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Heritage Garden Volunteer

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Assist the Head Gardener, staff and other volunteers with the preparation, maintenance and care of the museum’s heritage flower and vegetable gardens.

Position Responsibilities:

  • To assist the Head Gardener, staff and other volunteers with the preparation, maintenance and care of the museum’s heritage flower and vegetable gardens.
  • Prepare the gardens for the season during April and May.
  • Plant seeds and seedlings during March, April and May.
  • Maintain, water and weed gardens during June, July, and August.
  • Harvest produce and collect seeds during August and September.
  • Clean up and prepare gardens for the following season in October.
  • Practice garden techniques from the 1850’s.
  • Work as a team member with staff and volunteers.

Position Boundaries:

  • Volunteers must accept direction from the Cultural Manager and/or Head Gardener.
  • Volunteers are not permitted to bring any plants or seeds from outside sources into the museum’s gardens unless approved by the Cultural Manager and/or Head Gardener.

Qualifications:

  • Previous garden experience is beneficial; however, all gardeners from novice to Master Gardeners are welcome.
  • Ability to lift, bend and carry out normal gardening activities.
  • Must be able to follow directions and guidelines.

Additional Info:

  • Volunteers are welcome to wear comfortable gardening clothing when the Backus-Page House Museum is not open to the public.
  • Volunteers have the option of wearing a reproduction costume or a museum shirt.
  • Reproduction costume and/or uniform polo shirt, hat, bug repellent and sunscreen to be provided by the volunteer.

Time Frame:

The position requires availability from April until October.

Training & Supervision:

  • Must be able to follow directions and guidelines.
  • Volunteers will be required to attend a general site orientation.
  • Monitoring of volunteer activities on a regular basis by the Cultural Manager and/or Head Gardener.

Staff Contact: Angela Bobier, Cultural Manager

Benefits:

  • Monitoring of volunteer activities on a regular basis by the Cultural Manager and/or Head Gardener.
  • Free admission to the Backus-Page House Museum.
  • Invitations to volunteer appreciation events.
  • Use of the museum’s library.

    Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Tyrconnell Heritage Society! The following questions will help us assess your suitability. Please answer all of the questions as completely as possible.

    How did you find out about volunteering at Backus-Page House Museum?

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    Experience and Skills

    Please tell us about the talents and abilities that you would bring to volunteering.

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    Availability

    Volunteer opportunities are subject to museum needs which vary from time to time. To assist us in determining how your schedule might fit with our needs, please check day &/or evenings below according to your usual availability (check all that apply)

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    How many hours would you like to work?

    Please fill in at least one of the fields.

    A commitment of one year is preferred.

    Why are you interested in volunteering with us at the Backus-Page House Museum.

    Please tell us in your own words what you hope to gain from the experience, and what you can contribute to our organization.

    References

    Please indicate two references (character or professional) whom we may contact with regards to your application.

    All personal information collected will be used for the sole purpose of volunteer management and event planning at Backus-Page House Museum.

    I hereby consent to the collection, use and dissemination of personal information for the purpose of volunteer management and event planning by staff of Backus-Page House Museum and board of the Tyrconnell Heritage Society.