Horticulture VOLUNTEER PROFILE
A person who has a love of Australian fauna and flora, works well in a team environment and likes to get their hands dirty.
This is a long term role with a minimum 6 month weekly commitment required. If you are able you may continue in the program after 6 months has been completed.
Level of Fitness: A high level of physical fitness is required for this role.
GARDENING GURU'S
WHAT TO EXPECT
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Horticulture Volunteers play a major role assisting our horticultural staff in the care of all the botanical displays throughout the Sanctuary. Volunteers also assist in helping to make our guests feel welcome. Horticulture volunteers work alongside our horticulture staff and assist with managing and improving the gardens throughout the Sanctuary as well as planting new gardens. The Gardening Guru Volunteers are a small team of gardening enthusiasts.
WHAT ARE THE TASKS
- Working outdoors onsite at The Sanctuary planting, mulching, watering, weeding, pruning, maintenance of potted plants, cleaning of signs and fertilizing
- Assisting guests and answering general enquires regarding the park and the animals
VOLUNTEER SHIFTS
Shifts available on a Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday
1 x 6 hour shift per week – minimum 6 month commitment
Shift Time Gardening Guru's - 7am to 1:30pm
WHAT SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS DO I NEED?
A high level of physical fitness is required to take part in this volunteer role, with the ability to be on your feet for up to 6 hours a day with extensive walking. The role involves working in an outdoor environment in all weathers.
- Capability to adapt to change and willingness to keep up to date with training.
- Ability to accurately follow instructions.
- Ability to work independently and harmoniously as part of a friendly team.
- Hard working and committed to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
To be eligible for the role you must be able to meet the following criteria:
- You must be aged over 18 years
- Offer a minimum 6 month commitment to the program, if you are able you may continue in the program after 6 months has been completed
- If you are applying for the Horticulture Volunteer role CWS prefers that you have previous experience working with Australian Native Plants and a keen desire to learn and perform all the duties involved
- Previous experience in bush regeneration would be highly regarded
- Be prepared to follow all directions from Sanctuary staff, work harmoniously within the team environment and follow all protocols required
- You must have access to email as this is how we communicate with you
- Be able to work in all weather conditions in an external bush environment, which may include exposure to animals, insects, dust and vegetation. These may cause health concerns for those who suffer allergies
- Be able to walk distances of up to 10km, perform bending, lifting weights up to 10 kg and other physical activities
- Be willing to wear the Volunteer uniform and comply with program standards
- Be punctual and reliable
- Availability during school holiday periods is required
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
- Become part of a friendly new community with over 125 Wildlife & Horticulture Volunteers! Enjoy new social and cultural experiences.
- Great opportunity to learn about a variety of plants and animals, large and small.
- Opportunity to gain new skills and knowledge and challenge yourself in a supportive environment.
- Act on your values, passions and interest.
The National Trust of Australia (Queensland) Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Wildlife Volunteer Program has a registration fee of $60 which provides the following benefits:
- Volunteer uniform which includes a polo shirt, cap and badge. You will need to provide your own work boots with ankle support and khaki shorts or trousers.
- Fortnightly online newsletter.
- NTAQ Team Member card with many benefits.
APPLICATION PROCESS
ONLINE APPLICATION
Please complete the online application form, see link below.
INTERVIEW AT NATIONAL TRUST CURRUMBIN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Successful applicants will be invited to attend an interview at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. At the interview you will assessed on your ability to fulfil the requirements of the role. We want to do our best to ensure you are happy in your role and enjoy your time with us.
TRIAL SHIFTS AT NATIONAL TRUST CURRUMBIN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
If you are successful, arrangements will be made for you to participate in up to 4 trial shifts so we can assess if you are a good match for the role and you can try out the role firsthand before committing to the program.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Placements within any Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary volunteer program are limited and no guarantee of acceptance will be given. Thank you for understanding that in order to protect both our animals and sanctuary operations, only people who meet the selection criteria and program requirements can be accepted into the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary volunteer programs.
Please note that we open and close access to this program throughout the year, as positions fill and then become vacant. If the program is currently closed, please check back again as it will soon re-open.
*Please note that our volunteer programs are not currently open to international visitors.
