Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator

About FISH 

The Issaquah Salmon Hatchery is a unique outdoor education space where fish, people, and community come together. Operated through a partnership between the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), which manages hatchery operations and fish production, and Friends of Issaquah Salmon Hatchery (FISH), which leads education programs, tours, outreach, and events, the site blends a working hatchery with hands-on learning and public engagement. 

As the most visited hatchery in the state, we welcome more than 200,000 visitors each year – from school groups and families to dedicated salmon enthusiasts. Open year-round and free to the public, the hatchery serves as an outdoor classroom, where visitors can experience salmon up close and learn about watershed stewardship in a direct and engaging way. 

Working here means being part of a small, collaborative team in a lively, community-centered environment. It can be fast-paced – especially during salmon season – with plenty of opportunities to connect with visitors, support programs, and contribute behind the scenes. Whether you’re helping a student see their first salmon or answering questions from curious guests, your work supports our mission to protect salmon and ensure their survival for future generations through education and outreach. 

Position Summary 

The Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator position will oversee and build upon the wide-ranging and relationship-driven volunteer program that has been at the heart of FISH for over 30 years. This program, in which volunteers contributed over 4200 hours in 2025, supports ongoing initiatives including environmental education, hatchery operations, and community events. This role is essential in ensuring every volunteer feels welcomed, prepared, and inspired. In addition to coordinating volunteers, this position helps bring hands-on salmon and watershed education to life for students and the public, expanding our reach and deepening community connection to local ecosystems. The Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator plays a key role in cultivating the passion and participation that makes our work possible. 

This position requires a flexible schedule with seasonal weekend and occasional evening work required to support programs and events.  

Key Duties & Responsibilities 

Volunteer Program Management (50%) 

• Lead and oversee all aspects of the FISH volunteer program, aligning volunteer engagement with organizational needs across education, events, operations, and community initiatives.
• Schedule, post, and manage volunteer opportunities using the VolunteerMatters online volunteer management platform, ensuring appropriate coverage for all shifts and activities.
• Manage ongoing volunteer communications, including a weekly newsletter.
• Oversee all aspects of the onboarding process for new volunteers, including recruitment, screening, orientation, and training. Develop and refine processes and training materials as needed.
• Identify, develop, and implement new strategies for volunteer recruitment and retention.
• Ensure compliance with mandatory Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife volunteer reporting.
• Maintain accurate volunteer records and track service hours in compliance with mandatory WDFW policies. Support volunteers to meet regular hours reporting goals.
• Develop, build, and maintain positive, long-term relationships with volunteers to ensure they feel meaningfully engaged and fulfilled for better retention with the organization.
• Plan and implement volunteer recognition opportunities and annual training/appreciation events.
• Organize and maintain volunteer program resources and equipment.

Community Outreach & Engagement (40%) 

• Coordinate with partners for tabling opportunities at outreach and community events in the region.
• Facilitate scheduling, communication, and delivery of public tour programs.
• Collaborate with staff in planning and implementation of FISH annual events including Earth Day, Salmon on Sunset, and Salmon Days. Support additional events as needed.
• Organize and support volunteer, group, and corporate work party experiences.
• Deliver and support volunteer delivery of on- and off-site environmental education programs for school students of all ages, primarily 3rd & 4th grade.
• Collaborate with the Education Coordinator to implement and support development of program resources and materials.

Program Administration & Organizational Support (10%) 

• Collaborate with staff to maintain and update website content or promotional materials related to volunteer and education programs.
• Liaise with WDFW staff to support operational needs and ensure volunteer program policies and procedures are followed.
• Facilitate volunteer committees supporting operations and special projects including Hatchery Habitat Stewardship, Education and Outreach, and FISHop.
• Track and report key performance indicators related to volunteer engagement, participation, and program impact for the Executive Director and Board.
• Perform additional duties in support of FISH’s mission and organizational goals.

Skills & Qualifications 

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s or four-year degree in education, environmental studies, nonprofit management, communications, or a related field, OR equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• 1+ year of relevant work experience, with an emphasis on coordinating volunteers, community programs, or community engagement initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to be flexible and adapt to changing conditions in a dynamic work environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in online database systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and email marketing tools (Mailchimp).
• Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable personal vehicle for travel to off-site programs.
• Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions and perform light physical tasks (lifting up to 35 lbs, setting up event materials, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience in environmental education, informal science education, or outdoor learning environments.
• Experience facilitating trainings, leading groups, or delivering environmental educational programs.
• Experience working with volunteers in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization.
• Knowledge of salmon ecology, watershed health, or Pacific Northwest environmental issues.
• Experience coordinating community outreach events or public engagement activities.
• Experience supporting corporate or group volunteer events.

Core Competencies 

• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Initiative and ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a small team.
• Positive, relationship-centered approach to volunteer engagement.
• Adaptability and comfort in a hands-on, evolving nonprofit environment.
• Commitment to environmental stewardship and community-based education.

Compensation 

Position Type: Permanent, Full-time (not to exceed 40 hours/week) with a 6-month probationary period. 

Salary Starting Rate: $25 an hour, $52,000 annually 

Additional Benefits:  

• Health insurance stipend ($221.44+/bi-weekly)
• Mileage & expense reimbursement
• 11 paid holidays annually
• 10 days PTO + 2 personal leave days annually