ROLES:
Individuals aged 16 and up can participate in this program through two avenues:
Charlesbank (CBK) Volunteer Ambassador
Programs & Events (P&E) Volunteer Ambassador
Each role has a clearly defined commitment and shift type. For example, CBK shifts are standardized while P&E shifts can vary in day and time. CBK Volunteer Ambassadors will have the same shift each week while P&E Volunteer Ambassadors will have flexibility in the shifts they choose. Select the commitment type that works for your schedule.
In addition to your onboarding and orientation, periodic ongoing training events may be mandatory. In this case, we may offer multiple live event options, a virtual option, or even a recording to ensure you have access to important information. We appreciate your agreement to meet these infrequent but critical needs.
Regular volunteer shifts will commence with the public opening of the Charlesbank Campus and Smith Family Pavilion on the Esplanade in early 2027 (est. February).
APPLICATION:
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Great candidates will be invited for a brief interview meeting, and we will conduct a reference check. Please note that all new Volunteer Ambassadors will undergo a CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) check.
You are welcome to apply for the CBK Volunteer Ambassador role, P&E Volunteer Ambassador role, or both, so long as you can meet all requirements.
Please prepare to submit one professional reference as part of your application. For individuals who have not had work experience, a personal reference may be substituted.
COMMUNITY:
We are pleased to offer an active volunteer community for our Volunteer Ambassadors, including ongoing learning and social opportunities. For example, you may have opportunities to learn more about the history of the Charles River Esplanade, participate in a book club, and celebrate together at the end of the year.
Volunteers make our work possible! We appreciate the small and large ways Volunteer Ambassadors contribute to our team, and so we endeavor to offer a fulfilling volunteer experience.
BENEFITS:
Why volunteer? Giving back to your community and the sense of purpose derived from volunteering are wonderful personal benefits. Here are a few additional benefits for being a Volunteer Ambassador:
- See the real-time benefits to park users from your efforts
- Take pride in in sporting your Esplanade Association swag
- Learn about the park and its history
- Practice professional skills
- Make friends and participate in the volunteer community
- Spend time in the park with other Volunteer Ambassadors and EA staff
- Celebrate volunteer milestones and special events
- Enjoy free or significantly reduced access to local and regional cultural organizations through the HR Consortium
SCHEDULING:
EA uses an online scheduling platform that is browser-based and can be accessed from a laptop or smartphone. We also communicate regularly by email.
Volunteer Ambassador schedules will be confirmed and communicated with multiple weeks of notice. Should you have a last-minute opening in your calendar, though, there may be additional opportunities added at any given time.
Note that both CBK and P&E Volunteer Ambassador roles require regular, year-round commitments. If you are unable to make this commitment (intermittent changes in schedule for personal appointments or vacations notwithstanding), please consider another volunteer opportunity with more flexibility, like signing up for the Annual Charles River Cleanup, organizing your colleagues to volunteer as a one-time group in the park, or joining the ranks of the Volunteer Photographer Program.
We understand that volunteers will periodically fall ill, and it is entirely out of their control. We appreciate if you would call out sick for your volunteer shift in this instance. Volunteer Ambassadors will be provided with instructions on how to communicate in such circumstances, as well as guidance on other scheduling predicaments.
Connect and Ask Questions:
Please email our Director of Visitor Services, Kiersten Dittrich, at kdittrich@esplanade.org with any questions about the Volunteer Ambassador program.
