Volunteer Transport Manager

The Volunteer Transport Manager will oversee the recruitment, training, scheduling, and communication for the volunteer transport team, ensuring efficient operations to support wildlife rescue and rehabilitation efforts. This position will also support, but not supervise the wildlife hotline operators, and reports to the Volunteer Services Director. Other specific duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

Transport Coordination

· Coordinate transportation logistics for the safe retrieval and release of injured or orphaned wild birds across Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania in partnership with the Wildlife Hotline Team and Clinic staff.

· Collaborate with the Clinic to optimize the transport schedule, ensuring the bird’s treatment aligns with the clinic’s capabilities and operational needs.

· Lead and facilitate collaboration with the Clinic, Wildlife Hotline Team, and other departments to ensure transport operations align with organizational needs and mission.

· Responsible for physically providing transportation as needed, via company fleet vehicle, communicating travel routes and locations to the Wildlife Hotline Team.

· Monitor vehicle maintenance schedules and handle vehicle-related logistics such as fuel, repairs, and registration.

· Responsible for keeping company transport vehicle ready for departures. This includes but is not limited to sanitizing, restocking supplies, and disinfecting carriers.

· Effectively utilize volunteers in transportation efforts, adhering to safety and biosecurity protocols, and ensuring a safe environment for all.

· Enforce adherence to all safety, training, handling, and transportation protocols, and ensure compliance with organizational policies.

Volunteer Management

· Directly manage and supervise the volunteer transport team, ensuring high levels of motivation, accountability, and performance.

· Recruit, onboard, and retain a dedicated team of volunteers, providing structured training and regular engagement to ensure effectiveness and satisfaction.

· Perform the on-boarding and training for transport volunteers, including but not limited to developing and maintaining training materials, organizing and hosting in person training, and hosting regular transport team meetings.

· Coach, develop, and support transport volunteers. Provide timely feedback, role model best practices, and create a culture of continuous improvement.

· Manage volunteer HR issues and performance concerns, including implementing conflict resolution strategies, conducting performance reviews, and ensuring alignment with organizational policies while maintaining open communication with the support of the Volunteer Services Director.

· Provide leadership and emotional support to the volunteer team, ensuring that volunteers are equipped to handle difficult or emotionally charged situations with empathy, tact, and professionalism.

· Organize regular recognition events or appreciation initiatives to improve volunteer retention and morale.

· Regularly report on transport performance, volunteer engagement, and any potential gaps in coverage for transportation needs.

Additional responsibilities:

· Provide support to the Wildlife Hotline by answering calls, greeting wildlife presenters, and facilitating communication across departments.

· Assist with public education initiatives, outreach, and special events sponsored by the organization.

· Track and analyze data such as mileage, response time, and additional statistical information to be used for future analysis and other reports as needed.

· Manage emotionally charged situations with tact, empathy, and respect. Address challenges using logic and analysis, manage multiple demands calmly, and adjust priorities with resilience.

Requirements

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, multitask effectively, and prioritize tasks.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1–3 years of experience in animal handling or in-field rescue operations.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Ability to physically handle and work with birds of all sizes, lift up to 50 lbs. at a time, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, push and other strenuous activities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to speak with all levels of employees, volunteers, guests, vendors, and team members
• Experience in project or logistics management to handle scheduling, route planning, and resource allocation more effectively.
• Experience with scheduling or volunteer management software is preferred to enhance transport coordination efficiency.
• Keen attention to detail and efficient problem-solving skills.
• Must be able to learn quickly, be self-directed, and self-motivated.
• Strong emotional intelligence to navigate the challenges of a wildlife rehabilitation environment, including working with euthanasia situations and supporting emotionally distressed public members.
• At least 1-2 years of experience in managing or coordinating volunteers, preferably in a non-profit setting.
• Experience or training in mediation or conflict resolution is an added advantage.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $36,000.00 – $45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Volunteer management: 1 year (Required)
• Animal handling: 2 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver’s License (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Newark, DE 19711: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person