About: Seasonal Co-Lead Outreach Volunteer

The Rocky Mountain Raptor Program (RMRP) inspires the protection and conservation of raptors and the environment through excellence in rehabilitation, education, and research.  We have been providing community and public education across northern Colorado surrounding raptors for more than 30 years.  The Seasonal Outreach Volunteer position offers opportunities to develop event coordination and leadership skills, learn about local raptor species and habitats, learn to safely work around the non-releasable ambassador raptors, and engage the public about the RMRP’s mission.

The department houses 20+ permanently disabled raptors, who work as ambassadors to the public for conservation education.  We offer 250+ days of community outreach and education annually, including at K-12 schools, universities, community organizations, public events, public and private gatherings, and through social media.

General Job Description:

The outreach volunteer will co-lead public events to oversee sales of merchandise, fundraising, and help provide conservation education.  They will learn what is involved in making public events happen from start to finish in a non-profit.  Talking with the public about the organization is a large part of the work, so interactive listening and speaking skills are desirable.

We look for people that are dedicated, self-starting, willing to work hard, detail-oriented and enthusiastic. The intern that demonstrates reliability, attention to detail, quality communication skills, creative thinking, and dedicated to learning will be most successful.

Position is unpaid. Hours worked can be exchanged for merchandise in the gift shop. Volunteer is expected to have their own transportation to and from the RMRP facility. The position has minimal supervisory duties. An RMRP shirt will be provided for working at public events.

Time Requirements and Length of Internship:

  • Required to work a minimum of 8 shifts during the summer. Dates will be selected and committed to for the season during in-person training
  • Must be available on weekends
  • Able to attend training a full day of training (usually 8:30-4:30) at time TBD before the outreach season begins

Time frame: May through October, with option to stay longer

Requirements:

  • Believe in and support the Mission of the Program
  • Have an interest in Colorado raptors and conservation
  • Able to attend 1 scheduled in person training session
  • Able to complete online training classes through Google Classroom by May 23
  • Commit, in advance, to a minimum of 8 days between May and October
  • Able to lift and carry objects weighing up to 30 pounds
  • Able to utilize or learn iPad and Square technology to make sales
  • Able to converse professionally and respectfully with the public
  • Be able to work independently and with others
  • Be self-directed
  • Must have updated tetanus shot

Duties and Expectations:

  • Exhibit Participation
    • Collaboratively design and implement booth area setup under direction from Exhibit Coordinator
      • Setup & teardown of pop-up tents, tables, merchandise, literature, tent weights and other materials
      • Load and unload vans
    • Perform merchandise sales
      • Utilize iPad and Square to sell merchandise
      • Maintain quality merchandising (stocking and display of merchandise) and security of goods
      • Maintain security of cash and credit card information
    • Solicit donations
    • Provide informal public engagement in accordance with approved conservation messaging such as: talking about RMRP’s mission and work, and answering general raptor related questions from the public
    • Interact with enthusiasm and professionalism to build relationships with the public around the Program’s Mission and messaging
  • Exhibit Material and Supplies Organization
    • Prep exhibit materials at the main facility prior to the exhibit and preload the van(s)
    • Clean, sanitize, and restock materials at the main facility after the exhibit in accordance with established protocols
  • Develop, maintain and display knowledge surrounding
    • RMRP’s mission and conservation messaging
    • General understanding about the rehabilitation and education aspects of the Program
    • General knowledge of relevant federal and organizational regulations and protocols
    • General knowledge of local raptor species
  • Understand it is part of every person’s job to aid in safety and security of the RMRP facility, raptors, people, vehicles, and possessions
  • Agree to read, understand, and follow all RMRP protocols, rules, and regulations, and any changes and updates that may occur
  • This position will NOT work directly with the ambassador raptors

Benefits:

  • Develop public speaking skills
  • Develop sales and merchandising skills
  • Gain knowledge about raptors, including but not limited to; behavior, natural history, conservation issues, identification
  • Gain knowledge about how non-profit organizations function and support themselves
  • Opportunity to educate and inspire members of the public about the wonders of raptors
  • Self-fulfillment opportunities because you are giving back to the RMRP, the community, and the world
  • Meet new people and friends
  • In some instances you may use your volunteer hours for school credit
  • Exchange of volunteer hours for merchandise in the gift shop. At the ten year mark and higher your time gets twice the bang for the buck in the gift shop

How to Apply:

Applications for internship will be open from January 1 – April 20

To apply for any of the Seasonal Outreach Internship please submit your resume and letter of interest to Jazmine@rmrp.org. At that time a link to our google application will be sent to you.