Organization

Reporting to

Overall: Director, Manager and Coordinator of Volunteer & Support Services

Day to Day: Facilities Maintenance

Purpose

The purpose of the Garden Volunteer is to maintain the garden and play areas of Canuck Place Children’s Hospice (CPCH), to provide a restful and serene environment for children, families, staff, volunteers and visitors.

Time Commitment

One approx. five hour shift on a weekly or biweekly basis for a minimum of a one year commitment.

Typically shifts are Saturdays 10am – 3pm at Glen Brae House (Vancouver).

Training & Support

  • General orientation to CPCH and the Volunteer Program
  • Garden Volunteer Orientation with Facilities Staff
  • Within the first month after training a member of the Volunteer Leadership Team is assigned to follow up/check in with the Garden Volunteer to ascertain if they have any questions or concerns with their role
  • Engagement Survey are performed annually and the feedback is distributed during our year-end review

General Responsibilities

  • Attend CPCH related special events, as requested, and as time permits
  • Maintain reliable schedule (weekly, bi-weekly or as the season requires)
  • Remain within the boundaries of the role and volunteer program
  • Contribute to the CPCH culture by understanding and supporting our Mission and Vision and actively demonstrating our Values
  • Contribute to a culture of safety by attending CPCH hosted or sponsored workshops, trainings and adhering to policies

Specific Accountabilities

  • Takes direction from Facilities Maintenance Staff and offers creative input where possible
  • Works as part of a team and shares the workload, with other Garden Volunteers
  • Provides manual labour in the development and maintenance of the grounds, in accordance to directions from Facilities Maintenance Staff:
    • Planting shrubs, plants and bulbs
    • Weeding, cultivating, loosening and smoothing soil in flowerbeds
    • Raking all areas including under the trees and shrubs
    • Edging around beds and lawns
    • Deadheading plants
    • Lawn cutting, trimming, thatching, aerating, fertilizing, etc.
    • Pruning to maintain the health and appearance of shrubs and trees
    • Reorganization of flowering plants
    • Renovating flowerbeds where needed, by adding soil, mulched leaves and, or composted material
    • Mulching leaves
    • Maintaining and storing clean machinery and garden tools
    • Assisting to maintain the greenhouse in a clean and tidy way, so that plants remain in hygienic condition
    • Sweeping and or vacuuming play areas, parking lot and sidewalks
    • Cleaning and filling bird feeders and birdbaths
    • Setting out and clean wasp traps
    • Helping with snow removal
    • Helping with special events, family day, Halloween and Xmas decorations etc.
    • General clean-up of grounds

General Skills & Attributes

  • Enjoys working in the garden, regardless of the season or weather
  • Has previous experience as a gardener either in a commercial or residential setting
  • In good mental and physical health
  • Demonstrates empathy and excellent communication skills
  • Open-minded and non-judgmental
  • Able to volunteer in a dynamic & changing environment

Mandatory Requirements

  • Basic knowledge of gardening is required
  • Able to provide proof of receiving both doses of Covid-19 vaccine and other immunization records, as required
  • Wear required PPE at all times (e.g. medical masks)
  • Wear CPCH identification nametag during shifts and related special events
  • Record volunteer either through Better Impact touchscreen in the VSS office, or advise Volunteer & Support Services staff via email for offsite shifts
  • Shall keep confidential all information regarding a child or family at CPCH
  • Shall not perform professional services for which specific education, certification or licensing is required (e.g. medical care, professional advice, and counseling)
  • Volunteers must not provide personal contact information to the children and families or engage in social media exchanges
  • Volunteers are not permitted to speak on behalf of CPCH to the media or other public agencies unless they have been authorized to do so by the Director, Volunteer & Support Services, or the CEO

Benefits

  • Personal growth and fulfillment
  • Education mingles; continuing education sessions
  • Lunch is provided whilst on shift
  • Complimentary tea, coffee, cookies and snacks are offered whilst on shift
  • Annual Volunteer Appreciation Event; prizes & recognition gifts

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