We’re sure 2013 will be as exciting and busy for volunteers as ever. Volunteer Coordinator Amanda Russell is working hard to fill several key programs that Gardens guests love and depend on: She needs Docents for the many guided tours offered throughout the busy season, and she desperately needs Courtesy Shuttle Drivers. In addition, for the new Driving Ambassador Program, she is recruiting volunteers who would enjoy talking with people during the cart drive from the parking lots to the Visitor Center. See below for the job descriptions for these enjoyable and rewarding volunteer opportunities.

To inquire about volunteering, contact Amanda at arussell@mainegardens.org or 207-633-4333, ext. 107. And remember, if the three opportunities described below are not your cup of tea, she has a 22-page list of other volunteering opportunities!

To learn more about what volunteers at the Gardens do, see the latest copy of our annual Volunteer Newsletter.

Gardens Docent Program

Job Description: Gardens Docents are comprehensively trained by the Director of Education and other Gardens staff in a series of classes that prepare them for providing guided tours throughout the Gardens’ landscape. Practice time is provided. All veteran docents are expected to complete refresher training in 2013.

Minimum Commitment: Complete the full docent training/re-training program and provide 10 tours in 2013. This year, being a Visitor Center Ambassador, Accessible Cart Tour Driver, or a Children’s Garden Stewart also fulfills the Minimum Commitment requirements after training is completed.

New Docent Training: Mon.-Wed., June 10, 11 & 12, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. each day
Veteran Docent Training: Thursday, June 13, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Volunteer Courtesy Shuttle Drivers – starts May 1

Job Description: Volunteer Courtesy Shuttle Drivers have a set itinerary driving visitors in our courtesy shuttle throughout selected areas of the Gardens and the parking lots. Drivers love this job! And why not? They meet and greet visitors, taking them on a leisurely ride amidst some very beautiful parts of the Gardens.  Extensive practice time is available, and training is comprehensive. In addition to the new-volunteer orientation, all shuttle drivers need to complete training, which can be done on the orientation days (see below for dates) or individually.

The shuttle service operates seven days a week. Shifts are as follows: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 2-5 p.m. There are two drivers in two separate carts on each shift.

All NEW volunteers must complete one Visitor Services Orientation session: 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, April 14, OR Sunday, May 19, OR Sunday, June 23.

NEW in 2013! Driving Ambassadors – starts June 1

Job Description: Driving Ambassadors have a set itinerary driving visitors in our NEW courtesy shuttle to and from the parking lots to the Visitor Center. With our increase in visitorship, more and more guests are parking near and in the “Dogwalk” parking lot, which is quite a trek for many. A Driving Ambassador roams the lots and at every opportunity talks about the Gardens, orienting, informing, and spreading enthusiasm. You will love this job! And why not? In addition to the Visitor Services Orientation for new volunteers, all Driving Ambassadors need to complete training on how to drive the NEW shuttle cart, which can be done on the Orientation days (see below for dates) or individually.

This service operates seven days a week. Shifts are from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 2-5 p.m

All NEW volunteers must complete one Visitor Services Orientation session: 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, April 14, OR Sunday, May 19, OR Sunday, June 23.