Volunteer Coordinator

JOB SUMMARY

San Juan Mountains Association (SJMA) has long thrived because of our volunteers, and we are proud to be an organization known for its exemplary volunteer program. The Volunteer Coordinator, under the immediate supervision of the Executive Director, is responsible for managing all tasks related to volunteers, including recruiting, training, scheduling, retaining and honoring volunteers. Since all SJMA divisions (Education, Stewardship, Visitor Information, and Special Events) have volunteer opportunities, the Volunteer Coordinator will work closely with the departmental directors to recruit, train, and mobilize volunteers for an array of diverse projects.

LOCATION

SJMA is housed in the San Juan National Forest Headquarters in Durango, Colorado, but this position will be a combination of remote, on-site, and field. The position is classified as “Regular Full-time.”

HOURS

This is a full-time, permanent position. While the typical work week is Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00pm, this position often requires evening and weekend work.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee SJMA’s volunteer program, ensuring compliance with SJMA policies, proper record keeping, and data collection.
• Recruit appropriate volunteers to fill requests from SJMA divisions and partners, including:

o Education: work with the Education Director and team to recruit and assist in training volunteers who help with school-based programs and after-school programs.

o Stewardship: work with the Stewardship Director, agency partners, and other partners to recruit and train volunteer forest ambassadors, wilderness solitude monitors, Chicago Basin volunteers, Colorado Trail volunteers, and others throughout SJMA’s service area to leverage the capacity of SJMA’s field crews.

o Visitor Information: work with the Director of Visitor Information Services (VIS) to recruit and train volunteers who leverage the efforts of the VIS staff throughout SJMA’s service area.

o Events: recruit and train volunteers for the Christmas Trees for conservation fundraiser, nature hikes in Durango and Pagosa, winter interpretive events, and other programs as they arise.

• Manage volunteers’ background screening, training, scheduling and reporting of hours, accomplishments.
• Further develop, maintain and implement the VolunteerLocal software system to easily and accurately track volunteer hours.
• Build strong community relationships with mission-aligned organizations to enhance volunteer recruitment, with a special focus on Fort Lewis College and the Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute Tribes.
• Lead volunteer trainings in conjunction with other staff and Forest Service employees to ensure highly qualified and performing volunteers.
• Provide direct in-field supervision of all volunteer projects, particularly trail work or conservation projects at the SJMA Nature Center and on the Colorado Trail
• Develop and implement retention and recognition programs for volunteers, including awards, special notices, and quarterly appreciation events.
• Prepare reports on volunteer hours and successes, as requested by SJMA’s board of directors, agency partners, and funders.
• Collaborate closely with the communication team on social media posts, newsletters, articles, and other media to promote SJMA’s volunteer program
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Extensive experience with volunteer and event coordination
• Demonstrated experience coordinating a variety of field projects
• Ability to manage multiple projects at a time
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Great organizational skills with attention to details
• Computer literacy, especially with Google Suites, Neon (CRM), Volunteer Local, and Microsoft applications, importing/exporting data files and working with spreadsheets
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work proactively and with teams
• Reliable and punctual
• Knowledge of southwestern Colorado

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience leading groups on trail maintenance projects
• Fundraising and Membership development experience

COMPENSATION PACKAGE

Starting salary will be between $45,000 – $50,000, depending on experience. Benefits include health insurance and a retirement plan. SJMA follows all federal holidays and provides a generous paid-time off policy.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Higher education coursework in environmental science, ecology, outdoor education, or a related field is required.

A valid Colorado Driver’s License is required, as well as a good driving record. A personal vehicle will be used on occasion and mileage reimbursed at a rate pursuant to organizational policy.

ABOUT SAN JUAN MOUNTAINS ASSOCIATION
Founded in 1988, the San Juan Mountains Association (SJMA), promotes the exploration and protection of public lands in Southwest Colorado through stewardship and conservation education for people of all ages.

EXPLORE: Through visitor information centers throughout the San Juan Mountain region, we provide guidance on where to go and how to enjoy the outdoors safely and responsibly.

LEARN: Through in-school lessons, field trips, summer camps, afterschool programs, interpretive hikes for adults and community events, we aim to inspire conservation ethics in all ages.

PROTECT: Through paid and volunteer stewardship programs, we help protect natural and cultural resources and encourage public lands visitors to minimize their impact.