Garden Ambassador, Community Aide (NCS) - Baltimore City Recreation and Parks

THIS IS A NON-CIVIL SERVICE POSITION

Salary Range:

$15.00-$30.00 Hourly

Hiring Salary Range:

$15.00 - $18.50 Hourly

Get to Know Us

Welcome to the City of Baltimore! Experience the reward of a fulfilling career and enjoy the added element of excitement in a vibrant, diverse atmosphere. The City of Baltimore offers limitless opportunities to help drive social impact, both on the job and in the community, while serving its citizens. Join us in making Baltimore a great place to live and work. In the City of Baltimore, we hire great people and provide them with the skills and opportunities to grow toward their career aspirations. If you are looking for a career change or are interested in learning more, explore our opportunities and benefits programs. We are excited to have you as a part of the City of Baltimore Team! The city offers medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, optional life, AD&D, and FSA plans. This office also supplies wellness programs, support groups, and workshops. You can learn about our benefits here: https://humanresources.baltimorecity.gov/hr-divisions/benefits

Job Summary

Garden Ambassadors will serve as uniformed representatives for the Department of Recreation, protecting the cultural and natural resources of the Baltimore City Parks system. The work of the Rangers includes educating the public about and enforcing the park rules and regulations, providing information to the public about park features, providing basic visitor services and assistance, and educating the public about the parks system’s historical and ecological value.

Essential Functions

• Interact with visitors, provide visitor information, and support appropriate use of grounds and facilities.
• Provide excellent customer service for visitors at all times.  
• Close greenhouse facilities including exterior vents as directed.
• Provide supplemental heating support as needed.
• Support other horticultural needs as needed. 
• Unlock and lock facilities as needed for user groups and clients. 
• Provide assistance to user groups as needed including table and chair set up. 
• Lock all facilities (maintenance buildings, restrooms, greenhouses, mansion, visitor center, etc.) at prescribed times including setting electronic alarms as needed.  
• Lock gates to property based on posted hours and facility usage.   
• Remove trash and recycling from exterior cans as scheduled seasonally. Remove trash and recycling from common interior areas as needed.   
• Pick up trash along fences, curbs and parking areas including entrance and Cylburn Avenue. 
• Check special event area for trash and remove as needed.   
• Collect and dispose of cigarette butts and other litter while on the grounds; use blower to clear asphalt pathways.      
• Provide nature or history tours, golf cart tours, etc. (There is flexibility with this to align with employee interests).      
• Snow removal, de-icing as needed to accommodate users.
• Provide parking assistance as needed for special events.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: High School Diploma (or equivalent); some college preferred

AND

Experience: One year of customer service experience (may include retail, fast food, or related experience) but will consider other experience, special skills, or abilities that would provide enrichment to Garden Ambassador position – such as public park experience, Master Naturalist or Master Gardener, security guard or Park Ranger experience

OR

Equivalency Notes: Have an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licenses, Registrations, and Certificates: Have a valid Maryland Class C Noncommercial driver's license or an equivalent driver's license and be eligible to obtain a Baltimore City driver’s permit. PROVISIONAL DRIVER’S LICENSES ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE. 

NOTE: YOU MUST UPLOAD A COPY OF YOUR VALID DRIVER’S LICENSE WITH THE APPLICATION AT THE TIME OF APPLYING. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must be available to work evenings and weekends.
• Must be in sufficient physical condition to perform Ambassador duties.
• Must possess the ability to deal with the public in a courteous manner, use independent judgment in certain situations, lead others in work related activities, think and act quickly in an emergency.
• Must be willing to work during normal seasonal weather conditions.
• Must be able to pass a drug and alcohol test and physical examination.
• Must be at least 18 years of age and have reliable transportation – a valid noncommercial Class C motor vehicle operator’s license is required for some park ambassador positions. 
• Must be willing and able to wear and maintain a uniform in a professional manner.   
• Must have above average oral and written communication skills and be comfortable providing customer service and interacting with people.  
• Should have some experience and desire working in an outdoor environment.

Additional Information

Background Check

Eligible candidates under final consideration for appointment to positions identified as positions of trust will be required to complete authorization for a Criminal Background Check and/or Fingerprint screening, and must be successfully completed.

Probation

All persons, including current City employees, selected for this position must complete a 6-month mandatory probation.

Baltimore City Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.  The City of Baltimore prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.  Applicants requiring accommodation during the hiring process should contact the Department of Human Resources directly. Requests for accommodation should not be attached to the application.

BALTIMORE CITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER