The Botanical Gardens is a grassroots community organization started by volunteers in 1960. Volunteers are the backbone of our organization, supporting the Gardens and its small paid staff in many ways.
CURRENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
GARDEN VOLUNTEERS – We are not currently accepting new garden volunteers. Please check back periodically for updates.
Due to the fragile nature of our plant collection, we require our Garden Volunteers to have past gardening experience and to be prepared for physical labor in various weather conditions.
VISITOR CENTER HOST – New Visitor Center Host trainings will start in March, 2024
Most of our volunteers work in our Visitor Center greeting visitors, making gift shop sales, and serving as our ambassadors to the Gardens. Visitor Center Hosts work for three hour shifts either from 10 am to 1 pm or 1 pm to 4 pm. As a volunteer Host you may choose to work a regular weekly or bi-monthly shift or to fill in as your schedule permits.
We provide one-on-one training. Previous retail experience is not required. We have a special need for volunteers willing to work weekend shifts.
VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
We are seeking one volunteer to assist with tasks in supporting our wonderful core of volunteers. These tasks would be data entry and recordkeeping, assisting with volunteer benefits & volunteer appreciation events & gatherings. Training will be provided, necessary for this position are basic computer skills and to enjoy working with and for the benefit of others.
MARKETING & MEDIA SPECIALIST
We are seeking volunteers for a variety of marketing & media needs: graphic design, website design & management, media/public relations, social media, marketing. Professional experience necessary!
MEMBERSHIP DATA ENTRY & MAILINGS
We are seeking one volunteer who would like to work with our operations manager on a weekly basis to help with data entry and processing memberships. Training is provided, but competency in computer skills & basic excel spreadsheet experience are necessary for this position.
HANDYPERSON
Do you have basic carpentry skills and are good at fixing things? We need volunteers to help as projects and maintenance needs arise. This job includes things like fence repair, trail work, hardscaping maintenance as well as small repairs to buildings and equipment.
PHOTOGRAPHER
Are you a professional or amateur photographer? We are in need of a few people skilled at photography to take photos of plants, animals, insects and scenery in the Gardens. Photos shared with us would be credited if you choose and used on our website, social media and for other media materials. Occasionally specific photography projects or events may arise, but generally a volunteer photographer would visit the Gardens on their own schedule and simply upload their best shots to a shared drive.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS & COMMITTEE POSITIONS
As a non-profit organization, the Gardens is directed by a Board. This is a working board made up of volunteers who contribute their time and expertise to the Gardens. Board members are selected carefully for the skills & knowledge they bring to the organization. Our Board members also have a passion for the environment, our community and native plants. The Board is currently seeking one new member with a background in Marketing & Public Relations. If you are interested in joining our board, please let us get to know you by volunteering with us. New Board members are voted on by our membership in January of each year.
In addition to the Board of Directors, we have several ongoing Committees which advise the Board on varying aspects of the Gardens.
The Facilities Committee is currently seeking an experienced general contractor, commercial builder or project manager to advise on facilities projects. This committee meets once monthly and is seeking expertise on a number of projects.
The Education Committee is currently seeking volunteers with a special interest in environmental & outdoor educational programs for children. These individuals should be experienced educators who are passionate about environmental education for kids.
The Education Committee is also seeking volunteers to help with adult environmental education and programs. This position involves contacting teachers, scheduling, coordinating and hosting our environmental educational classes.
How To Apply
For consideration for any of our volunteer opportunities, please fill out the online Volunteer Application Form indicating what position you are interested in and we will follow up.
To be considered for Board or Committee positions, please begin by filling out the Volunteer Application Form noting the position you are interested in. After reviewing the application, we will follow up with you and may ask for more information. For Board & Committee positions, please be prepared to also submit a resume showing qualifications for your position of interest and a letter of recommendation.
WE VALUE OUR VOLUNTEERS! VOLUNTEER BENEFITS include:
- 15% discount in the Visitor Center (more on special occasions)
- 25% discount on educational programs
- A subscription to our quarterly newsletter
- Opportunity to learn about native plants and wildlife
- Invites to volunteer appreciation events
- The company of civic-minded, earth-friendly native plant lovers
- The opportunity to meet visitors from around the globe while contributing to your local community.
VISITOR CENTER HOST SHIFT CALENDARS
Visitor Center Hosts, click here to view the monthly calendar schedules & sign up: