Seasonal Field Projects Coordinator

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 41 years of experience in outdoor stewardship volunteerism, we engage 3,500+ 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 is looking to grow their leadership skills, travel state-wide leading hands-on environmental stewardship projects, and learn technical skills in areas such as trail work, ecological restoration, forestry, etc. VOC’s Seasonal Field Projects Coordinator will collaborate and connect with inspiring and accomplished individuals dedicated to taking care of Colorado’s natural resources, allowing the opportunity to build a professional network in the outdoor stewardship industry. The Seasonal Field Projects Coordinator is a full-time, term limited, non-exempt position based in Denver that reports to VOC’s Field Programs Manager. This position works within the VOC program team and closely with other project staff to provide professional project management, logistical support, and volunteer leadership coordination for VOC volunteer projects both in the office and in the field. This position presents a great opportunity for someone who enjoys a balance of time in the field and is also looking to hone their office and administrative skills. This role can expect a 50%-50% split of fieldwork and office work to accomplish the full scope of project coordination.

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
• Equity: commitment to engaging in practices that support inclusion in the organization

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
  • Coordinating and sending timely pre- and post-project volunteer communications for assigned projects
  • Managing project-related logistical requirements
• Manage projects with corporate groups or teams through VOC’s Team Stewardship Day program.
• Assist with recruitment of volunteer leaders, and related outreach to prospective volunteers and groups
• Acquire, record, 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

• Support field equipment logistics and Operations Center operations including prepping, loading, organizing, restocking, and maintaining tools and supplies for weekend projects.
• Provide on-going assistance in 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, in-kind donations, 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. Seasonal Field Projects Coordinators can expect to manage projects in the field approximately every other weekend throughout the season.

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE:

• Educational or professional background in any of the following or related fields preferred: natural resources management, parks management, environmental science or studies, nonprofit or volunteer management.
• Previous volunteer or staff experience with trail work, ecological restoration, forestry, farming, landscaping, or other outdoor stewardship projects
• Requires previous outdoor leadership experience.
• Experience recruiting, coordinating and managing volunteers, youth corps or staff positions preferred and/or working with the public in a nonprofit and/or government environment.
• Requires valid wilderness first aid, including CPR certification, or ability to complete certifications before the employee’s first managed project. VOC employees are provided a small stipend per paycheck for having a current WFA certification.
• Chainsaw/crosscut certification preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS, QUALITIES AND ABILITIES:

• Willingness and ability to work a variable schedule that includes frequent weekend projects, occasional overnight travel, and evenings based on project and meeting requirements.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively in Colorado, including driving on uneven terrain and roads that require use of 4-wheel drive and work in a variety of outdoor environments and weather conditions.
• Strong leader who prioritizes safety and a positive volunteer experience.
• Excellent people skills and customer service oriented
• Great communication skills with diverse audiences and comfortable talking in front of and leading groups of people
• Strong decision-making skills and adaptability
• 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 Microsoft and database programs.

VOC Seasonal Field Projects Coordinators must have access to the following gear for use on projects (VOC can provide access through a gear library for a few of the items):

• Sturdy hiking boots or work boots
• Rain gear and warm outdoor layers
• Tent
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping pad

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Comfortable camping and working in front and backcountry settings, inclement weather and high altitude
• Comfortable 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. A criminal background check is required.