Apply to be a Student Photographer (paid position)

Take photos in and around the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden, at outreach events and more as part of the Learning by Leading Arboretum Ambassador team!

Position Details

• Salary: $17.40/hour 
• Time Commitment: 10-20 hours per week (with regular weekend work) 
• Desired Majors: All Majors. 
• Expected Start Date: September 2026

How to Apply

In order to apply please submit the following materials to the Arboretum Ambassador Student Photographer application form by Sept. 8.

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Portfolio (see details below)

Portfolio

All applicants will be asked to submit an 8.5x11 document with 6 photos on it. These six photos should showcase your style and do not necessarily have to be photos from the UC Davis Arboretum. However, it is encouraged that the photos highlight your ability to photograph people and/or objects of nature. If you have a dedicated website or social media portfolio, please attach it at the very end.

Apply by Sept. 8 

If you run into any issues with the form, please contact Melissa Cruz Hernandez at [email protected]. 

Job Description

This student will assist all members of the Arboretum and Public Garden and will be responsible for taking professional photos of special events, trainings, community programs, students, and teams in the Learning by Leading program, etc, and the following:

• Work with Outreach Leadership Program Manager and Arboretum Ambassadors. Learn more about the Learning by Leading Arboretum Ambassadors team.
• Receive and prioritize photography assignments.
• Publicize photos in the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden Learning by Leading™ newsletter, “A New Leaf”, the general Arboretum and Public Garden newsletter “Leaflet.”, and Flickr
• Document community events/organizational updates for students, staff, alumni, and donors.
• Act as a liaison between student interns, apprentices, and program staff in the UC Davis Learning by Leading™ internship program, and work to foster community within the program.
• Represent the Arboretum and Public Garden and the Learning by Leading™ program at campus events throughout the year.
• Communicates with clients, project leads to set up a time and place for photoshoots.
• Ideally comfortable taking photos of people, events, plants, and landscapes; comfortable with candid photography and portraits.
• Participate in weekly team meetings. 

Duties & Responsibilities

• Take photos as assigned.
• Process photos in a timely manner.
• Manage administrative duties including email communications and scheduling meetings.
• Document and organize photography assignments.
• Assist other Ambassadors in outreach events.

Qualifications

• Knowledgeable with photography techniques: color theory, composition, lighting, editing.
• Comfortable with shooting with DSLR/mirrorless cameras in manual mode in various lighting situations including low light, mid-day
• Comfortable utilizing different camera platforms, events, portraiture, editorial, animal, architectural, landscapes, plants, amongst others that may come up.
• Comfortable editing photos and submitting them when needed, sometimes with quick turnarounds (<48 hours on rare occasions).
• Willing to approach and connect with others to take their photos.
• Have verbal/written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Able to problem-solve, think ahead, establish work priorities, and resolve conflicts
• Able to prioritize tasks and work independently.
• Experienced working with Flickr.com and Box.com or willing to learn.
• Experienced using Slack and Asana or willing to learn.
• Experienced using Google Calendar

Preferred Qualifications

• Owns their own photography equipment.
• Experienced using Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. 

Expectations

• Read, follow, and model the UC Davis Principles of Community.
• Exhibit strong professional ethics and accountability.
• Lead by example, empower others, and foster teamwork.
• Represent the Arboretum and Public Garden with a high degree of professionalism.