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17 Mar 2021

Full-Time Volunteer Coordinator

Friends of the Columbia Gorge – Posted by [email protected] Hood River, Oregon, United States

Job Description

Job Description: Volunteer Coordinator

HOURS: 40 hours per week LOCATION: Hood River or Washougal
STATUS: Non-Exempt SUPERVISOR: Stewardship Manager
SALARY RANGE: $17.00 – $20.00 hourly START DATE: May-June 2021

BACKGROUND
Friends of the Columbia Gorge was founded in 1980 and has over 6,500 members in Oregon, Washington, and beyond dedicated to preserving, protecting, and stewarding the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. With offices in Portland and Hood River, Oregon and Washougal, Washington, the organization uses an array of tools (advocacy, litigation, land acquisition, and public education) to ensure the Columbia Gorge remains a wondrous and vibrant place. In 2005, Friends launched the Friends of the Columbia Gorge Land Trust, a 509(a)(3) support organization to acquire and steward spectacular landscapes within the Columbia Gorge.

SUMMARY OF POSITION
The Volunteer Coordinator will work collaboratively with Friend’s Land Trust team and public lands partners to develop and implement opportunities for people to experience and steward the Columbia Gorge by completing land restoration projects. They will work to increase capacity in land management and stewardship, and provide volunteer opportunities throughout the National Scenic Area.

Volunteer coordination, implementing work parties, and collaborating with land managers to implement management and restoration projects on conservation lands are key responsibilities of this position. In addition, overseeing maintenance of public trails on Friends lands, and representing the organization in local trail partnerships.

Friends is looking for someone interested in volunteerism and conservation, possessing strong interpersonal and communication skills, a commitment to safety, and sustained enthusiasm for working with the public. The position requires regular interaction with co-workers, trustees, agency staffers, local partners, volunteers, donors, and members of the public. The Stewardship Volunteer Coordinator does not supervise any staff, but will routinely direct volunteers.

ACTIVITIES
VOLUNTEER COORDINATION AND RECRUITMENT
• Coordinate volunteer-driven land stewardship program to enhance critical habitat and improve ecological conditions on protected lands throughout the National Scenic Area.
• Develop and coordinate schedule of stewardship work parties and trainings
• Cultivate and expand positive relationships with public land managers, volunteers and donors to advance regional stewardship goals
• Recruit, screen, train and retain stewardship volunteers, including development of potential crew leads and site stewards
• Coordinate trainings, orientations, and communications for Land Steward program
• Serve as point person for all stewardship volunteer inquiries including holding office hours for land steward volunteers
• Collaborate with land trust staff to support stewardship of Gorge lands across property boundary lines
• Maintain data and draft summary reports for stewardship/volunteer activities
• Compose and coordinate stewardship-related communications with public engagement team for members, volunteers, grantors, and the public
• Annually update agency partner agreements regarding use of volunteers

TRAILS AND LAND STEWARDSHIP
• Lead stewardship volunteer work parties and trainings focused on conservation and restoration (invasive weed pulling, native plantings, etc.)
• Procure materials, supplies, and equipment to carry out stewardship activities and volunteer events
• Clean, organize, maintain and inventory all stewardship tools and equipment on a regular basis.

VOLUNTEER RECORDKEEPING AND RETENTION
• Develop and maintain core guidance and training documents for stewardship volunteers in partnership with Land Trust Coordinator and Outdoor Programs Specialist
• Maintain and compile accurate reporting for volunteer stewardship programs, i.e. Salesforce volunteer records, Eventbrite work party registrations, and Microsoft Excel project status reporting
• Recognize and engage volunteers for strong retention, including playing a leadership role in planning and hosting Friends annual Volunteer Appreciation Event
• Take on other volunteer-related projects as assigned

PROGRAM SUPPORT AND ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
• Work with Grant Writer on record keeping and reporting
• Participate in organizational trainings and activities focused on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• Assist Communications Director and Outreach Specialist as needed with community outreach opportunities
• Participate in fundraising and other outreach events as needed

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Minimum of one year experience with volunteer recruitment and coordination, human resources, land stewardship or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience in cultivation of volunteers and ability to engage volunteer groups with enthusiasm and professionalism
• Field skills for navigating, surveying and mapping features on conservation and recreation lands
• Ability to lift 50 lbs., operate hand tools, power tools, and other mechanical equipment
• Ability to work independently under physically demanding conditions, including cold and wet weather
• Valid, insurable driver’s license
• Must be able to work some non-standard hours, including evenings and weekends

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Botanical knowledge of local native plant species and invasive plant species
• Understanding of common treatment methods for invasive plant species
• Proficient in Spanish
• Experience using power hand tools and equipment: chainsaw, tractor, etc.
• Experience in ecological restoration and land management
• Experience in trail maintenance or design
• Certification in first aid, CPR, or wilderness first aid and knowledge of ecology, outdoor education, and Pacific Northwest conservation useful

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Starting salary range is $17.00 – $20.00 per hour, commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits include generous vacation time and holidays, almost-fully paid health insurance (50% for spouses and dependents) and an employer-contributed retirement plan.

EEO POLICY
Friends is an equal opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, age, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other protected status in accordance with local, state and federal law.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoffs, recalls, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT
This position requires a flexible schedule with regular weekend, and some evening work. Work environment will include regular outdoor work, including land management activities, hiking and driving. This includes the ability to lift up to 50 pounds, work in various outdoor environmental conditions, and respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Approximately 40% of the time involves sitting or standing at a desk, using a computer, or talking on the phone.

How to Apply

Please send cover letter and resume to [email protected] with Volunteer Coordinator in the subject line and where you saw the posting. Deadline for applications is Sunday April 11, 2021.

Job Categories: Environmental. Job Types: Full-Time. Salaries: 20,000 - 40,000.

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