Lower Mainland BC

Job Title: Volunteer and Program Coordinator
Organization: Derby Reach and Brae Island Park Association
Location: Township of Langley BC / Hybrid
Position Type: Part-Time, Contractor

About Us

Derby Reach Brae Island Parks Association (DRBIPA) is a non-profit community-based organization formed in 1997 and incorporated as a society in 2013. Our mission is to foster stewardship of the land and  education within the parks. DRBIPA provides the community with opportunities to preserve, protect, and enhance the natural environment of Derby Reach and Brae Island Regional Parks in Fort Langley, BC, through education events, community involvement, and land preservation opportunities.

Position Summary

The Program & Volunteer Coordinator position is a part-time contractor position responsible for recruiting, training, supervising, and retaining volunteer Park Ambassadors and for organizing events and nature strolls. There are 4 key programs: Stewardship & Conservation, Public Education & Communications, Community Outreach & Events, and Fundraising & Development.

This position coordinates the day-to-day operations of the volunteer program, supports the Board of Directors are involved in the program's long-term strategy and implement select pieces of it directly. This position calls for an experienced volunteer engagement professional with excellent communication skills and dedication to the mission of DRBIPA. The Program & Volunteer Coordinator will interact with people from all backgrounds throughout the Metro Vancouver area and will work closely with our community partners to identify, develop, and execute meaningful volunteer service opportunities.

Responsibilities

Park Ambassador & Volunteer Program Management:

• Develop and implement strategies to recruit, train, and retain volunteers for environmental conservation initiatives.
• Coordinate volunteer activities, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Maintain open and clear communication with volunteers, addressing concerns, providing updates, and recognizing their contributions.
• Keep accurate records of volunteer information while protecting their privacy.
• Organized necessary tools, supplies, and refreshments for volunteer events.
• Stay informed about best practices in volunteer management.
• Identify and address potential risks associated with volunteer activities.

Board of Directors Support:

• Collaborate with Board members to execute decisions and projects related to the volunteer program and guided nature walks program.
• Attend the monthly Board of Directors meeting and provide reporting on position deliverables and volunteer activities.
• Assist with Derby Reach Park Day event promotions and member recruitment leading up to the Annual General Meeting.
• Contribute to recruiting Board Members by identifying potential candidates from the volunteer pool.
• Share communications from the Board with attendees at DRBIPA events and in the newsletter or social media, as needed.
• Assist the Board in budgeting for volunteer programs by providing insights into resource needs, training costs, and other relevant expenses.

Communications & Outreach:

• Create and distribute compelling content for the organization’s newsletter, highlighting achievements, upcoming events, and environmental education.
• Utilize communication channels, including social media, local media outlets, and the newsletter, to engage the community and promote environmental awareness.
• Monitor and respond to inquiries and comments on social media platforms to foster community engagement.
• Maintain the DRBIPA website and email inboxes; manage the Google Workspace account for the park association.

Event Coordination:

• Execute 8-15 volunteer environmental conservation events with direction from Metro Vancouver Regional Parks and the DRBIPA Board of Directors.
• Coordinate 5-6 weekend nature strolls and presentations on various themes, including finding knowledgeable guides and writing event descriptions.
• Communicate with our Metro Vancouver Regional Parks designated contacts to book events and for risk assessment purposes.
• Utilize the website events calendar for participant registration of community events.
• Collect feedback from participants to assess events and identify areas of improvement.

Grant and Proposal Writing:

• Research and identify potential funding opportunities for DRBIPA programs, bringing them to the Board of Directors’ attention.
• Prepare and submit grant proposals, as directed by the Board of Directors, to secure financial support for conservation initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience in program coordination and volunteer management.
• Strong coordination and planning skills with the ability to motivate volunteers.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, CRM software, basic graphic design skills, and using social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, etc.).
• Must be able to perform the physical work of environmental conservation efforts, including lifting (up to 20kg/44 lb), digging, pulling, raking, trekking over uneven terrain outdoors, etc.
• Ability to work part-time with flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• The majority of this job entails working from home, so you must have a home office, your own computer (with internet access) and a phone; in-person events take place in the Fort Langley
• area.
• Class 5 driver's license and reliable vehicle.

 Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with nonprofit organizations.
• Experience with public engagement and public speaking.
• A passion for nature with a strong interest and commitment to Regional Parks.
• Enthusiastic and outgoing, with excellent people skills.
• Self-starter with a high level of motivation and an ability to thrive with minimal supervision and work as part of a team.
• Education in Environmental Science, Conservation, Communications, Business Administration, or a related field is a valuable asset.
• Grant writing experience.

Compensation.

This is a contractor position for approximately 40-50 hours each month. The hours are flexible, with some required. This contractor position includes travel to and from in-person events. The position does
not include additional benefits as part of the compensation package.

$22/hr over a 3-month probation period.
$23/hr with travel to and from events of $0.58/km.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to outreach@drbipa.org by April 30, 2025. Please include “Program & Volunteer Coordinator Application” in the subject line.

Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca.

Application Deadline: April 30, 2025, 11:59 pm

Applicants may be contacted for interviews starting April 16.

Derby Reach Brae Island Parks Association is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Thank you for your interest in joining our team!