Ordway Gardens Interpreter

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COMO PARK ZOO & CONSERVATORY VOLUNTEER POSITION DESCRIPTION Ordway Gardens Interpreter PURPOSE: To welcome and provide visitors with information about the Ordway Gardens including the Charlotte Partridge Ordway Japanese Garden and the bonsai display area. DUTIES: Volunteers will: Greet visitors in a warm, welcoming manner Share knowledge of Japanese gardens using effective interpretive techniques Share understanding of bonsai and be familiar with Como’s bonsai collection Encourage visitors of all ages to learn about the key elements of Japanese gardens Provide visitors with general information about Como Zoo and the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory Be alert for the safety of visitors as they move throughout the Ordway Gardens RESPONSIBILITIES: Volunteers will: Complete two required training sessions Work cohesively with a team of Interpreters to rotate through assigned areas during each shift Practice good interpretive techniques and present accurate information Follow established protocol and procedures as specified in the Como Volunteer Handbook Work regularly scheduled shifts or give advanced notification of absence Take one regular weekly 3-hour shift*, or at least every other week, April through October, with opportunities to continue beyond October Actively seek to increase knowledge about Japanese gardens and the art of bonsai Provide basic visitor information regarding other park attractions * shift times for this position: 10-1, 12:45-3:30 or 3:15-6:00pm QUALIFICATIONS: Volunteers must: Have the physical ability to move throughout the Ordway Gardens Complete a required training series (two sessions) and be open to other training sessions on the topics Be able to stand for extended periods of time Be at least 17 years old to volunteer Enjoy contact with people of all ages Be committed to continuous learning about Japanese gardens and the art of bonsai Submit and successfully complete a criminal background check BENEFITS: Volunteers will: Gain valuable experience interacting and sharing knowledge with visitors Receive a 10% discount at Como Gift Shops while actively volunteering Receive regular publications with news aboutComo Apply to volunteer online at www.comozooconsevatory.org/volunteer Contact Como Park Zoo and Conservatory Volunteer Services: 651-487-8252 comovolunteers@ci.stpaul.mn.us