Assistant - Volunteer Engagement

Parks Tacoma•Point Defiance Visitor Center, WA

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The Volunteer Engagement Assistant will work with the Community and Special Projects Coordinator to support special events, volunteer projects, and park improvement events, lead park stewardship work parties, assist with trail maintenance projects, and assist horticultural activities within Tacoma's Regional Parks. This position will engage with community members to promote volunteer programs, create positive experiences, foster connections within communities to public parks, and recognize dedicated individuals for their service to the Parks Department.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must have a valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Previous experience working with volunteer groups of all ages required.
Must be able to work flexible schedule to include weekends and/or holidays as needed.
Operation of a computer and familiarity with MS Office Suite.
Communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing, with internal and external customers.
Commitment to racial, social, and economic equity issues and working effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Be receptive to the attitudes, feelings or circumstances of others and aware of influence of one’s own behavior on them.
Make difficult decisions in a timely manner.

Nice To Haves

Experience in Natural Resources, Horticulture, Environmental Science, Forestry or related field preferred.
Knowledge of geospatial technologies, such as Collector App, and ArcGIS Online desired.

Responsibilities

Support volunteer projects by safely and effectively training volunteers on invasive plant removal, mulching techniques and proper plant installation.
Deliver necessary tools, plants and other materials to park events and work sites.
Remove piles of brush and other debris from natural areas and park settings.
Assist with horticultural activities such as planting, pruning, fertilizing, watering, transplanting, and weeding.
Assist with plant propagation and production
Provide trail upkeep through regular assessments of repairs needed, and work with volunteers to create natural and gravel surface trails.
Recognize potential partnerships and collaboration opportunities during volunteer activities; gather and share contact information with program coordinator.
Foster relationships with service-learning groups, local organizations, schools, event participants, park patrons, and community volunteers.
Promote volunteer programs verbally, and/or through the distribution of newsletters and brochures.
Assist with onsite volunteer registration, volunteer event set up tear down and help with direction and understanding of volunteer work tasks.
Collect pertinent restoration data after volunteer projects including square footage of work sites, types of invasive species removed, number of plants installed, amount of debris removed, and progress made toward park goals.
Ensure volunteer work conducted in parks is accurately reported to program coordinator.
Maintain volunteer tools, personal protective equipment and safety equipment and communicate needs for replacement.
Operate a variety of manual and powered equipment such as picks, shovels, rakes, pruning equipment, mowers, line trimmers, watering tanks, leaf blowers, etc.as assigned.
Operate Park District vehicles as assigned; learn and practice the safe operation of assigned equipment and trucks.
Maintain a clean and safe work environment.
Assist with the staging of special events.
Other duties as assigned.