Horticulture assistants get wet and occasionally dirty, but they work when the Upland Rain Forest and Animal Planet Australia: Wild Extremes are at their liveliest—before the exhibits open to the public.
Watering, fertilizing, inspecting plants, caring for seedlings, controlling pests, and cleaning the exhibit and back-up area are the most important services of a horticulture assistant.
Requirements
Assistants have a basic knowledge of plants and their care and a willingness to read and learn about daily needs of plant specimens. Volunteers are:
- at least 18 years of age and out of high school
- able to climb on rock ledges in a hot, humid environment
- and enthusiastic about caring for plants.
Training and Commitment
After successful completion of training classes, apprenticeships under a staff horticulturist, and a test, volunteers commit to work a minimum of one 2½-hour shift (7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.) in the Upland Rain Forest or one 4-hour shift (8:00 a.m. to 12 noon) in Animal Planet Australia: Wild Extremes every other week for at least one year.
