Garden Guides - Walking, Driving & Birding - Garden Guide
Purpose:
As Garden ambassadors, VanDusen Guides invite visitors to explore and learn more about the Garden and the amazing world of plants. By offering dynamic guided tours and acting as information resources, Guides help visitors connect with VanDusen’s beautiful 55-acre garden. Guided walking and cart tours are offered daily from April to October, walking tours are also available Sunday afternoons year-round weather permitting.
Responsibilities:
- Plans, organizes and conducts walking and/or cart tours
- Interprets the Garden's collections, history and horticultural practices, while welcoming visitors and answering their questions
- Keeps up-to-date and informed about the Garden
- Attends Guide Education meetings and Garden Walks, (if unable to attend, please review online), participates in Guide projects and special events in the Garden as appropriate
- Records Guide activity statistics as required
Skills, Attitudes, Knowledge Required:
- Enthusiasm for nature and the environment
- Experience in presenting, teaching, guiding, customer service, interpretation or botany is an asset
- Excellent communication skills and customer service focused
- For driving Guides, a valid class 5 driver’s license is required
Training and Orientation:
- 4 Hours of online training to be completed prior to in-person training
- Required in-person training on Saturdays March 28th, April 11th, April 18th and April 25th from 9:30am - 3:30pm. Must be available to attend all dates.
- Shadow shifts
Time Commitment: A minimum of 2 shifts per month, in addition to guide education, and a minimum 1-year commitment.
Location:
Supervisory Relationships/liaison: Candidate will be supervised by, and liaise with, the Guide Captain.
Authority/Decision Making: Must be comfortable making decisions and problem solving with minimal supervision.
Volunteer Benefits:
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Enhance botanical knowledge, further develop customer service, interpretation and communication skills
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Opportunity to work with a dedicated team in a well-respected charity
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Contribute your time and talents in an impactful way for a worthwhile cause
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Reference letter
