Volunteer Engagement Specialist, IS-1001-9

Smithsonian Institution; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 71,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

The Smithsonian Institution's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute seeks a Volunteer Engagement Specialist to manage enrichment, recruitment, and training for NZCBI volunteers in Washington, DC. You will coordinate regular enrichment events, develop Moodle-based training, and mentor new volunteers, ensuring engaging experiences for visitors and alignment with NZCBI goals.

This Trust Fund position offers a stable schedule and a comprehensive benefits package, with full-time duties

Qualifications

• Knowledge of principles and methods of volunteer management.
• Experience with digital learning platforms and webcasting.
• Ability to maintain volunteer records using databases.
• Awareness of accessibility issues in programs.
• Experience coordinating volunteer programs and scheduling.
• Ability to recruit, interview, select, and plan training for volunteers.
• Experience delivering blended learning training (online and in-person).
• Ability to analyze policies and implement program requirements.
• Strong oral and written communication across levels.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate enrichment programming and NZCBI-wide appreciation events.
• Support recruitment cycles for NZCBI volunteers and events.
• Develop and deliver volunteer training using Moodle modules and workshops.
• Lead onboarding training and provide coaching to volunteers.
• Collaborate with NZCBI staff to align trainings with research and outreach.
• Monitor training effectiveness and implement improvements.
• Ensure training materials meet scientific accuracy and instructional quality.

Skills

Volunteer management

Distance learning platforms

Database management

Accessibility in programs

Volunteer program coordination

Recruiting & training

Volunteer training design

Policy interpretation

Communication

Job description

Volunteer Engagement Specialist, IS-1001-9

Application Deadline: 25 September 2026

Department: National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Washington, DC

Reporting To: Lead Volunteer Engagement Specialist

Compensation: $70,623 - $91,815 / year

Description

OPEN DATE: September 11, 2026

CLOSING DATE: September 25, 2026

POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund

APPOINTMENT TYPE: Indefinite

SCHEDULE: Full Time

DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC

Position sensitivity and risk: Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Who May Apply:

Open to all qualified applicants

What are Trust Fund Positions?

Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).

Conditions of Employment

• Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated.
• Complete a Probationary Period.
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
• The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
• Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

OVERVIEW

The Smithsonian Institution is a unique complex of 21 museums and galleries, the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute and nine research centers. The Smithsonian is a national and world treasure and is dedicated to its founding mission, “the increase and diffusion of knowledge.” The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute plays a leading role in the Smithsonian’s global efforts to save wildlife species from extinction and train future generations of conservationists. The Smithsonian Institution is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

This position is located at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park and Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (NZP), with a duty station based out of the NZP Washington, DC offices.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Retention (Enrichment and Appreciation)

• Coordinates all aspects of regularly occurring enrichment programming offered to NZCBI, including volunteer meetings, programs, gatherings, etc.
• Assists the Manager of Volunteer Programs in planning and executing NZCBI-wide appreciation events.

Recruitment

• Coordinates recruitment cycles for volunteers across NZCBI, including for recurring volunteers, such as NZCBI Help keeper aides and Interpreters, and one-time Special Events volunteers.
• Participates in the development and execution of recruitment strategies to engage a diverse and inclusive volunteer applicant pool from which a quality volunteer force is chosen.
• Provides volunteers with an effective and responsive support staff to ensure an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Training and Evaluation

• Conducts and assesses volunteer training using eLearning courses and onsite workshops.
• Develops volunteer interpreter training by creating online Moodle modules, in conjunction with Other NZCBI staff.
• Leads in-person training and coaching of volunteers during the onboarding process and as needed, providing enriching tools and activities for engaging Zoo visitors and during education events. In coordination with other staff, develops and edits supplementary training materials.
• Offers and leads continuing and refresher training as appropriate. This may be offered to individual volunteer programs or NZCBI-wide depending on the determined need.
• Provides counseling guidance to volunteers and staff that work with volunteers. Conducts exit surveys and interviews with volunteers leaving the program.
• Together with Manager of Volunteer Programs, evaluates all aspects of the volunteer program to ensure effectiveness and to recommend/implement changes as needed for all volunteers.
• Ensures that all training programs are delivered with attention to scientific accuracy and effective instructional techniques.

Liaison

• Participates in meetings and trainings with staff across NZCBI that work with volunteers to ensure understanding of policies and procedures, rights and expectations of volunteers, daily management and scheduling, metrics reporting, risk management, and conflict resolution.
• Works collaboratively with staff from around NZCBI to coordinate volunteers assigned to the different NZCBI centers to translate current scientific research, NZCBI collections, and NZCBI program initiatives into activities and training materials for volunteers to interpret to diverse audiences in informal settings.

Performs and other duties as required.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Knowledge of the principles and methods of volunteer management and techniques for recruiting, training, counseling, and evaluating volunteers.
• Knowledge of digital platforms for distance learning, webcasting, and other digital outreach to create and online learning experiences utilizing technology best practices.
• Knowledge of computer database management systems for keeping volunteer records, hours, and assignment.
• Knowledge of accessibility issues related to physical, socio-economic, and cultural barriers to volunteerism and skill in facilitating accessible and inclusive experiences for volunteers and guests to NZCBI.
• Skill in coordinating programs necessary for the effective training and oversight of volunteers and the operation of volunteer services at NZCBI, including the use of computer networks and software.
• Skill in recruiting, interviewing, selecting, and planning a range of training opportunities for, and
• motivate a large and diverse group of, individuals to serve as volunteers using a range of techniques, technologies, and approaches.
• Skill in developing, conducting, and assessing volunteer training using a blended learning model comprised of eLearning courses and onsite workshops.
• Skill in analyzing, interpreting, and implementing policies, procedures, and technical systems to effectively fulfill program responsibilities, including recruitment, onboarding, training, and record management.
• Skill in oral and written communication to collaborate with individuals at all levels, provide information, and serve as an interface between NZCBI visitors and stakeholders.

Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.

The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce. Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."

Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.

What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.

Relocation expenses are not paid.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact [e-mail]. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. See Smithsonian EEO program information: https://www.si.edu/oeesd.