VOLUNTEER SERVICES COORDINATOR II

Position Overview

This position will perform professional functions in organizing, directing and coordinating a regional volunteer staff for four mandatory safety education programs; directs assignments to this regional volunteer staff according to the most efficient and effective procedures; evaluates the regional program and makes recommendations to the administrator concerning program needs; implements any changes that become evident; expands the progress of the volunteer services; communicates and coordinates with other Statewide regional staff and administration to assist in ensuring program goals and objectives are being met; coordinates and presents training seminars for the volunteer staff; participates in unit staff training programs; meets with a diverse range of citizens and organizations to identify the needs of the four mandatory programs and the voluntary services; inspires interested individuals and organizations to work as volunteers or sponsor safety education courses and programs. 

Job Responsibilities

1.    Under direction of the Safety Education Administrator, organizes directs and coordinates an assigned area of certified volunteer safety education instructors:

• Monitors to ensure that all volunteers are following current policies and procedures set forth by the Sections.
• Regularly meets with administrators of school systems, civic organizations, community leaders and conservation related organizations to interpret the mandatory safety education laws, the current use of the volunteer instructor program, the need for sponsoring organizations for classes and recruitment of volunteer safety education instructors.
• Recruits, personally interviews and approves volunteer instructor applicants following policies set forth by the Division and the Section.
• Provides instruction to new volunteers concerning current education policies and procedures.
• Travels throughout assigned area to conduct training and oversee events.
• Transports, stores and maintains ammunition and firearms for safety education programs.

2.    Makes team assignments and monitors the progress of volunteer instructor candidates within the assigned area:

• Makes recommendations for instructor certifications.
• Makes assignments to the volunteer instructors concerning master instructor county responsibilities and monitors the instructor's activities in the assigned area.
• Schedules and attends meetings with volunteer instructors to update them on program changes.
• Attends safety education classes to monitor and evaluate volunteers to assure they are implementing changes in program policies and procedures.

3.    Coordinates and administers training meetings and instructional workshops for the volunteer staff within the assigned area:

• Assists in the planning and coordination of statewide volunteer staff workshops.
• Assists and participates in the coordinator of staff training workshops.
• Prepares lesson plans and gives presentations to instructors and Section staff.

4.    Coordinates volunteer resources to provide instruction and assistance to the public at activities and events, ie., operation of BB Range and other special section activities:

• Coordinates promotions of the Section Programs through public relations activities and safety presentations.

5.    Assists with the distribution of requested class materials to instructors:

• Assists with the implementation of instructor mailings and webpage updates.
• Assists in the coordinator and issuance of volunteer service recognition awards for volunteers regionally and statewide.

6.    Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Requirements

1. Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to the completion of four years of college.
2. Requires two years professional experience in volunteer services program management, community organization or a social science field.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Two (2) years of extensive knowledge of principles and procedures in the development and utilization of community services in a volunteer services program.
2. Two (2) years of experience in methods of supervision, organization and administration.
3. Two (2) years of working experience of personnel management, principles and practices and the learning process as they relate to the recruitment, selection, placement, training and retention of volunteers.
4. Two (2) years of extensive knowledge of the media, methods and techniques which are used to relate the needs of the facility or area served to the resources within the community.
5. Two (2) years of experience providing effective leadership to establish and maintain effective working relations with staff personnel, community leaders and the general public.

Employment Conditions

All applicants must be able to meet the following Conditions of Employment, with or without reasonable accommodation, to be considered for this position:

1. Ability to pass background check.
2. Valid diriver's license.
3. Ability to travel, as needed.
4. Possession of valid FOID card, or ability to obtain within 6 months of employment.

Agency Statement

Charged with preserving, protecting, and promoting Illinois' natural resources, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) employees oversee water, wildlife, wetlands, and oil wells, parks, historic sites - and everything in between.  Employment opportunities vary greatly, often providing employees the chance to work indoors and out in a dynamic yet relaxed environment.  Working for the State of Illinois, IDNR employees receive excellent benefits, including health, vision and dental insurance; a retirement plan and deferred compensation options; state holidays and other time off; as well as pre-tax benefit programs; flexible/remote work schedules may be available for certain positions.

The Office of Law Enforcement (OLE) supports the Department's programs designed to protect Illinois' natural and recreational resources through enforcement of those portions of the Illinois Compiled Statutes enacted for that purpose. Conservation Police Officers are vested with full state-wide police authority and are trained to the highest standards for law enforcement professionals in Illinois.  

In addition to these enforcement responsibilities, Conservation Police Officers serve as an important link between the Department and its various constituencies (civic groups, sportsmen's groups, sport shows, etc.). These officers are called upon to assist outside agencies in emergency situations or rescue operations. They participate in the instruction of conservation related statutes to outside agencies, law enforcement organizations, or educational institutions upon request.