Seasonal Volunteer Coordinator

NYC Plover Project (NYCPP) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization working to protect Piping Plovers, endangered and imperiled shorebirds that nest each year along the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens.Founded in March 2021, NYCPP is about to kick off its fifth season of its popular volunteer program, together with its partners, Gateway National Recreation Area, National Park Service (NPS) and NYC Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks). In total, more than 300 volunteers have conducted more than 15,000 hours of service since the organization began. This has earned NYC Plover Project being named Volunteer Group of the Year for the entire National Park Service, amongst other honors. NYC Plover Project is looking to hire a volunteer coordinator to lead the organization's volunteer effort. The purpose of this role is to help recruit and retain committed volunteers, manage and fill schedules, and supervise volunteers. Both the volunteers and volunteer coordinator roles are seasonal to align with nesting of Piping Plovers and other native shorebirds. For this position, a strong emphasis is on recruiting and retaining volunteers from the Rockaways and Southeast Queens. The volunteer coordinator will serve as the primary point of contact for volunteers and potential volunteers. In 2025, NYC Plover Project is looking to expand its number of regular volunteers and continue conducting its volunteer effort from mid-April until mid-August, across both partner sites, in addition to set-up days in March, installing signage and fencing. Volunteers conduct a number of tasks, primarily serving as beach ambassadors for the birds and their nesting sites, on the beaches and at a fixed seasonal location at Jacob Riis Park. This position is a hybrid role of in-person and remote, and is based in Rockaway, Queens and focused on the beaches of the Rockaway Peninsula. It is likely that the person in this role will spend 4-5 days on-site at beach locations once the season is fully underway (late-May through early-August). The schedule for this role is Wednesday - Sunday. Given the nature of beach use by visitors, working on Saturdays and Sundays in June and July are required. Roles & Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Coordinate and oversee volunteers on the beachServe as principal contact person for volunteersHelp to recruit new volunteers and retain those from past seasonsParticipate in training and supervision of volunteersManage volunteer schedule, following up with volunteers to sign up for shiftsAssist with coordination, and distribution of volunteer materialsAct as "on-call" person for volunteers at least 5 days a week, including on weekends and holiday weekends unless exceptions are communicated with ample advance noticeCommunicate with volunteers about gaps in schedule and locations most needed to be watched ahead of weekends and holidaysProvide volunteers with expectations or specific needs for volunteer shift ahead of shift or as neededServe as a moderator(s) for the principal volunteer Slack channel,responding to volunteer queries in a timely fashionCoordinate volunteer beach and or task captains to help manage specific sites and tasksConduct follow-up with volunteers after shifts, capturing data and feedback to help share with other volunteers, and partnersThe position will report to NYC Plover Project Education and Engagement DirectorDesired Qualifications & ExperienceExcellent verbal communicator and people skills, with an ability to diffuse potential conflict situations and personality typesHighly-organized with attention to detailAbility to form positive relationships with a wide variety of volunteers and community partnersPatient, positive, and resourceful problem-solverAbility to work well independently and as a team memberFlexibility and ability to work with multiple demands and distractionsCommitment to diverse, equitable and inclusive organizational cultureVolunteer coordination experience is not required but a definite plusAbility to work outdoors in all weather and variable terrainValid driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle required Intermediate shorebird knowledge a great assetExperience with and ability to use various software, including Microsoft Office, Slack, volunteer software & Google Docs/SheetsKnowledge and/or interest in endangered species and biodiversityRockaway Peninsula residents strongly encouraged to applyCompensationSalary range for this position is $22 -25/ hour.Timing and Potential SchedulingThe role begins in March, ramping up in April, with the height of the season extending from May until early August. Official Dates: hire date - August 17th. Below follows the estimated timing:March: 10-15 hoursApril: 20-25 hoursMay: Full Time (35 hours)June: Full TimeJuly: Full TimeAugust: 20-25 hoursNYC Plover Project is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to diversity in the workplace. Interested candidates, please submit a cover letter and resume.

Created: 2025-01-19