Importing Jobs and Shifts Using a CSV File
To import jobs and shifts to your event in VolunteerLocal, you must first create your event.
👉 Need help creating an event? Read: How to Create Your Event
Step 1: Build Your CSV File
Download the CSV template linked at the bottom of this article ("import_jobs-shifts_template.csv"). Update the file with the job and shift for your event. You can start from a blank CSV file if you prefer.
The table below explains each column of the CSV file.
| Field Name | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Job Name | ✅ Yes | Title of the volunteer position/job. |
| Job Description | No | Public-facing description of job duties, responsibilities, or skills. Visible on the sign-up page and in the volunteer profile. |
| Job Profile Description | No | Additional info visible only in the volunteer's profile (not on the sign-up page). |
| Job Password | No | Password required to access the job (requires add-on or plan). |
| Job Self-Report | No | Allows volunteers to self-report hours. 1 = self report on |
| Job Self-Report Auto-Approve | No | Auto-approves self-reported hours. 1 = auto approve on |
| Shift Type | No | 1 = Standard, 2 = Flexible, 3 = Placeholder. Defaults to 1 if blank or invalid. |
| Shift Start | ✅ Yes | Start date & time of the shift (format: mm/dd/yyyy hh:mm:ss AM/PM). |
| Shift End | ✅ Yes | End date & time of the shift(format: mm/dd/yyyy hh:mm:ss AM/PM) |
| Shift Spots | ✅ Yes | Number of volunteers needed for the shift. |
| Shift Online/Offline | No | Sets shift visibility: 1 = Online, 0 = Offline. Defaults to 1 if blank or invalid. |
| Shift Description | No | Public-facing description specific to the shift. |
| Shift Profile Description | No | Additional profile-only info for the volunteer (not public). |
| Shift Attribute Name | No | Use for sub-role or location (e.g., Tent 1, Registration). |
| Shift Attribute Info | No | Details about the attribute (e.g., address or description of sub-role). |
| Shift Attribute Map URL | No | URL Link to a map for location-based shifts. |
| Shift Password | No | Optional password specific to the shift (overrides job password if provided). |
| Shift Notes | No | Internal use only—volunteers will not see this. |
| Shift Check-In Location | No | Check-in location for the shift. |
| Shift Timing Label | No | Optional label for categorizing or identifying shift timing. |
When the CSV file is complete with the job/shift info, navigate to the event's Jobs or Shifts page and click the link to import jobs and shifts:
On the import page ("Import Jobs and Shifts") follow the steps on the page:
Step 1:
Confirm your event is selected.
Step 2:
Select your CSV file.
Step 3:
Use the field mapping tool to (a) check the boxes of columns to include in the import and (b) ensure the alignment (left-to-right) is correct for each column <> field.
For example:
Step 4:
Review the "Optional settings" & click "Import now" to complete the import.