05 June 2015

Volunteer Task Outline

Title: Voluntary Guides

Branch/Division: Melbourne Gardens, Public Programs

Contact: Co-ordinator Volunteers

Site: Melbourne

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria – Vision & Mission

Our vision is a flourishing community and healthy planet, sustained and enriched by plants. Our mission is to use our two remarkable gardens, our innovative science, and our skills at sharing knowledge to help the community understand and value plants.

Context

The Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria (RBGV) at Melbourne Gardens was founded in 1846 and comprises 38 hectares of garden beds, tranquil lakes and sweeping lawns. It is home to more than 50,000 individual plants, representing over 10,000 species from around the world. A centre for horticultural excellence and scientific research into plant systematics, taxonomy and biodiversity.

Established in 1970, the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria at Cranbourne Gardens is dedicated to the conservation, display and enjoyment of Australian flora. Within an hour's drive of Melbourne and covering 363 hectares, the Cranbourne Gardens are a natural haven in a rapidly developing urban area. Two thirds of the site is remnant vegetation of state and regional significance, and is home to a number of endangered, vulnerable and ‘at risk’ species of fauna and flora.

Both the Melbourne and Cranbourne sites are managed by the Royal Botanic Gardens Board, under the Royal Botanic Gardens Act 1991.

Today the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria also includes the National Herbarium of Victoria (NHV) and the Australian Research Centre for Urban Ecology (ARCUE), based at The University of Melbourne.

Public Programs Branch

Public Programs Branch offers a positive, memorable and informative experience for our visitors:

Visitor programs, tours, events and workshops Informing the general public on everything from water conservation and what plants to

plant in their home gardens to appreciating art and sculpture Advancing the communities understanding of plants in sustaining life on earth Education programs for early childhood through to tertiary students Provision of customer service at the Visitor Centre and in the gardens Interpretation of the RBGV living collections through engaging the public

05 June 2015Volunteer Task Outline – Childrens Garden VolunteersRoyal Botanic Gardens Victoria rbg.vic.gov.au 1

Public Programs Volunteer programs

The Voluntary Guides program was established in 1981 and has been succesfully running for over 30 years. Over 45 Voluntary Guides conduct daily Garden Discovery Tours, lead special themed interest walks, present off-site talks to organisations such as garden groups and aged care facilities. Voluntary Guides help to provide visitors with valuable insights into the plant collections, history, landscaping, conservation, projects and goal of the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria.

The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden Volunteer program commenced in 2004. The program currently has approximately 20 volunteers who engage with visitors in the Children’s Garden, perform hands on gardening tasks and assist with delivery of education and public programs. This volunteer program has been very successful in enhancing children’s exploration of nature.

The Garden Ambassador program commenced in 2010 with currently 20 volunteers operating from the Garden Ambassador mobile Information Pod. The Garden Ambassadors engage with visitors providing general information, insights into the plant collections, history, landscaping, conservation, projects and goal of the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria.

Aim of Voluntary Guides

To enhance the visitor experience and to support the mission of the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria through well informed and engaging walks and talks.

Main Duties

Leading general tours through the Melbourne Gardens i.e. Gardens Discovery Tours. Talks to external groups and booked groups. To engage with visitors and to inspire an interest in the importance of plants and the

role of the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. To assist with the interpretation of Melbourne Gardens’ living collections. Researching Melbourne Gardens’ plant collections and building a knowledge base. Ongoing training for the delivery of specialist walks.

Requirements

Successfully gain a Working with Children Check prior to commencement of duties. Be physically fit, able to walk up to 2 hour duration, moderate pace. Work out doors in a wide variety of weather conditions. Wear a uniform and identification when on duty. Be reviewed periodically. Complete compulsory online training annually. Have a personal email address and a basic level of computer skills to enable regular

electronic communications and correspondence. A small annual subscription is required (currently $15.00).

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

A keen interest in and enthusiasm for botanic gardens and plants. Familiarity with basic botany. Excellent verbal communication skills. Interest and skills in tour leading. Flexibility and well developed communication skills in engaging with different size

groups and visitors from all over the world.

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Ability to inspire visitors’ interest in the importance of plants through knowledgeable story telling.

Reliability, punctuality and commitment. Willingness to keep updating knowledge about the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria.

Commitment

After successfully completing the 12 week training program (one full day per week), the minimum commitment is:

Take a minimum of ten rostered Gardens Discovery Tours (GDT) a year, this includes up to four weekend Gardens Discovery Tours per year

Take at least four Booked Walks per year. Guides active in the Talks program to take at least two Booked Walks a year

Train for and participate in Special Interest Walks Be reliable and on time for all walks and other organised activities Attend at least 9 out of 11 monthly Meetings, currently the second Monday of the month

(10am – 1:00pm) Serve a term on the Public Programs Committee or take on other areas of responsibility

Volunteers will be asked to commit to the program for a minimum two-year period.

Key Communications

Garden Visitors – regular informal interactions to provide information related to site orientation, garden highlights and promotion of relevant events and programs. Presentation of short, informal activities or demonstrations designed to engage visitors.

Public Program participants – assisting with delivery of structured activities and programs, particularly for education groups.

RBGV staff – regular liaison regarding feedback from visitors, developments in the gardens and upcoming programs

Co-ordinator Volunteers – regular contact via telephone, email or in person regarding availability, rosters, special events, training opportunities and information relating to the gardens.

Recognition & Rewards

The Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria acknowledges the importance of the relationship with its volunteers and commits to reciprocal rights, responsibilities and recognition. The Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria is committed to excellence in management of its volunteers and is committed to acknowledging, celebrating and recording all voluntary contributions. The RBG Volunteer Policy and Handbook provides more in-depth information on recognition, rewards and objectives of the Gardens’ volunteer programs.

For further information please contact the Jane Griffin Co-ordinator of Volunteers, Jane.Griffin@rbg.vic.gov.au or 9252 2331 (Monday – Thursday).

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