Education & Docent Opportunities
Engage with visitors and share information about the Garden’s plant collections, habitats, history, and more. Volunteering is a great way to share your passion for nature and learn more about topics you’re interested in. To become a volunteer please submit a volunteer application, or email volunteer@pittsburghbotanicgarden.org, and specify which opportunity you are interested in.
Log House Docents
Share the history of Heritage Homestead and the Walker-Ewing-Glass Log House, including its connection to the events of the Whiskey Rebellion that took place in the region.
Electric Cart Tours
Drive up to 4 people through several garden areas while you teach guests about the plants and habitats of Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. Electric cart tours are held on Tuesday mornings from May – September.
Youth Education Assistant
Help inspire the next generation of environmental stewards by assisting the education staff with youth programs and field trips. Programs include field trips, camps, off-site outreach, or special events.
Horticulture Opportunities
Help the Horticulture & Conservation team care for plant collections and garden spaces. Volunteers may help with tasks from planting, weeding, mulching, or deadheading to mending fences and painting. Gardening experience is not necessary.
Grow the Garden Days
Join the Horticulture & Conservation staff for an enjoyable and meaningful workday as we care for the Garden and its plant collections. This is a great way to learn more about the Garden’s mission, plants, and natural areas, while in the company of others who are committed to making the world a better place, one landscape at a time.
For adults 18 and older, held 8:30 – 11:00am on the last Wednesday of the month from May – September (weather permitting). No experience required.
Please sign up in the Volunteer Portal.
Land Steward Opportunity
Volunteers assist the Natural Areas Manager one day a month in conservation tasks throughout the Garden. Activities may include invasive species removal, path maintenance, and maintenance of natural areas such as the meadow, pond, and woodlands. These tasks will help the Horticulture & Conservation team achieve many conservation goals as well as give volunteers an opportunity to gain experience in land management.
Held the second Wednesday of the month between May – September from 8:30 – 11:00am. Experience not required but gardening experience/knowledge is helpful. Active clearances are required.
Corporate & Group Opportunities
Pittsburgh Botanic Garden welcomes corporate and community groups to assist with special projects. These vary from planting, weeding, mulching and other maintenance tasks. On occasion, groups help with large community events. If your group has a particular focus or skill that might be useful, please let us know in the application. This opportunity is for groups of adults, 18 years or older.
The Corporate Volunteer Program is temporarily paused. Please contact volunteer@pittsburghbotanicgarden.org if you have any questions.
Become a Volunteer
Please apply online below and specify which opportunities interest you in the application. Pittsburgh Botanic Garden will review your application and, if approved, reach out to you to arrange required background checks and clearances. Training is provided for all volunteer opportunities, including a volunteer orientation before your first shift. For corporate and community groups, please email volunteer@pittsburghbotanicgarden.org to inquire about available opportunities.
Current Volunteers
Please use the link below to access the volunteer portal to log your hours and sign up for available volunteer opportunities. If you have any questions about accessing the portal, available opportunities, or your volunteer application, please contact volunteer@pittsburghbotanicgarden.org.
