Volunteer Program Specialist

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES                 

• Coordinates and oversees volunteer groups to ensure a high-quality experience for participants and successful completion of designated task.   

• Serves as on-site lead for volunteer groups on day of project.    

• Coordinates schedules, permitting and logistical needs for group projects.   

• Coordinates and presents educational talks at projects.

• Ensures volunteers are trained in safe operation of all tools and equipment to be used on the project.   

• Completes registration and provides context for project prior to work.    

• Works alongside Parks and Recreation staff to ensure project quality, safety, and timeline standards are met throughout entire project or event.    

• Determines timeframes, equipment, and materials necessary for projects. 

• Inventories, maintains, and lets staff know how, if any, tools and equipment need to be ordered to support groups.    

• Maintains records of work performed including volunteer count and hours worked in Volunteer Management Software.

• Picks up snacks/food, maintaining equipment and implementing safety trainings for groups.    

• Assists in the development of toolkits, guidelines, and resource documents to be used by Parks and Recreation staff. 

• Maintains park facilities and properties and performs horticulture maintenance tasks.   

• Assists in the cleaning and maintenance of parks including but not limited to trash/litter removal, graffiti/vandalism removal and repair, and other minor structure repairs.   

• Maintains and renovates turf areas and general park areas.   

• Performs trash and snow removal.   

• Plans, plants, and removes annual flower beds and other plantings.  

• Tills, fertilizes, mulches flower beds and other plantings, chip mulches trees, shrubs, and other plantings.   

• Performs weed control in turf, flower beds and other plantings, shrub areas, and general park areas.    

• Uses a variety of machinery, equipment, and tools to accomplish turf and horticulture tasks.    

• Performs routine maintenance on related machinery, equipment, and tools.   

• Operates a vehicle or equipment in a safe manner, including avoiding the use of a cell phone.  

• Participates in the City-wide Volunteer Cooperative to share skills and ideas in volunteer management best practices.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• Ability to provide excellent guest service to volunteers, event organizers, as well as to all visitors to Boulder's Parks and Recreation properties. 

• Ability to remain composed in emergency situations and make sound judgment decisions during emergency and non-emergency situations.

• Ability to speak, write, and understand English. 

• Ability and interest in working with your hands in our parks and garden locations. 

• Ability to be comfortable with a constantly changing work environment.  

• Ability to be able to work entire summer; hours are flexible and include weekends and evenings based on event and volunteer project schedules.

• Skill in interpersonal relationships, including conflict resolution skills to help resolve public questions and assist Park Operations staff in communicating with the public.

• Skill to deal tactfully and effectively with the public and co-workers in stressful situations.  

• Skill to communicate effectively and lead groups. Work with a diverse group of visitors and program participants. 

• Valid Driver’s and ability to maintain acceptable motor vehicle record.

• Have and maintain acceptable background information, including criminal conviction history.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to speak Spanish or other foreign language. 

• Knowledge in education relating to natural resources or environmental stewardship.

• Knowledge in horticultural and turf maintenance.

• Skill in working and/or coordinating community events. 

• Skill working with youth groups, special populations, and volunteers.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma, GED or equivalent.

• Three (3) years of experience in parks, environmental, wildlife, volunteer services or event programming.

SUPERVISION

Supervision Received: Volunteer Services and Partnerships Supervisor

Supervision Exercised:  None 

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS   

• Physical and Mental Effort: Ability to stand, walk and kneel in the performance of duties. Ability to lift 35 lbs. (over 50 lbs. on occasional basis) and carry tools, equipment, and supplies.  Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities that permits the employee to communicate effectively in person. 

• Work Environment: Ability to perform tasks in an outdoor environment under a variety of weather conditions.

• Machines and Equipment Used: Motorized vehicles, hand tools, standard office equipment including personal computers, telephones, utility carts, canopy tents, barricade, and event fencing. 

Last updated:  January 2026