JOB
Why Tumwater?
Tumwater is more than just a city, it’s a vibrant community rooted in history and filled with opportunity. Located at the southern gateway to the Seattle-Tacoma metro area, Tumwater offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and big-picture vision.
Surrounded by the natural beauty of Puget Sound, prairie landscapes, rivers, and evergreen forests, we’re just over an hour from ocean beaches, the Olympic Peninsula, and Mount Rainier. Whether you’re into hiking, kayaking, brewery-hopping, or live music, you’ll find easy access to it all.
Here in Tumwater, we’re building a future that’s highly livable, connected, and inclusive. With safe neighborhoods, excellent schools, and a deep sense of civic pride, it’s not just a great place to live, it’s a great place to grow your career.
The opportunity:
Coordinates and administers the City’s volunteer programs and related logistics within the Parks and Recreation Department. Responsible for recruiting, scheduling, training, and recognizing volunteers who assist in City programs, events, and facility operations. Works collaboratively with staff across departments to support City initiatives and ensure compliance with safety and operational standards.
Distinguishing Characteristics-
This classification is responsible for the day-to-day coordination of the City’s volunteer network and associated program logistics.
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The position requires a blend of administrative, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
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It is distinguished from recreation roles by its concentration on volunteer management systems, internal coordination, and compliance tracking.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Essential Functions
Volunteer Program Administration
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Recruit, onboard, and coordinate volunteers to support programs, facilities, and community events.
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Maintain volunteer records, schedules, and background checks in compliance with City policy.
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Develop and update volunteer position descriptions, assignments, and expectations.
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Track volunteer hours and produce periodic reports for management and recognition purposes.
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Under the direction of the Marketing Specialist, promote and inform the public of volunteer events using social media.
Training & Supervision
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Conduct orientation and safety training for new volunteers.
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Monitor volunteer performance and provide coaching, feedback, or reassignment as needed.
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Ensure volunteers follow departmental policies, safety procedures, and standards of conduct.
Program Logistics & Coordination
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Support the coordination of department events, work parties, and facility maintenance projects involving volunteers.
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Manage supply inventory, equipment checkout, and volunteer scheduling to ensure adequate coverage.
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Collaborate with staff to align volunteer activities with operational needs and priorities.
Recordkeeping & Compliance
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Maintain accurate volunteer records, including applications, waivers, and training documentation.
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Ensure compliance with City risk management and liability protocols.
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Compile statistical and narrative reports for internal use and grant documentation.
Recognition & Engagement
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Plan and coordinate volunteer recognition events and communications.
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Develop strategies to promote ongoing engagement and retention.
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Prepare promotional materials in collaboration with department Marketing Specialist.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Decision Rights & Problem Solving
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Exercises independent judgment in scheduling, recordkeeping, and volunteer assignments.
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Implements established policies and procedures for volunteer management.
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Recommends improvements to program processes and systems to the Parks and Recreation Director.
Supervision Received / Exercised
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Received: General supervision from the Recreation Manager.
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Exercised: Provides functional direction to volunteers and may oversee temporary or seasonal staff.
Key Relationships
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Internal: Parks and Recreation staff and City departments utilizing volunteers.
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External: Volunteers, School Districts, community partners, vendors, and service organizations.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Working Conditions & Physical Demands
Work is performed primarily in an office or administrative environment. Duties may involve prolonged sitting, standing, walking, and repetitive hand or wrist movements associated with computer use. The position will require occasional bending, reaching, or light to moderate lifting of office materials or equipment. Work will include attendance at meetings, site visits, and public events, which will require travel to various locations. Some assignments will involve interacting with the public in stressful or contentious situations or working under deadlines and competing priorities. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified individuals in accordance with applicable laws.
Commitment to Equity, Safety, and Ethics
Employees are expected to perform their duties in a manner that supports equity, safety, integrity, and professionalism. This includes following all safety policies and procedures, treating coworkers and the public with respect, and conducting work ethically and responsibly. Employees are expected to uphold public trust through fair, transparent, and lawful conduct and to contribute to a safe, inclusive, and respectful work environment.
