Gardener and Pasture Management Team

VOLUNTEER ASSIGNMENT: Gardener

WORKS WITH: Mostly independent position

LOCATION: Onsite – Myakka sanctuary

TIME COMMITMENT: 2-4 hours weekly

PRE-PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS and TRAINING:

  • None

ESSENTIAL SKILLS:

  • Prior experience with growing fruits, vegetables, and plants either professionally or personally

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Rake manure from pastures
  • Remove fallen branches, pinecones and rake leaves from pastures
  • Pull weeds from plant beds and surrounding areas
  • Assist in mulching projects
  • Replace/Remove dead plants from habitats
  • Assist in facility beautification projects when applicable
  • Pasture management includes pulling weeds from pastures and applying weed and feed, and seed
  • Tend to plants in the garden by watering, pruning, and harvesting vegetables or fruit when ready

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

  • Other volunteers
  • Sanctuary owners

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

  • Must be capable of working outside in Florida weather (rain or shine)
  • Must be comfortable working near large animals such as horses, ponies and goats
  • Should be capable of bending and stooping repetitively
  • Should be capable of lifting 20-30 pound items with some assistance
  • Capable of standing/walking for long period of time