Intern & Special Programs Coordinator

nc; North Carolina; On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina Zoo seeks a dedicated Intern & Special Programs Coordinator to support internship and volunteer efforts under the Director of Volunteer & Intern Services. This role manages day-to-day program components, ensures alignment with Zoo priorities, and drives growth across operations and programs.

Responsibilities include recruitment, onboarding, training, scheduling, and participant support. Strong organizational, communication, and Microsoft Office skills are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Experience coordinating internship or volunteer programs is preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and data records.
• Strong customer service and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the internship program and time-limited volunteer initiatives.
• Plan and facilitate orientation, training, and professional development.
• Maintain accurate program records and reports using Volgistics (and similar systems).
• Identify program needs and match participants with assignments.

Skills

Organizational skills

Public speaking

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Agency

Dept of Natural and Cultural Resources

Division

Zoological Park

Job Classification Title

Volunteer Services Coordinator (S)

Position Number

60033489

Grade

NC06

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) enriches people's lives through education and stewardship of North Carolina's natural and cultural resources. DNCR manages over 100 locations across the state, including historic sites, museums, state parks, trails, aquariums, the North Carolina Zoo, the Library of North Carolina, the State Archives, the North Carolina Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the North Carolina Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. These programs and places unite North Carolinians, create a shared identity, and provide common ground. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov. We encourage you to apply to become a part of our team.

Description of Work

The North Carolina Zoo is growing and it's an exciting time to join our team! The North Carolina Zoo is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Intern & Special Programs Coordinator to join our team. The Intern & Special Programs Coordinator works under the leadership and guidance of the Director of Volunteer & Intern Services in the administration of a comprehensive internship program and time-limited volunteer initiatives and is responsible for the day-to-day management of assigned program components. This position supports the continued growth, coordination, and evaluation of internship and volunteer opportunities across nearly all operational and programmatic areas of the Zoo.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate the internship program and time-limited volunteer initiatives such as the summer teen program including recruitment, outreach, screening, interviewing, placement, onboarding, training, scheduling, recognition, retention, and ongoing participant support.
• Plan and facilitate orientation, training, and professional development to ensure interns and volunteers are prepared to perform their assignments safely, effectively, and in support of the Zoo's mission.
• Maintain accurate program records and reports using Volgistics, including applications, training records, schedules, service hours, milestone recognition, and other program data, while ensuring data integrity and effective program administration.
• Identify program needs, develop meaningful internship and volunteer opportunities, and match participants with assignments that align with organizational priorities, participant qualifications, interests, and availability.
• Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and service-oriented culture by providing guidance, coaching, recognition, and exceptional customer service to volunteers, interns, supervisors, mentors, and community partners.
• Collaborate closely with the Volunteer & Intern Services team to provide cross-functional support, ensuring continuity of operations and shared program success during peak recruitment, training, special events, and other high-demand periods.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Please note: Job postings close at 11:59:59 p.m. the night before the listed Posting End Date above.

Recruitment Range: $35,596 - $48,000

To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must provide the information on the application form. Any information omitted from the application form, listed as general statements, listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit.

Candidates meet the minimum qualifications of this position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. Vacancy specific knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) and/or management preferences are not required.

Position/Physical Requirements

Work schedule: Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm with occasional rotational weekends during peak seasons

Must be able to work a rotating schedule that involves working weekends, holidays and after regular work shifts

Must have a valid driver's license issued from within the United States or be able to obtain one within 90 days of employment

• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with staff, volunteers, interns, community and volunteer organizations, media, and the public
• Must have exceptional organizational skills, the ability to handle shifting priorities, and meet deadlines
• Ability to speak effectively in public and express ideas clearly in oral and written form
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, Publisher, and Power Point
• Must be able to lift and exert up to 25 pounds of force occasionally and ability to lift, carry, push, or pull objects with or without accommodation, negotiate uneven outdoor terrain on foot and be able to hear radio communications and communicate verb