Apply to be a Social and Digital Media apprentice (paid position)

Help develop and manage UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden's outreach by producing and starring in short-form content about Arboretum initiatives, events and more.

Position Details

• Time Commitment: 10-20 hours per week including certain weekends during Fall, Winter and Spring quarters. Please do not apply if you are planning to graduate early; this is a year-long commitment position. Students are expected to work in person and remotely.
• Desired Majors: Not limited to certain majors but candidates in these majors- Cinema and Digital Media and Communications are highly encouraged to apply
• Estimated Start Date: September, 2026 
• Salary: $17.40/ hour 

Apply by September 8, 2026 

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Outreach and Leadership Program Manager, the Social, Digital Media Apprentice serves as a representative of the Arboretum and Public Garden (APG), helping create a welcoming, inclusive, and informative atmosphere for visitors. This apprentice position is part of APG’s Learning by Leading program and will join an established team of eight Arboretum Ambassadors dedicated to enhancing visitor experience and strengthening community engagement. Learn more about the Learning by Leading Arboretum Ambassadors team.

The apprentice will support both public facing outreach activities and digital media production. The ideal candidate is comfortable interacting with diverse audiences at APG events and is adept at creating engaging content for social media platforms. This role also offers a unique opportunity to develop and highlight digital content celebrating the 90th Anniversary of the Arboretum and Public Garden throughout the 2026– 2027 academic year. 

Core Responsibilities

Digital Content Creation

• Produce short-form videos, reels, graphics highlighting arboretum related programs, events and seasonal highlights
• Serve as an on-camera and behind the camera representative for APG’s social media platforms, contributing to storytelling and audience engagement
• Schedule content, track engagement and be a consistent brand voice across platforms
• Work with other Learning by Leading teams and help capture content from their workdays, events and meetings
• Work with staff, students, horticulturists, volunteers to gather stories, updates, and content ideas
• Participate in core fundraising events such as the Arboretum and Public Garden Plant Sales and other events

Leadership Development

• Manage administrative duties such as slack and email communications and other platforms
• Attend weekly Arboretum Ambassador Meetings
• Participate in Learning by Leading Trainings as needed
• There will be opportunities to support and co-lead outreach events with the other Ambassadors
• Partner with campus departments/ groups/ academic entities in co- creating projects and/or events.

Visitor Engagement

• Represent APG by greeting visitors, answering questions and contributing to a welcoming and positive visitor experience
• Management of the APG visitor experience infrastructure  Coordinate and maintain sign cleaning routes on a weekly basis; take inventory of cleaning/visitor engagement materials and order more when needed
• Monitor and report temporary signs throughout the APG and replace them when missing or bent
• Report adverse conditions that may need attention, such as safety hazards, overflowing trash cans, suspicious activity or graffiti
• Pick up trash that might be present during cleaning route

Expectations

• Read, follow and model the UC Davis Principles of Community
• Exhibit strong professional ethics and responsibility.
• Lead by example, empower teammates and foster teamwork
• Support and enhance fundraising activities and community relations.
• Represent the Arboretum and Public Garden with a high degree of professionalism and integrity
• Accomplish goals with measurable results and empower others to do the same.
• Prioritize safety, follow all safety and public health procedures and attend all required safety trainings
• Maintain a functional and dedicated weekly sign cleaning route
• Attend additional Learning by Leading trainings throughout the academic year and special apprentice focused trainings

Qualifications

• Experience with social media platforms (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, etc)
• Is able to use but not limited too editing software and/or apps (Davinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere, etc) to edit videos.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Interested in education, public gardens, communications, or digital media.
• Ability to work independently without direct supervision, to follow through on deliverables and assignments and enjoys taking initiative and able to problem solve in real time
• Ability to effectively serve as both a member and leader of work teams
• An individual who loves to engage in meaningful conversations with visitors and isn't afraid of approaching visitors and asking questions
• Follows UCD Social Media Guidelines
• Familiar with platforms such as Slack and Box or is able to learn about them
• Has experience working in Canva with a strong attention to detail
• Able to work certain weekends throughout the academic year
• Has a driver's license

Apply by Sept. 8, 2026