Volunteer Services Specialist

Location

Wheaton, IL | United States

Job description

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County provides opportunities for people to connect with nature. We offer to the public 60 forest preserves, 166 miles of trails, 47 miles of rivers and streams, and 6 nature and cultural centers. We have 6 million visitors each year.

The District's mission is, "to acquire and hold lands containing forests, prairies, wetlands and associated plant communities or lands capable of being restored to such natural conditions for the purpose of protecting and preserving the flora, fauna and scenic beauty for the education, pleasure and recreation of it's citizens.

Job Summary

The Volunteer Services Specialist supports the Forest Preserve District's mission by actively engaging, recruiting, training, and coordinating volunteers for various projects and activities across the District.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Respond promptly to inquiries about the volunteer program, guiding potential volunteers through the onboarding process.
• Conduct interviews, verify required documents, and coordinate placement, training, and follow-up procedures for new volunteers.
• Establish and nurture positive working relationships with District staff, and volunteers, professional volunteer agencies, vendors, and community groups.
• Coordinate and facilitate various community volunteer programs, including Eagle Scout and Gold Award Programs, and Court-Ordered Community Service.
• Ensure seamless execution of volunteer initiatives, aligning them with the District's mission and goals.
• Maintain organized files, records, and applications related to the volunteer program.
• Manage essential program data, including waivers, background checks, sex offender checks, mandated reporter training verification, etc., ensuring compliance with all regulations.
• Assist in the planning and execution of volunteer recognition and appreciation events.
• Support the planning and leadership of community and corporate workdays, ensuring effective coordination and execution.
• Coordinate and compile data necessary for reporting requirements, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Foster a working environment that promotes safe work habits; Become familiar with and observe all applicable safety rules, policies, and work procedures; Follow all safety rules that pertain to the duties performed and support all aspects of the District's safety and risk management program; Keep work area clean, orderly, and free of hazards; Immediately report all unsafe conditions and incidents.
• Maintain a supportive working environment and demonstrate a desire to exceed the expectations of internal and external customers.
• Perform other duties as required.

Requirements:

• Associate's Degree is required. Bachelor's Degree in Personal or Business Administration, Psychology, Communications, or a related field is preferred.
• 1-3 years of related experience working with and overseeing volunteers or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Valid Driver's License in good standing.
• Completion of Mandated Reporter training through DCFS within one month of hire.
• In-depth knowledge of the field of volunteerism.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Familiarity with District activities, services, and resources.
• Proficiency with the principles and practices of public relations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with Adobe and other form creation software.
• Experience with Volgistics or other volunteer management software.
• Ability to establish rapport and maintain effective working relationships.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to provide an analysis of statistical data.
• Hands-on experience working or volunteering in an outdoor setting.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with volunteers to achieve program goals.
• Capacity to acquire and apply knowledge of procedures, rules, regulations, and services specific to the assigned office.
• Effective prioritization and project management skills to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Proficiency in interpreting and applying written and verbal instructions, ensuring accurate execution.
• Flexibility to work evenings, early mornings, weekends, and holidays as needed to accommodate volunteer program activities and special events.

Starting Pay: $23.83-$27.63 an hour.

Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm. Occasional evening and weekend hours to accommodate special events or programs.

Benefits: Medical (PPO and HMO plans through Blue Cross Blue Shield), Dental, Vision, Flex Spending, Wellness Screenings, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, 12 paid Holidays, 12 paid Vacation Days, 5 paid Personal Days, 8 paid sick days, Pension through Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF).

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace built on a foundation of respect, integrity, teamwork, and excellence. Our organization provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Job tags

Salary

$23.83 - $27.63 per hour