Volunteer Supervisor

Job description

**ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND** The Maritime Aquarium’s mission is to ignite a connection to Long Island Sound and the ocean to enrich the lives of all people and inspire action to protect our blue planet. For 38 years, the Aquarium has played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Norwalk and the region. The second largest family attraction in Connecticut, and 50 miles from New York City, the Aquarium hosts nearly 450,000 guests annually. Its primary exhibits take guests on a voyage from the shallow salt marshes and estuaries to the depths of the Long Island Sound and the ocean beyond, culminating with habitats for sharks and harbor seals. Altogether, the Aquarium is home to more than 8,000 animals and 285 species in 75 exhibits. A new 4D Theater offers a unique sensory film experience for guests. Its education programs introduce nearly 50,000 students, campers and scouts to marine and STEM education. The Aquarium is recognized as a top aquarium in the nation and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It is an active participant in the local and regional community. The strength of the Aquarium is its approximately 97 full-time and 78 part-time employees, seasonal staff, and our volunteers. **POSITION OVERVIEW** The Volunteer Supervisor is responsible for direct supervision of Gallery Ambassador volunteers, and staff at touch tanks. This Supervisor is a primary staff member for the development of daily floor assignments and rotations at the Aquarium’s various touch tanks. The Volunteer Supervisor works with the Associate Director of Guest Services, Supervisor of Interpretive Services and other relevant staff to ensure volunteers and staff provide the highest level of guest engagement, conservation messaging, and interpretation. This is a part-time position with an hourly rate of $23. The schedule requires three days per week, including one weekend day. Availability on both Saturdays and Sundays, as well as occasional holidays and evenings, is required. **Minimum Qualifications** - Strong command of English language, both written and verbal, ability to present information to groups of people. - Minimum of one year's experience working with volunteers and staff in a supervisory position. - Outstanding interpersonal skills: an adept and sensitive communicator comfortable working with people of diverse ages and backgrounds. - Must be patient, thoughtful, and supportive of a wide variety of personalities, cultures, abilities, and needs among volunteers, interns and the public. - Computer literacy with standard word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software (i.e., MS Office). - Ability to stand for extended periods of time and navigate quickly through large crowds. - Ability to work on weekends, some holidays, and occasional evenings. - A genuine appreciation and enthusiasm for the contributions of volunteers and the profession of interpretation. **Desired Qualifications** - Experience working with volunteer management software. - Multi-language fluency. - Experience working with people of all abilities. **Responsibilities** - Develop daily floor assignments ensuring all touch tanks are covered during operating hours. - Mentor and coach Gallery Ambassadors and staff-observing and providing feedback on their guest engagement, interpretation, animal knowledge, and conservation messaging. - Facilitate shift rotations ensuring all volunteers and staff receive their breaks in a timely manner. - Maintain volunteer materials at touch tanks and exhibit stations including artifacts, microphones, towels, squeegees, nets, etc. - Assist the Associate Director of Guest Services with recruitment, onboarding and training of new Gallery Ambassador volunteers and staff. - Help facilitate the Aquarium’s volunteer training course (Conversation-2-Conservation), including online components. - Assist the Associate Director of Guest Services to develop and implement a volunteer mentoring program. - Assist the Associate Director of Guest Services with volunteer recognition and acknowledgement of activities. ***This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.*** *The Maritime Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.*