Volunteer Coordinator Job Description
The Columbia Slough Watershed Council is looking for a dynamic and outgoing person to join us as our new Volunteer Coordinator. CSWC is a Portland, OR based non-profit with the mission to protect and enhance the Columbia Slough and its watershed through community engagement, education, and restoration and is looking for a new Volunteer Coordinator to join our team! The Volunteer Coordinator’s primary duties will be to recruit, train and manage volunteers to assist with activities led by the Council’s education, stewardship, and events programs and, in so doing, provide meaningful engagement opportunities for the volunteers. This position will assist the organization in maintaining volunteer recruitment avenues and records and assist in the development of volunteer resources under the guidance of the Council.
This position is located in the Portland area and offers full benefits and a salary starting range of $40,000 - $43,000. You can find a full job description below. If interested, apply by sending your resume and cover letter to jobs@columbiaslough.org by 5 PM on August 22nd, 2022, visit our website for additional information on the organization and our programming!
Position: Volunteer Coordinator
Compensation: $40,000-43,000 with benefits (medical/vision, dental, life ins; short and long-term disability, unlimited PTO, 13 paid holidays, flexible schedule)
Hours: 40 hours/week, full-time, evenings and weekends required
Reports to: Executive Director
Closing Date: August 22, 2022
Organization background:
The Columbia Slough Watershed Council is a diverse group of neighbors, property owners, businesses, environmental groups, recreation advocates, and government agencies who work to restore and enhance the 60 miles of waterways, wetlands, and slow-moving channels known as the Columbia Slough. The Council is a non-profit organization with a mission to preserve, protect and enhance the watershed. We conduct restoration of public and private lands near the Slough, educational events and workshops large and small, canoeing and kayaking events and nature festivals, and manage a robust youth education program. The council provides numerous low to no-cost opportunities to play and learn in the watershed.
Our office of 5-7 staff members is located in Northeast Portland adjacent to Whitaker Ponds Nature Park. We thrive as a team while also being self-driven and able to work independently. We value diversity within our staff and communities. We are committed to being an inclusive, anti-racist organization that reflects and meets the needs of our community in makeup, priorities, operations, and programs.
Position description: The Volunteer Coordinator’s primary duties are to recruit, train and manage volunteers to assist with activities led by the Council’s education, stewardship, and events programs and, in so doing, provide meaningful engagement opportunities for the volunteers. This position will assist the organization in maintaining volunteer recruitment avenues and records and assist in the development of volunteer resources under the guidance of the Council.
Duties and responsibilities:
● Coordinate a dynamic and dedicated group of volunteers across all programs areas. Activities include: plantings, clean-ups, paddling events, educational outings, and more.
● Manage and expand the Council's Bilingual Paddle Volunteer programs
● Assist other staff in determining volunteer support needs across the organization.
● Recruits, screens, and on-boards volunteers through building partnerships with businesses, organizations, and individuals.
● Coordinate volunteer schedules with prompt and clear communication.
● Implement a volunteer recognition plan appropriate to current volunteers’ motivations and provide opportunities for volunteer advancement.
● Maintain accurate volunteer records (e.g. contact information, service placement, and hours).
● Assist program directors in the planning and implementation of Council events including leading paddle trainings.
● Respond to inquiries regarding individual and group volunteer opportunities with the Council.
● Attend and participate in staff and other Council meetings.
● Attend outreach events and educate the public about the Council, its mission, and programming
Other responsibilities:
● Leads the work to actualize the Council’s Equity Action Plan.
● Respond to inquiries from and maintain communication with Council partners, local businesses, and community groups to organize and manage private volunteering events.
● Develop and modify volunteer training resources.
● Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications and skills:
● Experience successfully leading the coordination of volunteers and their work for events of all sizes, including large events such as festivals or conferences.
● Kayak and/or canoe paddling experience.
● Demonstrated ability to work well with people of diverse backgrounds, ages, abilities, and cultures with a genuine interest in the creation and facilitation of volunteer experiences.
● Ability to work independently to organize multiple tasks and projects with attention to detail and accuracy; adapt to shifting deadlines; and manage multiple priorities.
● Dedication to and/or lived experience working in inclusive, anti-oppressive community engagement and program design, particularly in communities of color.
● Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, friendly demeanor.
● Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Suite (esp. Word and Excel).
● Working knowledge of email marketing management and social media, including associated software and apps such as Constant Contact, Facebook, Instagram, etc.
● Good verbal and written communication skills in English.
● Flexibility to work evenings, weekdays, and/or weekends.
● Ability to work on uneven terrain, lift 30-50 lbs regularly.*
● Driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Other desirable qualities:
● Ability to speak and write in Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, or other languages spoken in the watershed. Spanish is especially desired.
● CMS website design experience.
● Experience leading canoe, kayak, and bike trips.
● Experience creating meaningful connections and contacts within communities of color.
● Knowledge of and connection to Portland, Gresham, and Fairview neighborhoods, schools, natural areas, and non-profit organizations in our watershed.
● Familiarity with our partners, such as Portland Parks and Recreation and Bureau of Environmental Services, Verde, East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District, Port of Portland, etc.
● Ability to drive a manual transmission and back up a trailer.
● Supervisory experience.
● Experience with grant and report writing.
● Certified in CPR and Basic First Aid (or willing and able to acquire certification upon hire).
*Work Environment: This position includes moving on uneven terrain, often during inclement weather. The Volunteer Coordinator is often responsible for a portion of event setup which includes lifting 30-50lbs, setting up tents, tables, and chairs. The person in this position often paddles in canoes or kayaks to access sites or give tours. Around 30-40% of this job requires mobility in non-ADA accessible spaces and moving heavy objects. Please contact the Council with specific questions about accessibility and special accommodation.
Travel and Safety Requirements: Travel by car, valid driver’s license and reliable transportation, the ability to be insured for vehicle usage, willingness and ability to use personal transportation related to work are preferred (mileage reimbursed). Appropriate field and safety attire is required as events dictates.
To apply: Please submit (using a type font size 12) by mail or email (subject line “Volunteer Coordinator”):
● A cover letter not to exceed two pages
● A resume not to exceed two pages
● Three references, (at least one reference must be from a current or previous work supervisor.)
Heather King, Executive Director
7040 NE 47th Avenue Portland, OR 97218
executive.director@columbiaslough.org
Please no phone or email inquiries.
Closing Date: Application materials must be received by 5 pm on August 15, 2022
The Columbia Slough Watershed Council is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take measures to prevent discrimination against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.