Vancouver Botanical Garden Association (Field Trip Guide Volunteer – Vandusen Botanical Gardens)

Organization Name: Vancouver Botanical Garden Association
Opportunity Title: Field Trip Guide Volunteer – Vandusen Botanical Gardens
Category: Education / Training / Teaching
Commitment: 6 months to 1 year
Start Date: August 15, 2023
End Date: November 30, 2024

Email: volunteersupport@vandusen.org
Website: https://vandusengarden.org/about-vancouver-botanical-gardens-association/
Details:

• Background/police check required
• Appropriate for volunteers aged between 18 and 55
• Appropriate for volunteers aged 55 and over
• Training or orientation required

Opportunity Description:

 

 

 

 

Field Trip Guides 

Volunteer Position Description 

 

Organizational Profile: 

Vancouver Botanical Gardens Association, a registered charitable organization, delivers educational programs and Garden projects at VanDusen Botanical Garden, a 55-acre botanical garden and Bloedel Conservatory, a domed, lush tropical rainforest paradise in the heart of Vancouver. As Vancouver’s ‘green heart,’ we help to protect the globe’s biodiversity while acting as an oasis of calm in a busy city, providing a place for people to connect with nature and find peace in a world of plants and beauty.  

 

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 
• Previous experience working with children ages 5-12 is desirable, but can be trained if one likes the company of groups of children 
• Confident and reliable communicator 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 as conducted by the VBGA and independently 

• 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 2023, role-specific training will take place on Wednesday, September 13 from 1 pm to 4 pm at VanDusen Botanical Garden.  
• 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 (Online) and Indigenous Knowledge 101 (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 (school) year commitment  

 

Location: 

5251 Oak St., Vancouver V6M 4H1 – VanDusen Botanical Garden Visitor Centre 

 

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. 

  

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, please visit Vancouver Botanical Garden Association volunteer portal.  

 

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.