Job Description

Department VPFO UofA Botanic Garden
Hourly rate $18.12 per hr
Hours per week up to 35
Grade 2
Posted date February 12, 2025
Closing date March 12, 2025
Position Type Operating Funded
Description
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•T his competition will be used to fill multiple positions. •


Please note that these positions are UP TO 35 hours with none guaranteed.


The position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).


The position has a term length that MAY BE UP TO 12 months.

Location - This role is in person at the University of Alberta Botanic Garden.

Working at the University of Alberta

•The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Metis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.•


The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.


Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people -- from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the University of Alberta Botanic Garden (UABG)


With passionate, purposive, and resourceful as its foundational values, the University of Alberta Botanic Garden (UABG) is on a mission to connect people with nature, the earth, and the essence of life. The UABG is a stunning 240-acre award-winning visitor attraction located 15 minutes southwest of Edmonton, with cultivated gardens and plant collections, indoor showhouses, and extensive natural areas. Highlights of the UABG, which was established in 1959, include the world-renowned and award-winning Aga Khan Garden, the Kurimoto Japanese Garden, showhouses (tropical, temperate, and arid); collections (alpine, herb, rose, peony, lilac, lily, and primula), Indigenous Peoples Garden, trial beds, and much more. We are passionate about connecting people with the earth so they cherish the essence of life. The UABG's guiding philosophy is encompassed as:


Purpose: Connecting plants and people, which is our passion


Best At: Creating an environment that nurtures well-being


Economic Engine: Cultivating long-term relationships

Position Summary


Reporting to the Guest Experience Leads (Education, Guest Services, or Hospitality Operations) the Guest Experience Representative 1s (GER1s) are primary guest-facing team members at the UABG. They deliver exceptional guest experiences and ensure that guests and clients have memorable experiences at the UABG. Each unit has a core area of responsibility, with GER1s based in one unit and cross-trained, as required, to provide support for a variety of UABG activities:

• •Education:• This unit oversees and coordinates active and future educational programming such as field trips and workshops. This role leads a team dedicated to connecting people to plants and the environment via targeted programming, thereby creating long-term relationships with programming participants based on integrating into an environment that nurtures well-being.
• •Guest Services:• This unit is responsible for ensuring exceptional Front-of-House client and guest care, with staff and volunteers engaging with visitors to deliver exceptional and memorable client and guest experiences from their initial point-of-contact at the Welcome Centre to beyond.
• •Hospitality Operations:• This unit oversees and coordinates the execution of bookings, placing a strong emphasis on hospitality delivery. Collaborating closely with various departments, this role involves optimizing facility usage, anticipating guest needs, and resolving any challenges that may arise during their stay.


It is important to note that a roster of available GER1s is maintained with the roster drawn upon only as required. No minimum work hours are guaranteed and •examples of work assignments• include:

• •Education:• Running field trips, providing tours, and supporting educational programming.
• •Guest Services:• Manning the Welcome Centre, greeting and directing guests at the main entrance, ensuring that directional signage is up for daily activities, or providing tours.
• •Hospitality Operations:• Maintaining an on-site presence at a client-booked activity, transporting a bridal party to that memorable entrance point, or assisting with a rapid venue setup changeover between activities.


Please be advised that the Garden is open Thursdays to Mondays for the 2025 season, and staff will be required to work on weekends.


To support successful operations, UABG has implemented blackout and greyout dates for time off. Blackout dates are when no time off can be scheduled (extenuating circumstances exempted based on manager approval) and greyout dates only allow a certain number of staff to book time off (extenuating circumstances exempted based on manager approval). This position is subject to the following blackout and greyout dates for time off:

• Blackouts: May 17 to 31, August 25 to September 1
• Greyout: May 1 to October 31


Onboarding is a mandatory requirement of this position. The successful candidate must attend one UABG orientation session. Sessions are offered on the following dates:

• Sunday April 6, 2025
• Monday April 7, 2025
• Sunday April 27, 2025
• Monday April 28, 2025

Duties

• Advises the Guest Experience Leads of any unresolved issues with guests, inventory, or the UABG
• Completes all cashiering duties, including cash handling opening and closing, and night deposits
• Ensures adherence to GET, UABG, Faculty, and University policies and procedures
• Ensures general site cleanliness is maintained in the Welcome Centre and other front-facing facilities
• Responds to queries and provides guests with information on UABG activities and events
• Other duties as assigned by the Guest Experience Leads (Education, Facilities Usage, and Guest Services) and Guest Experience Manager

Minimum Qualifications

• Excellent communication and customer service skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
• Excellent time management
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Strong organization skills, accuracy, and attention to detail
• Ability to lift and carry 30 pounds
• CSA-approved steel-toed footwear is required
• A flexible schedule is required, including evenings and weekends
• Valid Class 5 driver's license is an asset--the UABG is not accessible by public transportation
• Enjoy working outdoors, able to stand for extended periods of time and outside work in all weather
• University of Alberta Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention training will be required upon employment

Preferred Qualifications

• Standard First Aid (within 3 years) and CPR C Certification (within 1 year) are assets
• IntelliLeisure knowledge is an asset
• Experience and understanding of Google Suite is an asset
• Knowledge of nature and the environment is an asset



At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.


We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.



The University of Alberta is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women; First Nations, Metis and Inuit persons; members of visible minority groups; persons with disabilities; persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression; and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.



Note: This opportunity will be available until midnight March 12, 2025, Edmonton, Alberta local time.