Animal Program Internship Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Benefits:

• Life insurance
• 403(b) plan
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

 
About Lions Tigers & Bears
Lions Tigers & Bears is a federally and state-licensed nonprofit sanctuary dedicated to providing a haven for rescued exotic animals and educating the public about the dangers of the exotic animal trade. Located on a 93-acre ranch in Alpine, California, the organization provides lifetime care for lions, tigers, bears, and other rescued animals that have been abandoned, abused, or confiscated from illegal situations.
 
Founded in 2002, Lions Tigers & Bears has grown into a nationally recognized sanctuary and advocacy organization working to end the exploitation and private ownership of exotic animals. Through responsible rescue, high-quality animal care, community education, and legislative advocacy, the organization seeks to create a world where wild animals live free from abuse and exploitation.
 
Lions Tigers & Bears operates as a mission-driven organization with a passionate team committed to animal welfare, public education, and donor stewardship. The organization’s fundraising efforts are essential to sustaining animal care operations, sanctuary expansion, educational programs, and advocacy initiatives.
 
Position Summary
The Director of Volunteers & Education is responsible for leading and managing the Lions Tigers & Bears volunteer program, which includes more than 100 active volunteers who support daily sanctuary operations, events, educational programs, and community outreach. This role oversees volunteer recruitment, onboarding, training, scheduling, and engagement while ensuring that volunteer activities align with the organization’s mission and operational needs.
 
Reporting to the Director of Marketing and working collaboratively with the Founder,  the Director of Volunteers & Education works closely with staff across departments to ensure volunteers are effectively integrated into sanctuary operations. The role also oversees the organization’s internship program, supports educational visits, and assists with staffing volunteers for fundraising and outreach events.
 
This is a full-time, onsite position (Tuesday-Saturday)  based at the Lions Tigers & Bears sanctuary in Alpine, California. The role requires strong organizational and leadership skills, a passion for volunteer engagement, and the ability to cultivate a welcoming and mission-driven volunteer culture.
 
Position Duties and Responsibilities
Volunteer Program Leadership
The Director of Volunteers & Education manages and develops the organization’s volunteer program, which includes recruiting, onboarding, training, and scheduling volunteers to support daily sanctuary activities. The role ensures that volunteers are well-trained, informed about organizational policies and safety procedures, and prepared to contribute effectively to Lions Tigers & Bears’ operations. The Director of Volunteers & Education also works to enhance volunteer engagement by identifying opportunities for growth, education, and leadership within the volunteer community.
 
Volunteer Recruitment, Training, and Retention
The position leads volunteer recruitment efforts and oversees the onboarding process for new volunteers. This includes conducting orientation sessions that introduce volunteers to the history, mission, policies, and safety procedures of Lions Tigers & Bears.
 
The Director also develops and implements training and educational opportunities that help volunteers expand their skills and take on additional responsibilities. Maintaining consistent communication with volunteers and fostering a supportive environment are key priorities to ensure long-term volunteer retention.
 
Internship and Educational Programs
The Director oversees the organization’s internship program and supports educational initiatives hosted at the sanctuary. This includes coordinating educational visits and ensuring volunteers are prepared to support visitor experiences.
 
The role works to expand learning opportunities for volunteers and interns while ensuring educational programming reflects the mission and values of Lions Tigers & Bears.
 
Volunteer Scheduling and Operations Support
The Director is responsible for organizing and managing volunteer schedules to ensure that operational needs are met each day. This includes coordinating volunteers for animal care support, sanctuary maintenance, visitor services, and administrative tasks.
 
The role regularly works alongside volunteers to observe operations, ensure duties are performed correctly, and gather feedback that can help improve volunteer experiences and program effectiveness.
 
Events and Community Engagement
The Director helps plan and staff volunteers for special events, community outreach activities, and donor functions hosted by Lions Tigers & Bears. This includes recruiting and training volunteers for event roles and ensuring appropriate staffing levels for successful event execution.
 
The role also assists the private Event Coordinator during events and may support fundraising or community outreach initiatives when volunteer participation is required.
 
Volunteer Data Management and Communications
The Director maintains accurate volunteer records within the organization’s volunteer management database. This includes tracking volunteer hours, maintaining contact information, and documenting volunteer participation and training.
 
The role also supports volunteer communications through newsletters, email communications, and social media updates to keep volunteers informed and engaged.
 
Operational and Administrative Support
The Director oversees the Volunteer Coordinator Assistant and works collaboratively 
with staff across departments to support volunteer integration into sanctuary activities.
 
The role also assists with maintaining the gift shop and event merchandise inventory, including stock management, purchase orders, and preparation of materials for off-site outreach events.
 
Candidate Qualifications
Education and Experience

• 3+ years of prior experience managing or coordinating volunteer programs preferred
• Experience overseeing or working with large volunteer groups (100+ volunteers) is strongly preferred
• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Experience in nonprofit organizations, community programs, or animal welfare environments is beneficial

 
Skills and Competencies

• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Manage, mentor, and motivate one direct report
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and support volunteers
• Strong customer service orientation and ability to engage with diverse audiences
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and solution-oriented in fast-paced environments
• Strong time management and delegation skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and email systems
• Experience working with volunteer management databases such as Volgistics/VicNet or similar platforms

 
Personal Attributes

• Passion for animal welfare and wildlife conservation
• Ability to inspire volunteer engagement and commitment to the mission of Lions Tigers & Bears
• Career-minded, seeking growth and development within the organization 
• Positive, enthusiastic, and collaborative team player
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining organized systems
• Ability to work independently while maintaining strong coordination with staff and volunteers
• Exemplary work ethic and “can do” attitude

 
Working Conditions

• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds
• Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and navigate uneven terrain
• Ability to stand, walk, sit, bend, and use hands repetitively as required
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed for events or volunteer activities

  
POLICY ON PLACEMENT AND RECRUITING
This search is being conducted by The Batten Group, a national executive search and consulting firm dedicated to serving nonprofit and mission-driven organizations.
 
All candidate inquiries, nominations, and applications should be directed to The Batten Group. Candidates should not contact Lions Tigers & Bears directly regarding this position.
 
To express interest in this opportunity or to nominate a qualified candidate, please contact:
Jim Batten
President
The Batten Group
704-651-7858
james@thebattengroup.com
-or-
Courtney Johnson
Executive Recruiter
The Batten Group
980-486-5806
courtney@thebattengroup.com
 
The Batten Group and Lions, Tigers & Bears are equal-opportunity employers committed to the principles of non-discrimination in the workplace. Candidates will not be discriminated against on the basis of age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, marital status, or any other basis that is prohibited by federal, state, or local law.