Volunteers Needed, Philadelphia Flower Show

Posted by Pennsylvania Horticultural Society on January 23, 2017

FLOWER SHOW VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

The 2017 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show will happen Saturday, March 11 – Sunday, March 19, 2017. We need your volunteer help to make the Show a success. Please choose one of the volunteer opportunities described below and click on the link to sign up.

You will be asked to Create an Account. After you do so, you will be able to sign up for your shift(s). You will receive a confirming email for each shift. You can only sign up for one shift at a time. Also, you will be able to go into your account at any time to see your schedule. If you have any questions or concerns about using the online system, please don’t hesitate to email bgreene@pennhort.org or call 215-988-8826. We’ll get right back to you. Thank you.

PHS Store http://phsstore.phs.volunteerhub.com/

Help us drive retail sales and generate revenue to invest in the PHS mission! Work the register, ring sales, and bag merchandise. Restock the sales floors with top sellers. Prior to the Show, help set up the stores and price merchandise. Retail experience is helpful!

Please sign up for three or more shifts. Attendance at a retail orientation prior to the Show is required. Attendance at a cashier training is also required for cashier and cashier assistant volunteers.

Concourse Ambassador http://concourseambassador.phs.volunteerhub.com/
Concourse Ambassadors represent PHS as visitors enter the Show. Smiles and a warm “Welcome to the Flower Show” go a long way in creating a first impression that translates to a rewarding experience for our visitors.

Garden Spa http://spa.phs.volunteerhub.com/
The Garden Spa is a new Flower Show attraction featuring beauty industry specialists, electronic chair massages, signature massage services provided by Philadelphia School of Massage (hand massage, chair massage, foot massage), an essential oil station, make-your-own potpourri, a Flower Show Shop, champagne toast, and chocolate tasting. Volunteers will assist guests.

Horticulture Staging http://hortstager.phs.volunteerhub.com/
After exhibitors have made their entries, you will place plants of all sizes, shapes, and weights in beds and on shelves and benches in the Horticourt.
You must be able to stand for extended periods. Lifting and bending are required. Strength and agility (and, at times, height) are extremely helpful. No horticulture or plant knowledge is required.

Make and Take http://make-take.phs.volunteerhub.com/
Help Show guests make fresh flower bouquets and plant bulb gardens. Flowers and bulbs are provided. No horticultural or plant knowledge is required. Make & Take is located in the Grand Hall (near entrance to SEPTA’s Jefferson Station and Market Street).

Background Checks Required (If you submitted background checks in 2016, you do not have to resubmit them for the 2017 Flower Show.)

In compliance with the PA Child Protective Services Law, volunteers must complete a PA Child Abuse History Clearance (https://www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis/public/home) and a PA State Police Criminal Record Check (https://epatch.state.pa.us/Home.jsp) Non-residents (residents must have lived in PA for 10 consecutive years) must file a FBI Background Check, including submission of fingerprints (Ahttps://www.pa.cogentid.com/index_dpwNew.htm) Send copies of background checks to CPSL@pennhort.org as an email attachment or mail copies to Volunteer Manager, PHS, 100 N 20th St, 5th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103-1495.

Butterflies Live! http://butterfly.phs.volunteerhub.com/
Butterflies Live! is an interactive and educational exhibit that brings 30 species of domestic and exotic butterflies to the Flower Show. The exhibition space will be filled with a vast selection of plants and will be heated to the right temperature to simulate the butterflies’ natural habitat. Volunteers help make this both an educational experience for our guests and a safe environment for the butterflies.

Duties include:
• Scanning admission tickets at the exhibit entrance.
• Distributing, and instructing guests on the use of feeding sticks.
• Making sure guests do not step on, handle, or pick up the butterflies.
• Inspecting guests as they exit the exhibit to ensure no butterflies leave the exhibit room.

Requirements:
Background Checks Required (If you submitted background checks in 2016, you do not have to resubmit them for the 2017 Flower Show.)
1. In compliance with the PA Child Protective Services Law, volunteers must complete a PA Child Abuse History Clearance (https://www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis/public/home) and a PA State Police Criminal Record Check (https://epatch.state.pa.us/Home.jsp) Non-residents (residents must have lived in PA for 10 consecutive years) must file a FBI Background Check, including submission of fingerprints (https://www.pa.cogentid.com/index_dpwNew.htm)
2. Send copies of background checks to CPSL@pennhort.org as an email attachment or mail copies to Volunteer Manager, PHS, 100 N 20th St, 5th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103-1495.
3. Must attend an orientation on Thursday, March 9, 2017, at 6 PM at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
4. Must fulfill at least three shifts.
5. Must be fluent in English for facility in directing Show guests.
Working Conditions: It will be at least 80 degrees at all times inside the exhibit. Those working inside the exhibit will be on their feet. Ticket scanners will be outside the exhibit and able to sit.
Entry to Show: Volunteers receive access to the Flower Show on all days that they volunteer. Public transportation is suggested, as there is no parking at the PCC.
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with PHS. If you have questions, email butterfly@pennhort.org
BETTY K. GREENE, CVA
Associate Director, Volunteers and Competitive Classes
PHS Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
100 N. 20th Street, 5th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19103-1495
215-988-8826