Apply to be an Arboretum Ambassador Apprentice (paid position)

Support UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden engagement by leading outreach events, interacting with visitors, maintaining signage and more as an Arboretum Ambassador apprentice.

Position Details

• Salary: $17.40 an hour 
• Time commitment: 10 to 20 hours per week during Fall, Winter and Spring quarters. Please do not apply if you are planning to graduate early; this is a year-long commitment position
• Estimated start date: September 2026 
• Students are expected to work in person however, there will be work from home opportunities available depending on weather and/ or work responsibilities
• Desired majors: Not limited to certain majors but candidates in these majors are encouraged to apply:
  • Agricultural and Environmental Education, African American and African Studies, Chicana/Chicano Studies, East Asian Studies, History, Human Development, Native American Studies, Music and so much more!

Apply by Sept. 8

Job Description

Under the supervision of the Outreach and Leadership Program Manager, the Arboretum Ambassador Apprentice serves as a representative of the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden (APG), helping create a welcoming, inclusive, and informative atmosphere for all visitors. The role includes regular interaction with APG visitors and the general public, helping connect people to the Arboretum’s mission, resources, and programs. 

As part of APG’s Learning by Leading™ program, this apprentice will join an established team of eight Arboretum Ambassadors dedicated to enhancing visitor experience and strengthening our overall community engagement. Learn more about the Learning by Leading Arboretum Ambassadors team. The apprentice plays a key role in fostering a vibrant, supportive community and cultivating a sense of belonging among our Learning by Leading™ students, and the broader campus population, including visitors and guests of the Arboretum and Public Garden. This position also contributes to well-being-focused programming such as Nature Rx designed to support the overall UC Davis and nearby community.

In addition to public engagement, the apprentice will help maintain visitor experience infrastructure—including signs, kiosks, and other informational elements—ensuring they remain clean, updated, and accessible. 

Core Responsibilities 

Leadership Development

• Manage administrative duties such as slack and email communications and other platforms.
• Learn and incorporate Nature Rx in Chair Share events
• Work with other Learning by Leading Teams to co-create events and outreach events 
• Attend Learning by Leading Trainings as needed
• Leading and/or co-leading events and outreach events

Enhancing Visitor Experience

• Represent APG by greeting visitors, answering questions and contributing to a welcoming and positive visitor experience by finding ways we could better meet their needs
• Provide information to visitors to improve their visit (e.g., maps, membership brochures, wayfinding, and orientation information)
• Participate in core fundraising events such as the Arboretum and Public Garden Plant Sales and other events

Management of the APG Visitor Experience Infrastructure

• Coordinate and maintain sign cleaning routes on a weekly basis
• Take inventory of cleaning/visitor engagement materials and order more when needed
• Report adverse conditions that may need attention, such as safety hazards, overflowing trash cans, suspicious activity or graffiti
• Pick up trash that might be present during cleaning route 

Expectations

• Read, follow and model the UC Davis Principles of Community
• Exhibit strong professional ethics and responsibility.
• Lead by example, empower teammates and foster teamwork
• Support and enhance fundraising activities and community relations.
• Represent the Arboretum and Public Garden with a high degree of professionalism and integrity
• Accomplish goals with measurable results and empower others to do the same.
• Prioritize safety, follow all safety and public health procedures and attend all required safety trainings
• Maintain a functional and dedicated weekly sign cleaning route

Qualifications

• Ability to work independently without direct supervision, to follow through on deliverables and assignments. 
• Responsible and communicates with all sorts of problems.
• Ability to effectively serve as both a member and leader of work teams
• An individual who loves working outside and doesn’t mind walking for a few hours throughout the day rain or shine.
• An individual who loves to engage in meaningful conversations with visitors and isn't afraid of approaching visitors and asking questions
• Enjoys taking initiative and able to problem solve in real time
• Detail oriented and understand the importance of organizing and cleanliness.
• Able to talk to people of all ages.
• Has a driver's license
• Comfortable talking to donors and visitors about the Arboretum and Public Garden
• Open and excited to learn how to use Slack and other technological communication tools on a daily basis.
• Has fond memories of or is excited to learn more about the UC Davis Arboretum
• Able to work certain weekends throughout the academic year 

Apply by Sept. 8