Community Inclusion Coordinator

JOB TITLE: Community Inclusion Coordinator

DEPARTMENT: Learning & Engagement

REPORTS TO: Learning & Engagement Director

SALARY TYPE: Part time, Permanent. 15.00/hour starting

TYPICAL SCHEDULE: Days, Flexible

JOB SUMMARY:

The Volunteer and Inclusion Coordinator works directly with the staff and volunteers who provide guest interactions and experiences on the exhibit floor, and directly with guests interested in volunteering or accommodations. 

The Volunteer and Inclusion Coordinator is responsible for all aspects of the Aquarium’s volunteer program. This person is responsible for recruiting, training, supporting and retaining Aquarium volunteers. This includes creating and maintaining interpretive stations, providing information to potential volunteers, and scheduling volunteer shifts. The volunteer coordinator collaborates with other departments on assessing and fulfilling the need for a volunteer, placing, training and evaluating volunteers. Volunteers supervised by this position include exhibit floor interpretation, high school job experience placements, service groups, mascots, community outreach and other positions as needed.

Inclusion coordination includes consistent effort to ensure our guests and volunteers are accommodated as best to GLA’s ability. This also includes collaborating with staff on inclusion and accommodation efforts. 

The role requires flexibility to support all learning and engagement staff as needed in providing guest experiences, and excellent organization to manage 250+ volunteers and outreach events. Public speaking, learning and teaching, and working with all ages are requirements of the role. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Volunteer Coordination and Volunteer Program Development: (60%)

• Actively recruit volunteers through outreach and building relationships with community agencies.


• Collaborate with Aquarium department heads to identify volunteer needs and opportunities.


• Provide leadership and guidance to staff who work with volunteers.


• Support and enhance communication between staff and volunteers.


• Contribute to a positive and engaging atmosphere for volunteers in which they feel supported and appreciated.


• Collaborate with Dive Safety Officer and Events Team to plan and implement annual volunteer appreciation party for all exhibit, and SCUBA volunteers.


• Seek opportunities to enhance the volunteer program.


• Respond to new, unexpected and non-routine requests in a timely manner (ex. Volunteer related questions in person and by phone or email.)


• Maintain and update volunteer stations information and materials.


• Develop new volunteer stations as appropriate (as exhibits and animals change).


• Prepare annual budget requests for volunteer program supplies and operation.


• Seek external engagement opportunities within the community for volunteers and GLA mascots.


• Recruit volunteers to support GLA events (Scarium, Otter Birthday, etc.)


• Maintain accurate volunteer records and databases.


• Seek professional development opportunities for volunteers.


• Know all volunteer station materials to train all new volunteers, and offer feedback on how to best present materials and interact with the public. 

Inclusion Coordination: (15%)

• Learn current accommodations including tactile tours.


• Build and maintain contacts for potential requested accommodations such as ASL interpretation.


• Stay up to date on JEDI trends and resources.

Departmental/Organizational support: (15%)

• Keep supervisor informed of any ideas or ways to improve existing equipment or supplies.


• Assist Exhibit team with evaluation and data collection for exhibit projects. 


• Occasionally facilitate overnight experiences for groups of youth and their chaperones (i.e. scout troops, school groups, etc.)


• Attend weekly departmental meetings.

• Complete any other related tasks as assigned by the supervisor and/or Director of Learning and Engagement.


• Optional: Event support shifts.

Visitor Engagement: (5%)

• Learn proper animal handling procedures and gain skills to present these animals in front of the public.


• Deliver high-quality interpretation to the public through formal programming, exhibit feeding, and spontaneous animal encounters.


• Guide positive interactions between visitors and touch pool animals and provide engaging interpretation.


• Set up and close touch pools and/or information desk for the day only when engagement staffing assistance is required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.

• Must be able to communicate effectively in noisy, crowded conditions.


• Must be comfortable with public speaking and willing to use a wireless microphone.


• Must be able to approach visitors and engage them in conversation.


• Must be able to do light cleaning.


• Must be able to work safely around animals and their habitats.


• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.


• Preferred: Knowledge of local flora and fauna


• Preferred: CPR and First Aid certifications

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Must have experience working in an interpretive setting (through an internship or employment). Experience working with volunteers at a non-profit organization is preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS and/or WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by a Volunteer Coordinator to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the Volunteer Coordinator will be required to work in the Aquarium exhibit space and in an open office space.

Exhibit floor shifts at touch pools or interpreter shift coverage requires standing or sitting for an extended period. Individuals are required to manipulate objects used for interpretive demonstration purposes. This position requires the ability to talk and hear.

This position requires computer keyboarding and word processing. The noise level in the work environment is moderate to high.

COMPENSATION and BENEFITS: 

Starting rate is $15.00/hr DOQ. Staff also have the opportunity to receive annual merit increases. This is a part-time position. Benefits include: Earned Sick and Safe Time in keeping with MN law, free waterfront parking when space is available, discount on Aquarium programs and gift shop items, free admission to the Aquarium for self and guests, and discounts and complimentary passes at tourism partner organizations. Great Lakes Aquarium promotes a fun and collaborative work environment!

EOAA STATEMENT

Great Lakes Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer. Great Lakes Aquarium shall provide equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Questions?:

Contact Director of Learning & Engagement, Shawna Weaver, [email protected] or (218) 740-2013.