Volunteer Management & Administration

Job Title: Volunteer Services Assistant
Organization: Toronto Wildlife Centre
Location: Currently located in Downsview Park (North York) with plans to move to the Rouge National Urban Park (Scarborough), GTA

Status: Part-time, Hybrid
Compensation: Hourly rate of $18 - $20, commensurate with experience

About Toronto Wildlife Centre

Toronto Wildlife Centre (TWC) is a registered charity that provides rescue, medical care and rehabilitation to sick, injured and orphaned native wildlife as well as public education about wildlife issues. TWC is the busiest wildlife centre in Canada, admitting approximately 6,000 patients annually, representing more than 300 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. For more information, please visit our website: torontowildlifecentre.com.

Job Summary

The Volunteer Department Assistant is responsible for assisting in the day-to-day organizing, coordinating and development of the Volunteer Department as well as liaising with other TWC departments and external organizations as needed. This position requires a strong administrative background, multitasking, and the ability to prioritize and communicate well in a fast-paced environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensures a positive, professional, and safe working environment at all times, with a focus on both human and animal safety
• Continually works towards furthering the mission of Toronto Wildlife Centre; building a healthy community for people and wildlife
• Assists the Volunteer coordinator; including but not limited to, onboarding, evaluation, training materials, protocols, recognition and retention
• Creates, maintains, and updates volunteer records and schedules
• Assists with creating, updating and expanding new and existing volunteer positions and programs
• Continuous improvement of volunteer retention through regular communication, relationship building across teams, recognition, conflict resolution, and other means
• Responsible for addressing immediate volunteer needs in person or via phone and email
• Assists at volunteer events, other properties and off-site work related to volunteer programs
• Assists with setting of the Volunteer Department goals and operational planning
• Assist in coordinating tasks and schedules for the volunteers within the volunteer department
• Actively participates in continuing education, TWC’s internal training, and stays current in the field of volunteer management.
• Other responsibilities as related to the Volunteer Department

Qualifications

Position Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent (post-secondary diploma or certification in volunteer management, administration, or a related field preferred)
• CVA accreditation considered an asset
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in an administrative role in a fast-paced environment
• Experience in volunteer supervision considered an asset
• Experience coordinating or supporting a large, diverse volunteer program considered an asset
• Proficiency with CRMs such as Better Impact is an asset
• Familiarity with design software (e.g., Canva) is an asset
• Experience using project management tools and online training platforms is an asset
• Access to a reliable vehicle preferred, as occasional travel to our East location and foster program sites is required

Competencies:

• Passion for Toronto Wildlife Centre’s mission with a genuine concern for and understanding of wildlife/environmental issues and the sensitive needs of working with wild patients
• Strong interpersonal skills; capable of working collaboratively within a team and across departments as needed
• Ability to professionally represent and support TWC’s goals, beliefs and policies to volunteers, the TWC team and others as needed
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workplace, and databases
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to convey ideas clearly and concisely
• Understanding of the unique role played by volunteers
• Proven ability to multi-task in a busy environment, to work well under pressure, and to prioritize competing tasks while meeting time-sensitive demands
• Professional, highly organized, detail oriented, and self-motivated
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Efficient at working effectively under tight deadlines, with competing priorities, within a fast-paced environment
• Flexible and adaptable to a changing and dynamic work environment

Physical Requirements:

• Requires the ability to spend extended periods sitting and using a computer keyboard
• Required to walk on concrete floors in the building and uneven ground outdoors occasionally

Working Conditions

• Fast-paced office/hospital environment, with equipment noise and the possibility of frequent interruptions
• This position requires working near materials and animals that may trigger allergic reactions
• Open office environment, with equipment noise and the possibility of frequent interruption
• Hours may fluctuate depending on job demands (some evening and weekend work may be required)
• Some off-site work will be required

How to Apply

Send cover letter and resume to: hr@torontowildlifecentre.com, with the subject line “Volunteer Services Assistant”.

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We would like to thank you for your interest in this position. Unfortunately, due to the anticipated number of candidates only those who qualify for an interview will be contacted. Thank you for your understanding.