Seasonal Field Project Coordinator
About Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado
Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC) is a leading statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to motivating and enabling people to become active stewards of Colorado’s natural resources. Colorado’s outdoor resources contribute greatly to our health, happiness and state economy, but they also face ongoing stresses and require care and stewardship to ensure long-term sustainability. Leveraging over 35 years of experience in outdoor stewardship volunteerism, we engage 5,000 volunteers in hands-on stewardship work each year. We also help other groups develop and grow effective volunteer programs to meet Colorado’s growing stewardship needs. Finally, we foster statewide, cross-industry collaboration to encourage a unified approach to caring for Colorado.
Position Overview
This job is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working in the outdoors, is ready to meet great people dedicated to taking care of Colorado, and is looking to build their professional network in the outdoor stewardship industry. This Seasonal Field Projects Coordinator is a full-time, term limited, non-exempt position that reports to VOC’s Senior Projects & Operations Manager. This position works within the VOC program team and closely with other project staff positions to provide professional project management, logistical support and volunteer leadership coordination on VOC volunteer projects both in the office and in the field.
Core Competencies
The following competencies are expected from all team members at VOC:
Communication: effective and timely communication, both orally and written
Teamwork: works well with others, contributes to a positive team environment
Service: provides exceptional service to customers, partners, volunteers, and donors
Leadership: demonstrates leadership and decision-making abilities in the organization
Initiative: assesses and initiates things independently and to help improve the organization
Accountability: reliable and inspires trust in others
Responsibilities
PROJECT AND VOLUNTEER COORDINATION
Undertake assigned volunteer stewardship projects requiring:
Facilitating project planning and related communications with land managers and other partner organizations
Coordinating project planning efforts involving volunteer-leader project teams
Providing on-site staff leadership
Facilitating pre-and-post project volunteer communications for assigned projects
Managing project-related logistical requirements
Undertake with VOC’s program team recruitment of volunteer leaders, and related outreach to prospective volunteers and groups
Acquire and maintain accurate project data and volunteer records
Acquire in-kind donations for projects; ensure accurate donation documentation
Assist with project development and partner relationships for future projects
OTHER DUTIES
Provide on-going assistance to the Projects and Operations Manager in the areas of:
Maintenance of VOC’s Operations Center to ensure tool and food resources
Management of VOC’s vehicle fleet
Assist with coordination of volunteer skills trainings and provide logistical/staff representation as needed at other events
Work collaboratively with development team to promote membership and other fundraising efforts
Provide administrative support (e.g. data entry, report preparation, and mailings) for various assigned committees, project teams, and projects
Perform related duties as required to support and strengthen the mission and purpose of VOC
Attendance at evening meetings and assigned project weekends and site visits across Colorado are required
Qualifications
Education and Previous Experience:
Requires previous outdoor leadership experience
Requires valid wilderness first aid, including CPR certification, or ability to complete certifications before the employee’s first managed project
Prefers experience recruiting, coordinating and managing volunteers, youth corps or staff positions and/or working with the public in a nonprofit and/or government environment
Prefers previous volunteer or staff experience with trail work, ecological restoration, farming, landscaping, or other outdoor stewardship projects
Prefers educational or professional background in any of the following or related fields: natural resources management, parks management, environmental science or studies, nonprofit or volunteer management
Required skills, qualities and abilities:
Willingness and ability to work weekends and evenings based on project and meeting requirements.
Willingness and ability to travel extensively in Colorado and work in a variety of outdoor environments and weather conditions
Excellent people skills, customer service orientation and public speaking skills
Outstanding time management and organizational skills
Ability to self-initiate and self-direct workflow
Team player with initiative, determination, flexibility and a sense of humor
Computer literate including email and word processing, data entry, and internet use
Valid driver’s license and excellent motor vehicle record required
Criminal background check required for this position
VOC Seasonal Field Projects Coordinators must own the following equipment for use on projects:
Sturdy hiking boots or work boots
Rain gear and warm outdoor layers
Tent
Sleeping bag/sleeping pad
Physical Requirements
Comfort camping and working in front and backcountry settings, inclement weather and high altitude
Comfort working with basic hand and power tools in support of trail or restoration work
Strong hiking ability with capacity to travel long distances with tools and full pack at high altitude and over un-even terrain
Ability to lift 75 lbs
Job duties also include a general office environment, spent sitting and operating a computer and other office machinery. Must be able to read, write, and communicate fluently in English. Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to drive vehicles around the state.