The Garden Ambassadors co-coordinator will lead a team of students to engage with our visitors in a variety of ways including conducting surveys and interviews, have conversations with the Tompkins County Tourism Board, and participate in focus groups with local visitors and volunteer docents. The team will then recommend, develop, and implement visitor programs. These programs will be co-created by the team, Botanic Gardens staff, and other University and community stakeholders. Given that this is a pilot team, visitor engagement opportunities may include (but are not limited to): representing Cornell Botanic Gardens at Ithaca community events (Apple Harvest Festival, Ithacafest, etc.) and Cornell Campus events (ClubFest, Homecoming, Ag Day, etc.), developing and giving tours alongside our dedicated docents, creating interactive information stations, and planning and carrying out events for the Cornell and Ithaca community.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Collaborate with the fellow student co-coordinator, staff mentor, and Director of Education to shape the pilot Learning by Leading Garden Ambassador Team.
- Recruit, manage, coordinate, and motivate a team of 4-5 volunteer student Garden Ambassador interns.
- Collaborate with a fellow student co-coordinator and staff mentor to design, implement, and lead the Garden Ambassador internship.
- Plan, organize and implement educational and outreach programs and experiences for the general public and Cornell communities. This work may include timelines, grant proposals, documentation, and evaluation.
Qualifications
- Currently enrolled Cornell University undergraduate student; all majors are invited to apply
- Strong leadership and teamwork skills, ability to adapt in small, dynamic teams
- Good communication, writing, organizational, and public speaking skills
- Good interpersonal skills and ability to manage conflict
- Critical thinking, planning, and problem-solving skills
- Experience with or interest in engaging with diverse audiences of youth, student, and adult learners
- Experience with or interest in environmental communication and/or environmental teaching and engagement in an informal setting