Visitor Services Volunteers

Working closely with our Visitor Services and Membership teams, our Visitor Services Volunteers regularly interact with Garden guests to provide them with helpful information, directions, details about Garden memberships, and other resources to ensure an enjoyable visit.

Gift Shop

Functions:
Interact with guests who visit the shop by processing retail transactions and maintaining an orderly and clean appearance throughout the Gift Shop. Assist, as directed by SDBG staff, with stocking, displaying and tagging of merchandise. Greet and respond to visitor questions or feedback. 

Knowledge or Training Required:
Operate Point of Sale systems and manage financial transactions. Gift Shop training will be provided and required. 

Competencies:
Enjoy interacting with the public and providing exceptional customer service to our visitors; ability to positively interact and constructively work with diverse volunteers, staff members and visitors.

Exhibitions and Events

Functions:
May choose from a variety of positions, as designated by SDBG Staff, during our events and exhibitions. Each position will be defined by the unique needs of the event, however generally this position would provide information and directions within designated roles, and interact with visitors in a pleasant demeanor to enhance the event atmosphere. Provide visitor feedback to Garden Staff to continually improve the experience. 

Knowledge or Training Required:
Training required in advance for each exhibition.

Competencies:
Enjoy interacting with the public and providing exceptional customer service to our visitors; ability to work in a fast-paced environment; ability to direct large groups as needed.

Membership

Functions:
Provide support to the SDBG Admissions team by processing new and renewal memberships for our visitors. Answer questions regarding pricing, benefits and offerings, and program offerings. Assist guests with the completion of the membership application, processing of payment and provide information about membership benefits.

Knowledge or Training Required:
Knowledgeable about membership levels, benefits, program offerings, and applicable software. Membership training will be provided and required. 

Competencies:
Enjoy interacting with the public and providing exceptional customer service to our visitors; ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Shuttle Drivers

Functions:
Responsible for shuttling guests safely in 6- and 8-passenger shuttles around a pre-designated route throughout the Garden. Able to assist guests on and off shuttle as needed. 

Knowledge or Training Required:
Must pass a shuttle training provided by SDBG trainer; valid driver’s license; general knowledge of the operation of different shuttles.  

Competencies:
Comfortable driving, giving directions, and suggesting areas to visit; ability to lift 15 pounds; able to use a radio and have one on at all times while driving the shuttle; Enjoy interacting with the public and providing exceptional customer service to our visitors.

Tour Guides (Adult Tours)

Functions:
Lead group tours throughout the property and share information about the plants, history, and cultural significance of the Garden.

Knowledge or Training Required
Docent training course completion required, along with the completion of a minimum of three Garden Ambassador assignments. Must shadow a minimum of three live tours by different SDBG Tour Guides and work with an experienced Tour Guide who will serve as a mentor/coach. 

Competencies
Comfortable speaking in large groups and navigating groups through pathways.