1

Volunteer Supervisor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Volunteer Supervisor

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$27.98 - $29.33/hr

Supervises volunteer staff and provides direction, coordination, and consultation for all volunteer functions within the Zoo * Manages the on-grounds volunteers by leading meetings, creating ...

Be Seen First

CAPITAL CITY CASA VOLUNTEER SUPERVISOR Capital City Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) recruit, train, and supervise volunteers who serve as powerful voices for abused and neglected children ...

New

Volunteer Supervisor

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$27.98 - $29.33/hr

Supervises volunteer staff and provides direction, coordination, and consultation for all volunteer functions within the Zoo * Manages the on-grounds volunteers by leading meetings, creating ...

Intern and Volunteer Supervisor

Chicago, IL

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

The supervisor will be expected to do the following: Roles: * Supervise the orientation of the volunteer * Supervise and support the volunteer's learning process * Supervise and assess the volunteer ...

Run errands, check PO Box, and other administrative projects at the discretion of staff and volunteer supervisor * Participate in Team meeting, lunches, and events, and positively contribute to ...

Run errands, check PO Box, and other administrative projects at the discretion of the staff and volunteer supervisor * Participate in team meetings, lunches, and events, and positively contribute to ...

Maintain ongoing communication with your Volunteer Supervisor * Attend mandatory in-service meetings to continue building your skills and stay connected with SARSSM's work Why Volunteer With SARSSM?

next page

Showing results 1-20

Volunteer Supervisor information

See salary details

$26.5K

$56.9K

$119.5K

How much do volunteer supervisor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for volunteer supervisor in the United States is $56,893.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,000.00 and $61,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges volunteer supervisors face when coordinating diverse volunteer teams?

Volunteer Supervisors often manage teams composed of individuals with varied backgrounds, skills, and availability. A common challenge is ensuring effective communication and aligning volunteers with tasks that match their interests and abilities while meeting organizational goals. Balancing the needs of the organization with volunteer satisfaction requires adaptability, empathy, and strong organizational skills. Additionally, supervisors must handle occasional conflicts or scheduling issues promptly and diplomatically to maintain team morale and productivity.

What is a volunteer supervisor?

Volunteer Supervisors are professionals responsible for overseeing, guiding, and supporting groups of volunteers within an organization. Their duties include recruiting, training, scheduling, and evaluating volunteers to ensure that program goals are met efficiently and effectively. They also serve as a liaison between volunteers and staff, fostering a positive and productive environment. Volunteer Supervisors play a crucial role in maintaining volunteer motivation, resolving conflicts, and ensuring compliance with organizational policies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a volunteer supervisor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Volunteer Supervisor, you need strong organizational skills, leadership abilities, and experience in volunteer management, often supported by a relevant degree or nonprofit sector experience. Familiarity with volunteer management software, scheduling platforms, and basic HR systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, conflict resolution, and motivational skills help foster positive relationships and team cohesion. These skills are essential for ensuring effective volunteer coordination, maintaining high engagement, and achieving organizational goals.
More about Volunteer Supervisor jobs
What cities are hiring for Volunteer Supervisor jobs? Cities with the most Volunteer Supervisor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Supervisor jobs? The most popular types of Supervisor jobs are:
What states have the most Volunteer Supervisor jobs? States with the most job openings for Volunteer Supervisor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Volunteer Supervisor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,893 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

Volunteer Supervisor

Santa Barbara Zoo

Santa Barbara, CA • On-site

$27.98 - $29.33/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Santa Barbara Zoo rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 37 rated wildlife parks and zoos


Job description

Are you a natural leader with a passion for volunteerism and conservation? The Santa Barbara Zoo is seeking a Volunteer Supervisor to recruit, manage, and inspire a dedicated team of volunteers who help bring our mission to life. Join us in fostering meaningful connections, empowering volunteers, and creating unforgettable guest experiences that champion wildlife and education!
Position Status: Regular, Full-Time, Non-Exempt, Hourly
Schedule: Tuesday - Saturday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Compensation: $27.98 - $29.33 per hour*You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position*
SUMMARY:
Under the general direction of the Director of Education, the Volunteer Supervisor promotes the Zoo and its mission through community outreach, recruitment, training, planning, development, implementation, management, and evaluation of the Zoo's volunteers and volunteer programs.ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
  • Working in cooperation with Department Managers, plans, develops, promotes, implements, maintains, and evaluates a wide range of volunteer opportunities
  • Supervises volunteer staff and provides direction, coordination, and consultation for all volunteer functions within the Zoo
  • Manages the on-grounds volunteers by leading meetings, creating volunteer schedules, and providing support to volunteers during their shift
  • Performs outreach, recruitment, and interviews and places applicants for volunteer work
  • Manages volunteers and volunteer programs
  • Manages volunteers at large Zoo events where many volunteers are needed
  • Manages information and communications using Volunteer Platform (currently: Volgitics)
  • Maintains files, records, applications, and other data concerning the volunteer program
  • Develops ongoing programming to fit Zoo needs
  • Identifies, cultivates, and develops volunteer leaders
  • Coordinates and schedules assignments, meetings, lunch & learn, and events
  • Participates in training sessions, directs and monitors daily activities of volunteers
  • Informs volunteers of Zoo policies and procedures, and standards of volunteer service in collaboration with HR Specialist
  • Confers with volunteers to resolve grievances and promote cooperation and interest
  • Organizes and participates in volunteer recognition programs
  • Serves as a liaison to other areas around the Zoo that utilize volunteer support
  • Identifies and puts in place volunteer retention strategies
  • Provides volunteer recommendation letters and hour reports as needed, in collaboration with the Director of Education
  • Maintains accurate records and provides timely statistical and activity reports on volunteer programs
  • Develops relationships with community organizations, businesses, and schools
  • Adheres to and enforces Zoo's policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual
  • Attends all bi-monthly all-employee meetings

SECONDARY DUTIES:
Guest Relations:
  • Greets every guest with a smile
  • Thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo
  • Answers phone calls, voice mails, and e-mails promptly
  • Ensures the Zoo's presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping work areas clean, picking up trash, reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions
  • Associates with guests to assist and share information
  • Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relations procedures
  • Maintains a clean neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo's uniform dress code
  • Takes responsibility for staying informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading employee communications and attending meetings
  • Reflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement, the Zoo's Core Values, and the Employee Pledge
  • Applies and exemplifies "green" (sustainable) practices whenever possible
  • Other miscellaneous duties as required

POSITION CRITERIA:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and environmental characteristics described below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, and working and physical elements required of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Education & Experience:
  • High School graduate
  • Professional experience in volunteer or personnel management in an organization

License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications:
  • B.A. or B.S. preferred with coursework in personnel management, natural history, and/or public relations preferred
  • Successful completion of a Department of Justice background check
  • Negative TB tests and Tetanus vaccinations as necessary
  • CVA certification preferred
  • First Aid & CPR Certification preferred

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
  • Understanding of volunteer organization dynamics and relationships
  • Ability to keep internal information confidential to the extent possible
  • Ability to effectively problem solve in complex situations arising among volunteers and between volunteers and staff
  • Knowledge of current methods, principles, procedures, and practices utilized in volunteer personnel management
  • Ability to manage, coordinate, facilitate, and supervise the activities of a diverse audience and large groups of people
  • Ability to speak in front of large groups of people
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to engage and motivate a diverse audience
  • Ability to convey the Zoo's mission, vision and program needs to others clearly
  • Thorough knowledge of the Zoo's mission/vision, core values, and general policies and procedures.
  • Basic knowledge of biology and zoology concepts preferred
  • Knowledge of current practices in thematic interpretation and environmental education preferred
  • Knowledge of audio-visual equipment and computer software such as database programs, desktop publishing, and graphics programs
  • Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, and our guests
  • Ability to exercise safe work habits
  • Ability to use Volgistics -or similar platform- for communications, scheduling, and reporting
  • Willingness to learn and participate in meetings and training programs
  • Awareness of, sensitivity to, and empathy with animals

Physical Demands & Work Environment:
  • Available to work weekends and holidays, and when events are scheduled
  • Must be able to occasionally lift 50 pounds, and 10 or fewer pounds frequently
  • Ability to exert a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly push, pull, or otherwise move objects
  • Ability to negotiate the Zoo work environment including behind-the-scenes, lawns, gravel, hilltop, and attic storage
  • Must be physically able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including electric carts, telephones, printers, projectors, and copiers
  • Involves working out-of-doors in all weather conditions
  • Ability to work successfully in a shared work-space environment, with constant interruptions
  • Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
  • Supportive and open employment culture
  • Needs to be able to handle animals and train others to do so

Tools Used:
  • Electric cart
  • Standard office equipment; telephone, copier, printer, facsimile machine, calculator
  • Education Department tools, artifacts, biofacts, and equipment
  • Personal computer and software (Word, Excel, Outlook, Volgistics, Google Docs, and more).
  • Two-way radio
  • Audio-visual equipment
  • Automobile or van

BENEFITS & PERKS:
  • Great team, beautiful grounds, amazing animal collection, sunshine & ocean view almost year-round!
  • Free parking, free guest passes, unlimited free tea/coffee every morning, 20% discounts on food services and retail purchases
  • Access to the Collabornation learning platform, professional development, and lunch & learn opportunities
  • Comprehensive benefits package for FTR staff, voluntary supplemental insurances, zoo membership, 13 paid holidays, paid sick leave, paid vacation time, 403(b) and SEP retirement plans, a paid conservation day, a paid Zoo Day to visit another AZA-accredited institution, paid time off to take your pet to the vet, and much more...

*You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position*Please make sure to check your spam folder if you do not see an email response from the Zoo.
This job description is representative of the expectations of the position described. Additional duties, reporting relationships, and/or position criteria may be assigned as deemed necessary by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative. No changes to this job description shall be made without written permission by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative.
The Zoo reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description does not constitute a contract for employment, and does not guarantee employment for any specified period of time. The job description does not in any way alter the at-will employment relationship.
At this time, the Zoo does not sponsor employment or internship visas.
Compensation: $27.98 - $29.33 per hour
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Do you love animals and working with people? Join the fun, caring, friendly, and energetic team at the Santa Barbara Zoo in our mission of preservation, conservation, and enhancement of the natural world and its living treasures through education, research, and recreation.
Once you apply, please make sure to check your spam folder if you do not see an email response from the Zoo.
The Santa Barbara Zoo is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and is a fully accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Known as one of the world's most beautiful zoos, it is located on 30 acres of lush botanic gardens overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It is home to more than 146 animal species living in open, naturalistic habitats. Our wonderful collaborative team includes up to 220 employees and 50 volunteers.

What Santa Barbara Zoo employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom