field.
• Experienced with developing effective interpretive messaging for a range of ages. 
• Certified Interpretive Guide required.
• Certified Interpretive Trainer preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds capacity at times. 

Additional Requirements

• Ability to maintain a professional appearance and manner.
• Ability to work in a team environment or alone for extended periods of time.
• Able to work indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions. 
• Yearly TB test required.
• TDAP Vaccination required. 

At Virginia Zoological Society, we believe that diversity fuels creativity and innovation. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, genetic information, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, non-job related physical or mental disability, or protected veteran status.

All Virginia Zoo Employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (Boosters not required)

The Virginia Zoo is a drug free workplace.