Admissions Desk UBC Botanical Garden & Nitobe Memorial Garden

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

Vision: UBC Botanical Garden’s living plant collections, landscapes and people inspire communities, ideas and actions for a resilient, biodiverse world.

Mission: UBC Botanical Garden’s foundational work in documented plant collections, innovative horticulture and engaging education invites curiosity and learning. We connect communities with science through research, exceptional visitor experiences and academic service. We conserve biodiversity, demonstrate sustainable practices and provide spaces to encourage health and wellbeing.

Job Description Summary

To take in admission fees and/or membership cards for entry; oversee cash procedures; provide information to garden visitors and assist in retail sales; oversee membership program; receive and coordinate tour bookings; maintain event program registration; respond to general garden enquiries; maintain awareness of garden security; take on assigned duties as required.

Organizational Status

Reports to the Associate Director - Administration or delegate, primarily interacts with garden visitors which includes students, staff, faculty, volunteers and the general public.

Work Performed

Greet visitors to the Garden and receive admission in accordance with an established rate schedule and assist in retail sales.

Ensure that visitors are in possession and show appropriate authorization to enter the Garden (members, season pass holders, volunteers).

Coordinate tours with the the Education and Engagement Programming Assistant in the Sustainability and Community Programs area of the Garden, including booking requests for corporate, commercial, educational and independent visitors.

Oversee membership program, including data entry, payments, renewals & maintenance of the database.

Maintain registration lists for lectures, seminars and other Garden events as requested.

Respond to general garden enquires in person, via email, by phone or letter.

Maintain awareness of Garden security and report breaches of security or unusual incidences to appropriate authorities.

Complete opening and closing cash out procedures.

Generate cash reports as requested.

Performs other duties as necessary.

Must be available for four hour shifts and weekends.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Inability to handle cash accurately would result in inaccurate financial assessments. Inability to schedule bookings could result in conflict. Lack of customer service skills would impact the overall experience of the garden visitor.

Supervision Received

Works under the direct supervision of the BG Administrator. Receives detailed instructions on the assignment of new duties thereafter only on new or unusual problems. All financial transactions are monitored on a continuing basis.

Supervision Given

None

Minimum Qualifications

High School graduation, plus one year of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own

- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

High School graduation.
1 years relevant experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Retail and customer service experience. Computer experience required (MS Word, Excel, Access preferred). Basic knowledge of horticulture. Familiarity with UBC (general awareness of facilities/services available on campus). General knowledge of the Garden is an asset. Ability to communicate effectively verbally. Ability to communicate effectively in writing. Ability to analyze problems, identify key information and issues, and effectively resolve.

Ability to effectively resolve client complaints in a calm, non-confrontational manner, and by exercising sound judgment. Ability to use word processing, spreadsheet and database applications at an intermediate level. Fluency in Japanese language and familiarity with Japanese culture preferred (when working at Nitobe Memorial Garden). Second language helpful for garden guest services