Information Centre Volunteer - Friends of the Dunedin Botanic Gardens

Information Centre Volunteer - Friends of the Dunedin Botanic Gardens

$0.00

Organisation

Friends of the Dunedin Botanic Gardens

Purpose

Friends of the Dunedin Botanic Garden are a group of Ōtepoti locals passionate about the development and maintenance of the Dunedin Botanic Garden. Formed in 1986, they are a not-for-profit membership-based organisation who have championed many exciting projects for the Gardens, as well as havings new projects in the pipeline including a Children’s Garden, a Demonstration Garden, and the redevelopment of the Information Centre.

Description

The Friends of the Dunedin Botanic Garden mission is to foster interest in and promote development of the Botanic Garden. They operate the Information Centre in the Lower Garden which is run entirely by volunteers. The centre is open 7 days a week 363 days of the year.

The Information Centre provides maps of the Dunedin Botanic Garden and the welcoming volunteers are available to help the public get the most out of their visit. They also provide food to feed the friendly ducks, a range of brochures about specific collections in the garden, and sell botanically themed and locally made gifts as well as indoor and outdoor plants. The proceeds from all sales go towards projects for the Dunedin Botanic Garden such as the new playground development.

As a volunteer you will:

Greet visitors to the Information Centre
Assist visitors with information
Process retail purchases, handling money and using the cash register
Make up bags of duck food to give out to visitors
Assist with keeping the information centre tidy and restocking supplies

Full training is given on the cash register and all other tasks.

Benefits of volunteering for Friends of the Botanic Garden:

Knowing that you are helping visitors to make the most of their visit to the Botanic Garden
Meeting and enjoying chats with people from all over New Zealand and the world
Enjoying sharing your local and Botanic Garden knowledge with others
An opportunity to develop your customer service skills
Enjoying the lovely environment
Knowing you are contributing to the Friends of the Botanic Garden mission of raising money to support development projects at the Botanic Garden.

Requirements

Over 18 years of age
Friendly and welcoming nature
Good people and communication skills are essential, including good English speaking skills
Able to relate to all ages
Competent with cash handling
Good initiative and work ethic
Reasonably fit
Confidence working alone if necessary (only after training and mentoring from an experienced volunteer).

Even though this is a volunteer role all volunteers at the Dunedin Botanic Garden are obliged to sign an Engagement Agreement and sign-off from the Dunedin City Council.

Time commitment

The day is broken into two rosters of 3 hours each - 10.00am to 1.00pm and 1.00pm to 4.00pm.
The centre is open 7 days a week 363 days of the year.
Volunteers can work when it suits them but a commitment of at least two shifts per month is preferred.
Flexibility for both parties is encouraged.
More volunteers and greater commitment are required during the cruise ship season (October to March).