LOCATION: San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, off Highway 1 in El Chorro Regional Park, between San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay.
NEED: Volunteers to conduct garden tours for adults, families, and college students.
JOB DESCRIPTION: General Docents lead tours of the Garden to various groups and on various occasions.
Their task include teaching and describing:
- the history of the development of the garden and its future mission
- its devotion to plants from the five Mediterranean climate zones
- the role of these plants in water conservation in the landscape
- the various adaptations to dry summers that have occurred
- the uses of these plants by people throughout history
- the interaction between plants and animals who use them
- and the public’s role in making this garden a reality.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Conduct Garden tours of interest to the public
- Be available periodically to be stationed in the Garden to answer questions
- Keep informed about Garden plans and accomplishments
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:
- Must display a sincere interest in communicating with people
- Able to attend and assist at Garden functions
- Attend occasional in-service meetings for information and updates
- Be willing and available to conduct two tours per month
- Monitor and respond promptly to email tour requests
- Keep records on tour dates and attendance
TRAINING: General Docents must complete a full training prior to conducting tours. Training sessions are held when needed as new volunteers are recruited.
Docents are taught tour-conducting skills as well as the knowledge necessary to provide the information in the Job Description in an interesting way.
Shadow touring is expected of all new docents to build confidence and skill.
For those with teaching experience or other experience communicating with the public, an individualized training program is available.
