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- Tasks: Lead and support volunteers in delivering engaging visitor activities at Colchester Zoo.
- Company: Join the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums, promoting wildlife conservation and education.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, hands-on experience, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team enhancing visitor experiences while supporting wildlife education.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills, organisational abilities, and a passion for wildlife and conservation.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with diverse personalities and develop valuable leadership skills.
Overview
Join to apply for the Volunteer Coordinator role at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA).
Colchester Zoological Society – Middle & East
Closing date for applications: 21 September 2025.
Job Purpose
The Volunteer Coordinator will lead the Colchester Zoo Society (CZS) Animal Ambassador Programme volunteers. This role plays a vital part in ensuring our volunteers can help every visitor have an inspiring, educational, and memorable experience at CZS.
Responsibilities
- To coordinate the Animal Ambassador Programme (AAP) volunteers, including recruitment, development, and management
- To develop engaging visitor activities for volunteers to deliver
- Ensure the volunteer team supports CZS’s mission through education, engagement, and providing added value to our visitors’ day
Note: The Animal Ambassador Programme is focused on public visitor interaction and engagement. There is no animal care or animal contact involved in this role or the voluntary roles it manages.
Job Role – Volunteer Coordination
- Recruit, induct, develop, and support all AAP volunteers
- Act as the main point of contact for volunteers, prospective volunteers, and staff liaising with volunteers
- Greet and brief volunteers at the start of their shift; debrief and provide feedback at the end of the day
- Maintain accurate volunteer records, including recruitment, safeguarding, right-to-work documentation, expenses, and other data in line with GDPR guidelines
- Develop and implement strategies to attract new volunteers
- Manage the recruitment process for all new volunteers including informal interviews, inductions, and required paperwork
- Develop methods and incentives to improve volunteer retention
- Create and manage volunteer rotas based on seasonal needs, animal areas, and special events to ensure adequate coverage
- Undertake other administrative and organisational duties essential to effective volunteer management
Job Role – Activity Development & Delivery
- Work with the Conservation Education team to design and deliver engaging visitor activities for volunteers to use, such as biological artefacts, interactive games, and directed learning opportunities
- Deliver training and mentoring to ensure volunteers are confident and capable in activity delivery
- Model best practice in visitor engagement while providing coaching and feedback to volunteers
Job Role – Mission Support & Impact
- Ensure volunteers maintain records of visitor engagement numbers across delivered activities
- Develop methods of evaluating visitor learning and enjoyment of activities including qualitative and quantitative measures
- Utilise feedback on engagement, learning, and enjoyment to improve existing activities and in the development of new ones
- Provide regular reporting on volunteer hours, activities delivered, and visitor engagement outcomes
- Provide and facilitate training for volunteers in line with CZS’s mission statement, including but not limited to: the role of zoos, ex-situ conservation, engagement techniques, features of animal habitats, etc.
- Support volunteers to aid in deliver special events (e.g., World Animal Day), coordinating with other departments where required
- Work closely with the Conservation Education team to identify and develop ways the AAP volunteers can assist with broader campaigns
- Promote and uphold CZS’s policies, including safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion, animal welfare, and social media use, in-line with the AAP Volunteer Policy and Handbook
Working Hours
Average 24 hours per week, ideally across 3-4 days. Flexibility required, with weekend and school holiday working essential to meet seasonal visitor demand and volunteer recruitment/training needs.
Essential – Knowledge & Experience, Qualifications, Training & Skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work confidently with a wide variety of personalities and handle volunteer concerns patiently and diplomatically
- Good customer service skills
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks
- Self-motivated and able to work independently and as part of a team
- Discreet and professional in handling sensitive and confidential information
- Familiarity with GDPR, Safeguarding and Health & Safety guidance
- Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
- Confident in Microsoft Office and willing to learn other digital systems
- Interest in zoos, wildlife, or conservation education
Desirable
- Experience coordinating volunteers
- Experience in the community or voluntary sector
- Knowledge of zoos, wildlife, and conservation education
- Experience of mentoring or coaching
Apply For This Job
If you are interested in applying, please complete the application form via the link below and email your CV and covering letter saying how you meet the job description for the role by 4.00pm on Sunday 21 September 2025. If invited, selection assessment will be held in person at CZS on 3 October 2025.
https://www.colchesterzoologicalsociety.com/about-us/careers/volunteer-coordinator/
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Volunteer Coordinator employer: British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
Contact Detail:
British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Coordinator
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Colchester Zoo Society's mission and values. Understanding their focus on education, engagement, and conservation will help you align your approach when discussing how you can contribute to their goals during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former volunteers at CZS or similar organisations. They can provide insights into the role and share tips on what the team values most in a Volunteer Coordinator, which can give you an edge in your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of your experience in volunteer coordination or community engagement. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've used to recruit, train, and retain volunteers, as this will demonstrate your capability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your passion for wildlife and conservation education. Whether through personal projects, volunteering, or relevant coursework, demonstrating your commitment to these areas will resonate well with the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Coordinator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Volunteer Coordinator position. Familiarise yourself with the Animal Ambassador Programme and how it contributes to visitor engagement at Colchester Zoo.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight relevant experience in volunteer coordination or community work in your CV. Emphasise skills such as communication, organisation, and customer service that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, clearly explain how your background and skills make you a suitable candidate for the role. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage volunteers and develop engaging activities.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
✨Show Your Passion for Conservation
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for wildlife and conservation education during the interview. Share any relevant experiences or volunteer work that highlights your commitment to these causes, as this role is all about inspiring visitors.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Since the role involves coordinating with volunteers and engaging with visitors, it's crucial to showcase your excellent communication skills. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in previous roles, especially in managing diverse personalities.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you handle volunteer concerns. Think of specific scenarios from your past experiences where you successfully resolved issues or improved volunteer engagement.
✨Familiarise Yourself with GDPR and Safeguarding Policies
As the role requires maintaining accurate volunteer records and handling sensitive information, be prepared to discuss your understanding of GDPR and safeguarding practices. This will demonstrate your professionalism and attention to detail.