The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority is responsible for protecting and managing one of Australia’s most iconic coastal landscapes. We care for parks, reserves and marine environments along the Great Ocean Road, including internationally recognised visitor sites. Working closely with Traditional Owners, communities and stakeholders, we protect environmental, cultural and heritage values while supporting sustainable visitation and long‑term conservation.
About the role
Join the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) and play a pivotal role in shaping and leading our organisation-wide volunteer program.
As Volunteer Coordinator, you'll provide strategic leadership to develop, implement and continuously improve volunteer opportunities that support environmental stewardship, conservation, community participation and visitor experiences across the Great Ocean Road coast and parks. Working closely with internal teams, Traditional Owners, volunteers, community groups and partner organisations, you'll create meaningful and inclusive opportunities that deliver positive outcomes for people, place and community.
This is an exciting opportunity to establish systems, frameworks and partnerships that will strengthen community stewardship and contribute to the long-term care and protection of one of Australia's most significant coastal landscapes.
What you'll do
- Lead the development and implementation of GORCAPA's volunteer framework, annual work plans and long-term program priorities.
- Coordinate the end-to-end volunteer experience, including recruitment, onboarding, training, support, recognition and retention.
- Develop volunteer opportunities that support conservation, environmental restoration, citizen science, visitor experiences and community engagement.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with volunteers, Traditional Owners, community organisations, educational institutions, government agencies and other partners.
- Establish policies, procedures, systems and governance frameworks that support safe, inclusive and effective volunteer participation.
- Provide expert advice to leaders and teams on volunteer management, program design and continuous improvement.
- Monitor program performance, compliance and outcomes, using data and insights to drive informed decision-making and program enhancement.
- Represent GORCAPA at volunteer, stewardship and community forums and events.
What we're looking for
We're seeking an experienced and collaborative professional who is passionate about community participation, environmental stewardship and creating meaningful volunteer experiences.
You'll bring:
- Demonstrated experience managing volunteer programs, community participation initiatives or similar programs in a public-purpose, environmental or community-focused setting.
- Strong program and project management skills, with the ability to lead initiatives across multiple teams and stakeholders.
- Experience developing policies, procedures, governance frameworks and compliance processes.
- Excellent relationship-building, stakeholder engagement and partnership management skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, briefings and recommendations.
- Sound understanding of volunteer management, risk management, health and safety, privacy and compliance requirements.
- The ability to influence, collaborate and build trust across diverse stakeholder groups.
- A commitment to Aboriginal self-determination, cultural safety, inclusion and environmental stewardship.
Qualifications in volunteer management, community development, environmental management, project management or a related discipline will be highly regarded.
Why join us?
At GORCAPA, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to the protection and stewardship of one of Australia's most iconic coastal environments while working alongside passionate and dedicated people.
We offer:
- Meaningful work that supports environmental conservation, community connection and cultural outcomes.
- The opportunity to establish and shape an organisation-wide volunteer program from the ground up.
- A supportive and collaborative workplace culture that values innovation, inclusion and continuous improvement.
- Flexible work arrangements and a commitment to employee wellbeing.
- Professional development opportunities and the chance to build lasting partnerships across government, community and environmental sectors.
- The opportunity to make a genuine impact on the future of the Great Ocean Road coast and parks.
To be successful in this role, you'll be required to hold or obtain a National Police Check, Working with Children Check, current Australian Driver's Licence and evidence of Australian work rights.
Everyone is welcome at the Authority.
Here at the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority we are committed to creating a workforce that is diverse and is inclusive of all. We value and embrace the various experiences and perspectives people may have, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, cultural background, disability, or sexual orientation.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we work and live and all First Nations peoples, and we pay our respects to their Elders past and present.