About Rivercare Group Te Wai o Pareira
Rivercare Group Te Wai o Pareira is a dedicated charitable trust focused on the restoration of the mauri life force, well being of Te Wai o Pareira Henderson Creek. This includes advocacy with agencies responsible for sewage and stormwater, predator control, restoration of reserves, education of young people and measurement and monitoring of the health of the awa in the catchment area of Te Wai o Pareira. We rely heavily on the passion and commitment of our volunteers to achieve our conservation goals and protect the unique biodiversity of this catchment.
Job Summary
The Volunteer Coordinator role is responsible to work with other members of the team for the recruitment, training, management, motivation, and retention of the Trust’s volunteer workforce. This role ensures a positive, safe, and productive volunteer experience, aligning volunteer efforts with the Trust's strategic conservation objectives. The Coordinator acts as the primary point of contact and champion for all volunteers.
Key Responsibilites
1. Volunteer Program Management & Development
● Design and implement effective volunteer recruitment strategies to meet operational
needs.
● Maintain and update volunteer records and databases (Wix database and Volunteer
Hours spreadsheet).
● Develop and refine volunteer induction, training materials, and role descriptions for
various conservation activities (e.g., weeding, monitoring, planting, trapping).
● Ensure risk assessments for all volunteer activities are undertaken in compliance with
the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA) and Trust policies
● Support other Rivercare Coordinators in delivering their objectives
● Develop active and regular human connection between Rivercare and volunteers
2. Recruitment and Retention
● Work with other team members to source, screen, and interview potential
volunteers, ensuring a good match with the Trust’s mission and required roles.
● Schedule and coordinate volunteers for specific events and ongoing projects.
● Implement strategies for volunteer recognition and appreciation to foster a sense of
community and commitment.
● Manage volunteer grievances and conflict resolution fairly and effectively.
3. Training and Support
● Work with other Coordinators to organise and lead initial volunteer orientation sessions
and ongoing technical training (e.g., trap setting, GPS use, plant identification).
● Ensure all volunteers understand and adhere to safety protocols, conservation
standards, and cultural considerations (including engaging with Māori partners/iwi).
● Provide ongoing support and supervision to volunteers, ensuring they have the
necessary resources and equipment.
4. Community Engagement
● Develop Community Engagement between Rivercare and the wider community
● Facilitate collaboration with other Community Groups that also use volunteers
● Learn more about best practices in managing and motivating volunteers via interaction
with other community groups
5. Administration and Reporting
● Track and report on volunteer hours, demographics, and contribution metrics.
● Communicate regularly with Trust team members and the Board on the status and
impact of the volunteer program.
● Ensure compliance with all relevant New Zealand legislation, including the Vulnerable
Children Act 2014 if applicable to volunteer roles.
● Adopt a ‘continuous improvement’ philosophy for our processes and practices
● Attend Rivercare Group team meetings
● Undertake other duties as Other assigned duties as required
Requirements
Essential
● Experience in coordinating, managing, or leading groups of people, preferably
volunteers.
● Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively
with diverse groups of people.
● Strong organisational, planning, and time management abilities.
● A solid understanding of Health and Safety procedures and the ability to apply them to
outdoor/physical conservation work.
● Proficiency in using Google Workspace (or Microsoft Office).
Desirable
● Experience working or volunteering within the conservation, environmental, or non-
profit sector.
● Familiarity with the New Zealand conservation context (e.g., native species, key
threats, environmental issues).
● Experience in Māori cultural engagement (te reo me ngā tikanga) or working
alongside iwi/hapū partners.
● A relevant qualification in environmental science, non-profit management, HR, or a
related field.
Attributes
● Passion for conservation and the environment.
● Proactive and resilient nature with a can-do attitude.
● Empathetic and motivational leader who values the contribution of every volunteer.
● Flexible and willing to work occasional weekends or evenings for events.
● Must hold a current New Zealand Driver's License
● Administration and attention to detail
● Effective communicator and team player