Visitor Services - Gardens & Grounds Position Description
Quick Facts
Position Dates
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October - August (10 months)
Position Type
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Full-time, temporary
Compensation
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$500/week living stipend
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AmeriCorps Education Award that may be used towards tuition or qualified student loans
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Opportunity for student loan forbearance
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Professional development
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Make a difference in the community
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Be a part of a dedicated service team
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Optional health insurance
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Optional child care
Monarch butterfly rests on a New England Aster flower.
Being silly with some Love Lies Bleeding
Monarch butterfly rests on a New England Aster flower.
Overview
The primary role of this position is commitment to successful daily operation of the Myrick Park Center (MPC) with a large emphasis on caring for the gardens and grounds and engaging the community in land stewardship. Gain hands-on knowledge and experience working with plants and insects native to this area. Assist in developing and increasing our reach in terms of community engagement and provide a long-lasting sense of appreciation and stewardship for the land.
Responsibilities
On-site Visitor Experience
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Welcome visitors. Engage them to meet their needs, interests or curiosity about the Center and advance the Center’s Mission
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Promote program participation, visitor services, and volunteerism to visitors. Connect visitors to other staff members when appropriate
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Assist with visitor experience projects related to signage, layouts, exhibits, and displays
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Purchase supplies and equipment / follow general budgetary procedures
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Ensure Myrick Park Center policies and safety procedures are followed
Gardens & Grounds
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Oversee the maintenance and care of the gardens and grounds, including 5 acres of park space, 9 native gardens, and demonstration produce garden
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Train under the mentorship of the Master Gardeners & Master Naturalist to support their work in the 9 native gardens (in addition to the direct supervisor for this position)
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Work independently to complete daily tasks, which include: transplanting, weeding, trimming tall plants, watering, etc.
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Design displays for the native gardens kiosk
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Assist in developing/implementing seasonal plans
Volunteer Program:
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Develop volunteer opportunities and facilitate existing opportunities in the gardens
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Research current trends in best practices and the benefits of connecting youth, families, and adults to nature and to their community
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Coordinate and train nonpaid, non-AmeriCorps volunteers
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Make sure appropriate records of volunteer hours are kept
Marketing:
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Assist in designing and creating publicity for the Myrick gardens and land stewardship volunteer opportunities
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Assist in distribution of publicity for upcoming events, programs, and volunteer opportunities
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Assist with website and social media to promote programs and events
Capstone Project:
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Members develop or select a project beyond the normal scope of their responsibilities to enhance their service experience and to leave a lasting contribution within their program area, the department, or the organization.
Qualifications
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Willingness to learn various conservation practices or land management techniques
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Experience or interest in working with the public and/or volunteers
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Excellent customer service and professional demeanor
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Passionate about environmental causes and being a part of the community surrounding environmental service
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Ability to lift and carry up to 20 lbs
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Ability to use garden tools (ie. Wheelbarrow, shovel, trowel, pruning shears, etc.)
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Ability to work primarily on your feet/standing/crouching
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Willing to learn and implement strategies for diversity, equity and inclusion
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At least 18 years of age
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Dependable; able to fulfill commitment to term of service
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Prepared to undergo a criminal background check
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Believes in the WisCorps mission and is willing to implement WisCorps policies and procedures