Volunteer Coordinator

Bushwise; Paterson; On-site; ZAR 50 000 - 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A wilderness conservation organization in South Africa is seeking a Volunteer Coordinator to manage the recruitment, support, and coordination of volunteers at a remote lodge. This role is vital for ensuring volunteers are well-integrated and meet operational and conservation standards. Ideal candidates will have experience in volunteer management, excellent communication skills, and a passion for conservation. The position requires working irregular hours and offers on-site accommodation and meals.

Benefits

Accommodation on-site

Meals provided on-site

Qualifications

• Experience coordinating volunteers in a lodge, camp, or field environment.
• Strong organizational and people-management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage priorities in a remote setting.
• High professionalism, empathy, and resilience.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the recruitment, orientation, and scheduling of volunteers.
• Act as the primary contact for volunteer inquiries.
• Manage duty schedules and volunteer performance.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols and operational standards.

Skills

Organizational skills

People-management skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Job description

Role Overview

The Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for the recruitment, coordination, support, and day-to-day management of volunteers within a remote wilderness lodge environment. This role plays a critical part in ensuring volunteers are well-integrated, supported, productive, and aligned with operational, conservation, and guest experience standards.

Key Responsibilities

Volunteer Management & Coordination

• Coordinate the arrival, orientation, scheduling, and departure of volunteers
• Act as the primary point of contact for volunteers throughout their placement
• Ensure volunteers clearly understand their roles, responsibilities, and camp standards
• Manage volunteer rosters, duty schedules, and time-off planning

Training, Support & Welfare

• Faciliate volunteer inductions, briefings, and ongoing support
• Monitor volunteer performance, conduct, and wellbeing
• Address concerns, conflicts, or disciplinary matters in a professional and timely manner
• Escalate serious issues to lodge management when required

Operational Support

• Allocate volunteers to support guiding, conservation, maintenance, hospitality, or research functions as required
• Work closely with guiding and lodge teams to ensure volunteer support is aligned with daily operational needs
• Assist with general camp administration, logistics, and coordination

Compliance & Standards

• Ensure volunteers comply with safety protocols, reserve rules, and standard operating procedures
• Maintain accurate records including volunteer details, schedules, inductions, and incident reporting
• Support adherence to conservation principles and responsible tourism practices

Communication & Reporting

• Maintain clear communication between volunteers, lodge teams, and management
• Provide regular feedback and reporting on volunteer activities, issues, and contributions
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of the volunteer programme

Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• Previous experience coordinating volunteers, students, or staff in a lodge, camp, or field-based environment
• Strong organisational and people-management skills
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, remote setting
• High levels of professionalism, empathy, and resilience

Desirable Attributes

• Experience working in wilderness, conservation, or ecotourism environments
• Strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills
• Administrative competence, including record keeping and scheduling
• Cultural awareness and the ability to manage diverse groups of people
• Passion for conservation, education, and responsible tourism

Working Conditions

• Remote bush-based role requiring on-site presence
• Irregular working hours including weekends and public holidays
• Accommodation and meals typically provided on-site