Volunteer Coordinator - Parks

Kitsap County•Bremerton, WA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Join Kitsap County Parks in a dynamic role where your passion for volunteerism, environmental stewardship, and community engagement will create lasting impacts across one of the region's most valuable public resources. As the Volunteer Coordinator, you will lead the administration of a robust volunteer program that inspires residents to care for parks, trails, natural areas, and open spaces while building meaningful partnerships throughout the community. This is more than a volunteer leadership position—it is an opportunity to shape how the community connects with its parks. You will recruit and develop dedicated volunteers, foster environmental education, strengthen relationships with schools and community organizations, and lead initiatives that enhance recreation, conservation, and public service. If you are driven by collaboration and creating positive community impacts, this role offers an outstanding opportunity to grow your career while helping preserve Kitsap County's parks for future generations.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a closely related field from a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by the US Department of Education AND one (1) year of progressively responsible experience in parks and recreation administration or a closely related field which includes coordination of volunteers OR Associate's degree in a closely related field from a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by the US Department of Education ; AND three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in parks and recreation administration or a closely related field which includes coordination of volunteers
Relevant work experience demonstrating required knowledge, skills, and abilities may substitute for educational requirements.
Work experience is essential and cannot be replaced by additional education.
Working knowledge of volunteer program administration, environmental stewardship, parks and recreation operations, and natural resource management.
Experience utilizing databases, spreadsheets, word processing software, web-based applications, and record management systems for program administration and reporting.
Familiarity with project management principles, budget tracking, and program performance measurement.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively engage volunteers, community organizations, government agencies, and the public.
Proven ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships through professionalism, collaboration, tact, and sound judgment.
Must meet the driving requirements of this position and submit a copy a current driving record/abstract (from state of residency) to review for eligibility to drive for Kitsap County prior to employment.
Must obtain a valid Washington State Driver’s License prior to hire and maintain a satisfactory driving record as outlined in the Kitsap County Vehicle Use Policy.

Nice To Haves

Experience developing volunteer recognition and retention initiatives.
Background working with schools, nonprofit organizations, environmental education programs, or community stewardship initiatives.

Responsibilities

Lead the recruitment, training, and recognition of a diverse volunteer workforce, including Park Volunteers, Park Stewards, Lead Stewards, Organizational Groups, Camp Hosts, educational volunteers, and community service participants.
Coordinate volunteer assignments, schedules, projects, and stewardship activities that support park maintenance, natural resource protection, visitor services, and departmental priorities.
Provide guidance and ongoing support to volunteers while fostering a positive, safe, and inclusive volunteer experience.
Ensure all volunteer activities comply with departmental policies, safety protocols, risk management practices, and volunteer program standards.
Drive environmental stewardship initiatives by organizing volunteer-led restoration, maintenance, conservation, and special improvement projects throughout the county park system.
Develop and implement programs and initiatives that support the maintenance, enhancement, and sustainability of park trails, while advancing park operations, improving visitor experiences, and promoting responsible use of natural resources and open spaces.
Build and strengthen collaborative partnerships with schools, nonprofit organizations, businesses, service clubs, and community organizations to expand volunteer participation and community engagement.
Represent Kitsap County Parks at volunteer fairs, community events, public meetings, educational presentations, and outreach activities while serving as a key liaison between the department and the public.
Promote volunteer opportunities through strategic outreach, marketing, communications, and public engagement efforts that increase community participation and awareness.
Administer volunteer program operations by maintaining volunteer records, agreements, training documentation, background checks, service hour tracking, and program compliance requirements.
Monitor and evaluate volunteer participation, program outcomes, and performance metrics while preparing reports, correspondence, and operational documentation to support continuous program improvement.
Support budget tracking, grant-related activities, volunteer recognition programs, and other administrative initiatives that strengthen the long-term success of the Parks Volunteer Program.