Job Information
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Volunteer Services Group Liaison in Wheaton, Illinois
This job was posted by https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov : For more information, please see: https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov/jobs/12009525
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County provides opportunities for people to connect with nature. We offer to the public 60 forest preserves, 166 miles of trails, 47 miles of rivers and streams, and 6 nature and cultural centers. We have 6 million visitors each year.\ The District\'s mission is, \"to acquire and hold lands containing forests, prairies, wetlands and associated plant communities or lands capable of being restored to such natural conditions for the purpose of protecting and preserving the flora, fauna and scenic beauty for the education, pleasure and recreation of its citizens.
Job Summary
This position engages corporate and community groups (civic, religious, and youth organizations) through coordination of impactful service opportunities. The position also coordinates and leads group service opportunities for long-term District volunteers. The specialist ensures that all group volunteer opportunities support District staff, department goals, and mission.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
\ Field group volunteer inquiries by phone, email, and online interest forms, ensuring follow-up in a timely manner.
Schedule, coordinate, and execute group service opportunities in collaboration with district staff by matching the group\'s skills or interests with mission-aligned projects outdoors in the preserves.
Communicate accurate details to groups and long-term volunteers about site location, workday expectations, safety details, waivers, maps, site contacts.
Lead or co-lead outdoor group service opportunities, serving as a resource for staff and volunteers to support a positive, informative, and engaging volunteer experience.
Support ongoing partnerships with corporate and community groups by sharing timely appreciation through follow-up communication, sharing pictures through social media, and providing additional information and opportunities.
Manage and adapt to unexpected changes in programming.
Establish and nurture positive working relationships with District staff, and volunteers, professional volunteer agencies, vendors, and community groups.
Support district special projects and events by inviting volunteer assistance requests from staff, compiling monthly opportunity calendars, and posting and sharing through volunteer management database
Assist in the planning and execution of volunteer recognition and appreciation.
Deliver consistent volunteer orientation for volunteer groups and train liaisons who may oversee groups to use volunteer orientation talking points when they oversee groups.
Assist with volunteer recruitment, retention, and motivational/educational programs.
Track and record group volunteer leads, projects, participation, and engagement on Excel and volunteer software.
Coordinate and compile data necessary for reporting requirements, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
Foster a working environment that promotes safe work habits; Become familiar with and observe all applicable safety rules, policies, and work procedures; Follow all safety rules that pertain to the duties performed and support all aspects of the District\'s safety and risk management program; Keep work area clean, orderly, and free of hazards; Immediately report all unsafe conditions and incidents.
Maintain a supportive working environment and demonstrate a desire to exceed the expectations of internal and external customers.
Perform other duties as required.
Requirements:
\ 18 years of age or older at the time of hire.
Skilled Trades Technical Training and 1-3 years of related experience working with and overseeing volunteers or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Associate\'s Degree in Personal or Business Administration, Psychology, Com unications, or a related field is preferred.
Valid Driver\'s License in good standing.
Must have and maintain Illinois Mandated Reporter certification or obtain upon hire (training provided).
Must have and maintain CPR, AED, and First Aid Certification or obtain upon hire (training provided).
Knowledge of the field of volunteerism.
Familiarity with District activities, services, and resources.
Proficiency with the principles and practices of customer service and public relations.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
Experience with Volgistics or other volunteer management software.
Ability to establish rapport and maintain effective working relationships.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Hands-on experience working or volunteering in an outdoor setting.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with volunteers to achieve program goals.
Capacity to acquire and apply knowledge of procedures, rules, regulations, and services specific to the assigned office.
Capable of effectively managing and prioritizing competing tasks and responsibilities.
Proficiency in interpreting and applying written and verbal instructions, ensuring accurate execution.
Flexibility to wo