Visitor Services – Gardens & Grounds Assistant

Service Description

The primary role of this position is commitment to successful daily operation of The Nature Place (TNP) with a large emphasis on caring for the gardens and grounds and engaging the community in land stewardship. Gain hands-on knowledge and experience working with plants and insects native to this area. Assist in developing and increasing our reach in terms of community engagement and provide a long-lasting sense of appreciation and stewardship for the land.

Time Requirements:
Typical schedule will include Monday – Friday daytime-evening hours and rotational weekend hours. Hours will vary but generally will not exceed 80 hours per two-week period.

• Summer Positions: Approximately, 35 hours per week average.
• 1 Year Positions: Approximately, 30 hours per week average September-January; 40 hours per week average February-August.
• 9 Month Positions: Approximately, 35 hours per week average.

AmeriCorps: This is an AmeriCorps Position (What is AmeriCorps?).

AmeriCorps Provides Additional Benefits:

• AmeriCorps Education Award. You can use the award to repay qualified student loans and to pay for current educational expenses at eligible institutions of higher education and training programs.
• Professional networking opportunities, mentorship, and experience to help grow your career
• Make a difference in the community
• Be a part of a dedicated service team
• Opportunity for loan forbearance on qualified student loans
• Free access to Employee Assistance Program includes phone/text/video call counselor service and other resources
• Health insurance option (1 year/1700 hr positions only, who are not already covered)
• You may be eligible for AmeriCorps child care public assistance
• Access to on-site food pantry and laundry facilities

Site Overview

The Nature Place (TNP) is a nature-focused community center open to the public, located in beautiful Myrick Park in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Our mission is to inspire and cultivate meaningful connections between people and nature, for the benefit of both. We offer nature education programs and community events for all ages and our unique space is available to visit during open hours or to rent for special events and meetings. The Nature Place is your space, year-round, rain or shine.

Responsibilities 

• On-site Visitor Experience
  • Welcome visitors. Engage them to meet their needs, interests or curiosity about TNP and advance our Mission
  • Promote program participation, visitor services, and volunteerism to visitors. Connect visitors to other staff members when appropriate
  • Assist with visitor experience projects related to signage, layouts, exhibits, and displays
  • Purchase supplies and equipment / follow general budgetary procedures
  • Assist the Visitor Services team with proper critter care and handling of live education animals and facilitate public interaction/education
  • Assist the Visitor Services team with opening/closing TNP on a scheduled basis
  • Collaborate with fellow AmeriCorps members from other teams to implement TNP’s mission through a variety of programs
  • Ensure TNP policies and safety procedures are followed
• Gardens & Grounds
  • Assist with the maintenance and care of the gardens and grounds, including 5 acres of park space, 7 native gardens, and demonstration produce garden
  • Train under the mentorship of the Master Gardeners & Master Naturalist to support their work in the 7 native gardens (in addition to the direct supervisor for this position)
  • Work independently to complete daily tasks, which include: transplanting, weeding, trimming tall plants, watering, etc.
  • Assist in developing/implementing seasonal plan

• Capstone Project
  • 1700 & 1200 hour AmeriCorps Members will have the opportunity to develop a significant program series or select a project that will leave a lasting contribution within their program area, the department, or the organization (does not apply to 450 hour positions).