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Field Trip Guide
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 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 upon 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) Training and Orientation: - Role-specific training in group management, interpretation skills, program content and teaching methodology will take place before each season. - For Fall 2024, role-specific training will take place at VanDusen Botanical Garden. Date and time are yet to be determined. - There will be ample time to shadow experienced leaders and co-teach before taking out groups independently. Shadowing dates will be chosen during training. - New volunteers must also complete the VBGA General Orientation and other online modules. Time Commitment: - One shift per week - we are currently recruiting for both morning (9:30am-12:00pm) and afternoon (12:00pm-2:30pm) shifts Tuesday through Friday. - Programs run on weekdays during the months of April – June, and September – November - A minimum of one year commitment Location: VanDusen Botanical Garden 5151 Oak St., Vancouver V6M 4H1 Supervisory Relationships/liaison: Candidate will be supervised by and liaise with the Youth Programs Manager. 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. 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. To apply: Please visit Vancouver Botanical Garden Association volunteer portal and fill out an application here: https://app.betterimpact.com/PublicOrganization/5757625f-27eb-4d6c-9df5-ff3182c978da/Activity/c3b9287f-786f-41ef-afcc-3e32dbb942c4/1
Why should you volunteer for this opportunity?
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
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