Resource Employee, Volunteer Services bei Chicago Botanic Garden

Title: Resource Employee, Volunteer Services

Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Department: Volunteer Services

Reports to: Director, Volunteer Administration & Engagement

Seasonal Resource, scheduled as needed

Resource employees of the Chicago Botanic Garden are eligible for the following Benefits:

• Wellness initiative benefit, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Retirement plan
• Garden membership - free to employees at Household Plus level
• Discounts to Garden Shop, Cafe, Garden-sponsored educational classes
• Employee events such as Orchid show, Night of 1,000 Jack-o'-Lanterns, Lightscape employee & friends preview night

Compensation Philosophy:

At the Chicago Botanic Garden, our compensation philosophy is rooted in our core values: Growth, Understanding, Resilience, and Trust through Transparency. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and appreciated.

Our objective is to create compensation and growth opportunities for our employees that are highly competitive, internally equitable and transparent. The foundation of our efforts is a straightforward approach that can be easily communicated by managers with defined pay ranges for all positions. When posting job openings, we share the minimum salary up to the budgeted amount.

The starting salary for new staff members is determined by considering the salary range assigned to the position and by reviewing the candidate’s qualifications for the job as compared with job responsibilities. Prior work experience should be considered in determining the salary offer, provided that it is relevant to the job (unless it is a flat rate as indicated). Additional factors such as secondary language proficiency or advanced degrees that enhance performance may also be considered. A candidate’s salary may exceed the minimum amount based on factors such as experience, additional skills (e.g., secondary language proficiency), or pertinent degrees that enhance the individual’s contribution to the role but are not required. Opportunities for increased compensation are provided through referral bonuses, shift differentials, Thank You Pay, promotions, and periodic pay increases based on the Garden's overall performance and financial budgets.

Our total compensation and benefits package is people centric. We prioritize employee wellness across three pillars: physical, mental, and financial. Our goal is to offer innovative total rewards that support continuous professional growth, personal development, and provide the flexibility needed to balance personal and professional commitments.

Position Overview:

Join our dynamic Volunteer Services team as a Resource Employee, where your enthusiasm, organizational skills, and dedication to community engagement will shine. This role requires patience, a sense of humor, and a proactive attitude to support our volunteer programs. The position offers a flexible, as-needed schedule, including weekends, and involves using your excellent communication skills and technical proficiency to enhance volunteer experiences.

Responsibilities

In this role you will be responsible for the following:  

• Utilize Volunteer Management Software (Get Connected) for data entry, time tracking, and creating volunteer opportunities. 
• Train staff and volunteers on using Get Connected effectively. 
• Support weekend events, such as the Orchid Show, and other programs as needed. 
• Engage with inactive volunteers to maintain connections and encourage participation. 
• Assist in coordinating and distributing Volunteer Anniversary gifts. 
• Screen new volunteer inquiries. 
• Review historical data to organize actionable insights for program improvement.

Qualifications

Our ideal candidate will have the following:

• Minimum of 2 years in volunteer management systems (e.g., Get Connected) administration and training.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) required.
• Outgoing, positive, and solution-oriented with a can-do attitude.
• Flexibility to work weekends and varying hours as needed.

Physical Demands: 

Office setting. Frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, listening, speaking, and keyboarding. Use of office equipment including computers, telephones, copiers, scanners, and fax machines. Some requirements for lifting, pushing, or pulling items less than 30 pounds. 

Why Apply? 
 Come work in a setting that is like no other as you support our mission: We cultivate the power of plants to sustain and enrich life. Take the first step toward being one of the employees who make the Garden one of the treasures of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Apply today. Please note that applicants who do not meet the required qualifications will not be considered.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, or basis of disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and qualifications required of personnel so classified.

In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, the Chicago Botanic Garden does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its programs or activities, including in employment or admissions. Please call (847) 835-8264 to contact our Title IX Coordinator should you have questions or concerns. Please do not call this number to inquire about job postings or the status of your application, or with solicitations from companies or third-party recruiters.