FRIENDS OF BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS*
Plant Adventures Program Specialist
FUNCTION
Under the supervision of the Volunteer Coordinator (VC), the Plant Adventures Program Specialist
(PAPS) provides primary delivery of broadly inclusive educational programs, both on- and off-site, for
Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens (The Friends). This is a full-time, salaried position, with a
minimum of 40 hours per week expected, including weekends during high visitation periods.
This position involves a high degree of both autonomous and interpersonal work, requiring creativity,
organization, self-motivation and often-daily communications with other FOBBG staff and multiple outside
contacts to assist in the coordination, planning and delivery of Plant Adventures (PA) programs.
At times, the PAC may delegate certain tasks to volunteer and/or paid co-workers, but she/he will
maintain responsibility for the effective completion of those delegated tasks.
All Friends employees may be called upon to perform other duties not specifically described herein.
CORE PERFORMANCE ELEMENTS
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Alone and with the education staff, creates original, inclusive mission-based programs broadly using the
physical resources of Birmingham Botanical Gardens (BBG), and the Arrington Plant Adventure Zone
(PAZ). Such programs may run the gamut from passive tours and outreach presentations, to hands-on
and more active and physically engaging programs and projects. Program emphasis will be on providing a
welcoming educational experience to all Gardens’ visitors including traditionally underserved populations.
Prepares materials for and delivers such programs, and assists with the delivery of other weekday and
weekend educational programs, primarily at BBG but occasionally off-site, as directed.
Assists VC in the recruitment, orientation, training and supervision of diverse groups of volunteers in
various capacities.
Works with social, civic and local organizations to develop and cultivate partnerships, where appropriate,
to enhance programmatic offerings and develop volunteers.
Researches programs from multiple sources and adapts them for implementation, primarily at BBG, but
occasionally at off-site locations.
Supports the implementation of PA programs for children and adults by scheduling, and with the
organization of needed volunteers, supplies and materials.
Provides the primary communication link to PA participants, including caregivers, attendants and
program volunteers, by using traditional and electronic mail, facsimile, and telephone technologies.
Delivers a variety of PA programs to participants of various ages, abilities and backgrounds.
Prepares original and professional articles for The Friends’ bi-monthly newsletter, web site and general
media release on an as-needed basis.
Assists with preparing educational department publications.
Assists with marketing of PA programs to expand or fine-tune the PA participant base, and to promote
and raise the awareness of The Friends’ PA programs.
Tracks program participation through organized and detailed record-keeping.
Prepares professional correspondence and reports as required, including monthly participation data.
Assists in the yearly preparation of the PA portion of the Education budget.
Assists with coordinating invoicing (if needed), and tracking of revenue (if any) and costs of PA
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programs.
Orders, organizes and maintains PA program supplies and materials.
Assists in the regular horticultural maintenance and general upkeep of PAZ through direct PA program
activities and with assistance from PA and other volunteers and Botanical Gardens’ staff.
Attends and participates in staff, Education Committee and board meetings as instructed.
Professionally represents The Friends at meetings, functions and events as required.
WORKS CLOSELY WITH FRIENDS BOARD & STAFF AS FOLLOWS
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Communicates with the VC regularly and frequently regarding all aspects of work.
Communicates with other staff, through calendars and other means, regarding scheduling of PA programs
and activities.
Communicates regularly with other education staff regarding the use of classroom space.
Interfaces as directed with the Director of Development and the Donor Relations Officer regarding grant
proposals and submissions.
Works with all other Friends and Botanical Gardens staff, volunteers, and Board and committee members
to enhance the efficient and professional operation of Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
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Bachelor’s degree in a life science, education, horticulture or human services field, or equivalent
experience as determined by The Friends Board, required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Practical knowledge of basic horticulture and gardening tools, techniques and practices, required.
Ability to perform light to moderate gardening activity, including the ability to pick and carry loads of less
than fifty pounds.
Two years of experience in education or human services program delivery, or equivalent experience as
determined by The Friends Board, required.
One year of experience in volunteer recruitment and coordination (including scheduling and directing), or
equivalent experience as determined by The Friends Board, required.
Proficiency with MS Excel, MS Word and electronic mail computer software required.
Excellent written and oral communication skills required. A writing sample must be submitted with
resume.
Excellent organizational and time management skills required.
Valid driver’s license and the ability to safely operate a golf cart.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and as a team member.
Ability to work weekends and evenings, both on- and off-site, on a seasonal basis and when program,
event and activity schedules dictate.
* Birmingham Botanical Society, Inc., dba Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens
REV. 5.2014