Program Specialist Assistant Jobs in Spring, TX (NOW HIRING)

The Organization

Houston Parks Board (HPB) expands, improves, and protects parks and greenspace in the Houston region. Since 1976, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization has utilized public-private partnerships and its extensive philanthropic, government, and community relationships to provide equitable access to quality parks and greenspace to the Greater Houston region.

Houston Parks Board has reached a major milestone with substantial completion of the boldest and most exciting capital project in its history: Bayou Greenways. This ambitious $225M project significantly expands and enhances Houston’s parks system, creating a continuous system within the city limits of 150 miles of linear parks and trails along Houston’s bayous. In addition to leading the transformational Bayou Greenways initiative, Houston Parks Board cares for more than 3,300 acres of greenspace and supports park projects large and small.

For more information about Houston Parks Board and its high-impact work in the community, please visit houstonparksboard.org.

The Position

The Volunteer Coordinator, in tandem with the Conservation Program Specialist, will be responsible for recruiting/scheduling/utilizing volunteers for a variety of projects, programs, and community events (primarily for the Bayou Greenways Conservation and Maintenance program), while providing volunteer administration and communication for the organization. This position reports to the Conservation Program Specialist.

Main Responsibilities

· Assist with coordination of calendar of events and programs (Green Team, Corporate Events, Bayou Greenways Conservation Academy, Nursery events, etc.)

· Manage event record-keeping, scheduling, confirmations, registration, and RSVP tracking by utilizing a volunteer management system to maintain accurate volunteer records

· Coordination with potential Scout candidates and projects

· Welcome, engage, and retain volunteers

· Represent HPB at local outreach events

· Maintain inventory and care of program supplies and gear

· Vendor coordination of tools, port-a-lets, food and other items for outreach events

· Assist with review and creation of program documentation, including procedures and systems

· Facilitate positive communication and collaboration with HPB staff, all key stakeholders, government agencies (including Houston Parks and Recreation Department “HPARD”, Harris County Precincts and Harris County Flood Control District “HCFCD”), project partners/volunteers and the public

· Work effectively and independently with minimal guidance

· Work collaboratively in the field with other staff, volunteers and contractors on conservation projects

· Write and edit reports, newsletter articles, social media posts, and content for grant applications as needed.

· Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education:

· Bachelor’s degree, preferably in natural resources/ecology, or equivalent experience in a related field

Knowledge and Experience:

· Minimum 3 years of experience with event planning, volunteer coordination, community engagement, or related work

· Experience staffing public and private events indoors and outdoors with minimal assistance

Skills and Abilities:

· Outgoing and able to connect to a wide range of people and communities as a clear and effective communicator

· Excellent organizational skills with the ability to meet multiple deadlines with attention to detail

· Able to clearly and concisely develop correspondence, procedural manuals and verbal presentations

· Ability to work effectively with others to build mutual respect and solve problems

· Ability to efficiently respond to questions from staff, Board members, program partners, funders, volunteers and members of the community

· Demonstrated ability to work independently

· Evidence of good judgment and decisiveness

· Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite products

· Preferred working knowledge of Survey 123, volunteer management platforms, Canva, Adobe Suite

· Bi-lingual in Spanish is preferred

Work Environment:

• Mix of time spent in the field across Houston for events and remote office work
• This position will involve working some evenings and weekends
• Must have valid Driver’s License
• Must be at least 21 years of age to meet insurance eligibility requirements for operating an HPB vehicle. Driving an HPB vehicle is an essential function of this position. Will be provided a “take home” company vehicle for business use only

This is an exempt salary position with a range is $48,000 - $50,000, commensurate with experience. HPB’s benefits package includes medical, dental, vision and life insurance, and a 403b retirement plan.