Volunteer and Visitor Engagement Coordinator

Position Title:  Volunteer and Visitor Engagement Coordinator 

Reports To:  Director of Education 

Supervises:  Volunteers and Docents

Job Category:  Full-time, Exempt    

Location:  On-Site, 37615 E Arboretum Way, Superior, AZ 85173

Salary:  $46,000;  Full benefits

ABOUT US

In 1924, Boyce Thompson Arboretum (BTA )was founded by mining magnate Colonel William Boyce Thompson. The desert landscape inspired Colonel Thompson to create the arboretum with the mission of educating people about desert plants and their uses in an arid environment.

This mission continues today, and Boyce Thompson Arboretum has grown in mission and size over its 100-year history. As an independent non-profit organization, the arboretum is located in Superior, Arizona. Situated at the base of Picket Post Mountain and adjacent to the Tonto National Forest, the Arboretum is located approximately 40 minutes from Mesa and one hour from downtown Phoenix. BTA welcomes over 145,000 visitors annually. At 372 acres, BTA is Arizona’s oldest and largest botanical garden. BTA’s collection comprises 4,030 taxa, 405 rare/endangered species, and over 30,000 individual plants. Along over 5 miles of trails, you will find plant exhibits from 11 of the world’s deserts, a native riparian habitat, and colorful specialty gardens displayed alongside native Sonoran Desert vegetation. As an Audubon Important Bird Area, you will encounter many of the 275 bird species identified at BTA along with other native wildlife.  It is not uncommon to see javelinas, bobcats, and a variety of native and migratory birds while working, hiking, and enjoying the grounds. BTA is an equal-opportunity equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Volunteer Coordination 

• Recruit, screen, and train new volunteers.
• Provide strategic leadership, supervision, and coordination of a 100+ volunteer and docent core.
• Coach, motivate, measure, and evaluate volunteers throughout their time at the Arboretum.
• Act as liaison between volunteers and staff to ensure that Arboretum staff are advised and prepared for the arrival of volunteers and that all necessary tools, resources, and materials are readily available.
• Ensure that volunteer policies and procedures are followed and records of volunteer hours are maintained according to established procedures.
• Plan and implement informal and formal volunteer recognition activities.
• Ensure that volunteer hours are used productively and projects are completed on time.
• Maintain a volunteer calendar, arranging schedules for different departments and activities where volunteers are utilized. Ensure coverage of vacancies in key stations when volunteers do not show up or are unavailable.
• Provide positive and meaningful communication to volunteers on a regular basis. Provide conflict resolution when needed to mitigate issues and differences of opinion within the volunteer core.
• Provide  Training and Coordination for the Docent Program.

Visitor Engagement Coordination

• Schedule a variety of interpretive tours led by a mix of BTA staff, Docents, and subject matter experts for Arboretum visitors including but not limited to the Arboretum Discovery Tour, Bird Walks, and the Edible and Medicinal Plants Tour. 
• Arrange for specialty tours as requested. 
• Coordinate and book private tours.
• Coordinate group admission. 
• Develop and plan various visitor engagement opportunities throughout the year.
• Provide accurate and timely information for marketing and website information. 
• Achieve National Association of Interpretation Certification and have the ability to train volunteers and docents. 
• This list is not comprehensive, and other tasks not mentioned here may be required. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in education, non-profit management, or a related field.
• Experience organizing events and/or programs. 
• Two years of related experience.
• Experience supervising volunteers, additional experience  supervising students and interns is desired.
• Knowledge of arid-land ecology desired.
• Certified Interpretive Guide certification is desired.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent computer skills: MS Office, Altru. 
• Ability to work in a challenging, fast-paced environment.
• Detail orientation, collaborative manner, and strong work ethic.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative, establish priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Must be able to work weekends and some evenings.
• Ability to sit and stand for long periods. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Must be able to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop or kneel, talk and hear. 
• Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods of time. 
• Must be able  to work outside in extreme weather conditions. Summer temperatures may exceed 110 degrees F.
• Must be able to work weekends as needed.  
• Must be able to lift 25 lbs. and traverse uneven terrain and hiking conditions. 
• Fully functional vision is required (prescription lenses are acceptable). 
• Must pass background check. 
• Must have a valid AZ Driver’s License. Clean driving record required. 

BENEFITS

• Health Insurance, Dental Insurance
•  PTO, 11 Paid Floating Holidays
•  401k, Paid Parental Leave
• Free BTA membership and employee discount in gift shop
• Employee options for Vision, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance. Different eligibility requirements must be met, and employer contributions are generous, but contribution rates vary among different plan/benefits options.