Education - Field Trip Guide
Watch this short introductory Video overview of the role of Field Trip Guide CLICK HERE
Purpose:
Field Trip Guides facilitate discovery for elementary-aged students during hands-on, activity-based field trips at VanDusen Botanical Garden.
Responsibilities:
- Lead 45-minute and 90-minute environmental education programs in the garden for diverse groups of students ages 5-12 (K-7)
- Facilitate a safe, fun, and high-quality learning experience for students, teachers, and chaperones
- Conduct programs in accordance with stated educational objectives in content and style
- Maintain regular online communication with Youth Programs Manager and/or Youth Programs Coordinator
Skills, Attitudes, Knowledge Required:
- A love of nature and respect for the environment, with knowledge of ecology or gardening preferred
- Comfort working with groups of children ages 5-12, and previous experience is desirable
- Confident and reliable to communicate with children, volunteer team, and staff
- Patient, positive, flexible, fun-loving, and willing to regularly reflect on personal performance and skill development.
- Interested in ongoing training and education, both independent and conducted by the VBGA
- Comfortable standing, walking, and kneeling throughout the shift
- Must pass a criminal record background check (free for volunteers)
Time Commitment:
- Two shifts per month. Shifts are Monday through Friday either morning (9:30am-12:00pm) or afternoon (12:00pm-2:30pm).
- Programs run on weekdays during the months of April – June, and September – November
- A minimum of one year commitment
Training:
- Online orientation and training modules
- Required in-person training in April during the school day (tentatively scheduled for April 9 and 10, but still to be determined and based on field trip bookings)
- Shadow shifts
Location:
Supervisory Relationships/liaison: Candidate will be supervised by and liaise with the Youth Programs Manager and/or Youth Programs Coordinator.
Authority/Decision Making: Must be comfortable making decisions and problem solving with minimal supervision. Volunteers are not responsible for performing First Aid or behaviour-management strategies.
Volunteer Benefits:
- An opportunity to inspire and educate children
- Enhance teaching and leadership skills
- Opportunity to work with educational professionals in a well-respected non-profit
- Contribute your time and talents in an impactful way for a worthwhile cause
- Reference letter
To apply, fill out an application and sign up for the Field Trip Guide role by March 11.
The VBGA is committed to equity and diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including people of any sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression; Indigenous peoples; visible minorities and racialized people; and people with disabilities.
