Green Thumb Volunteer - James J. Hill House

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Green Thumb Volunteer

Start Date: ASAP

Dig into history! Become a Green Thumb Volunteer at the James J Hill House (JJH) and Alexander Ramsey House (ARH). By helping to care for these Gilded Age gardens, you become a part of the story. Volunteers plant and maintain the gardens at both of these National Historic Landmarks.

Service Summary:

Green Thumb Volunteers provide consistent maintenance of the grounds. They care for flower pots and flower beds, and help with weeding, trimming, raking, soil amending, and pruning. Lawn care is not included in this opportunity.

No previous experience or equipment is required, but prior gardening experience would be helpful.

Time Commitment:

Green Thumb Volunteers are needed for the entire growing season (March - November). Each shift is typically 2-4 hours long on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Wednesdays from March - November (when both sites are closed to visitors).

If you can commit to this timeframe, please apply!

Green Thumb Volunteers Should Be:

• Friendly and courteous
• Willing to follow staff directions for each shift
• Punctual and dependable - able to commit to an agreed upon schedule
• Willing to learn how to use hand tools like shovels and rakes for medium physical activity
• Willing to get dirty, wet, hot, and encounter wildlife (like insects)
• Comfortable being outside for 2-4 hours at a time
• Detail oriented, observant, and safety minded
• Able to achieve acceptable results on reference checks and a criminal background check
• Willing to learn how to register for and sign in/out of volunteer shifts on a computerized system
• Independent, but also willing to serve with a team of volunteers and staff

Accessibility Information:
If you need accommodation to participate, reach out - let’s chat.

Training:

If selected, a two-hour in-person training session will be provided which will include:

Basic knowledge of ARH and JJH operations (hours, facilities, emergency and evacuation procedures, etc.)

Garden-specific training and orientation

COVID safety procedures

Volunteer Perks:

We love our volunteers! Active MNHS volunteers receive rewards and other perks. Special events, educational opportunities, and discounts are just some of the ways we recognize our volunteers.

Green Thumb Volunteers at the James J. Hill House and Alexander Ramsey House will explore Minnesota history, the Minnesota Historical Society, and two of the most well-preserved homes of the Victorian Era.

This opportunity will help present and future generations experience the sights, smells, and sounds of these special places. You might even be able to bring something you learned back to your garden at home! Free parking is available for volunteers during their time of service.

Perks for all active volunteers can be viewed on the bottom of the MNHS Volunteer News webpage.

Location:

James J Hill House
240 Summit Ave
St. Paul, MN 55102

and

Alexander Ramsey House
265 Exchange St. S.
St. Paul, MN 55102