South Africa: Volunteer Coordinator posted by Bushwise

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

• Facilitate 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