Education Volunteer Opportunities
Docent
A Docent is an ambassador to the Garden, engaging visitors with information on plants and habitats. Docents share their knowledge with visitors and transform the visitor experience into one of discovery and meaning.
A typical Docent has an outgoing personality and enjoys sharing their passion for nature and gardening with the public. The Garden provides training and support during the volunteer shift. Volunteers should be comfortable walking the paths of the Garden and being outside for 2-3 hours at a time in variable weather. A consistent commitment is appreciated.
Garden Guide
Garden Guides conduct scheduled walking tours of the Garden, sharing the history of the grounds, its habitats and plant collections. The Garden provides interpretive training and a script.
This position is perfect for someone who is interested in natural history and plants, and is comfortable sharing the Garden’s story with small groups. Volunteers should be comfortable walking the paths of the Garden and being outside for 1-2 hours at a time in variable weather. Guides have a flexible schedule, and are scheduled as needed.
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. A typical volunteer genuinely enjoys working with children and fostering an interest in plants. Experience working with school-aged children is preferred. All curriculum information and equipment provided. Volunteers should have an interest in natural history and should be comfortable presenting information in a way that is engaging for children and young adults. Volunteers should also be comfortable walking the paths of the Garden for 2-3 hours at a time in all types of weather. Opportunities are more regular April through November, with less frequent opportunities in winter.
Horticulture Opportunities
Horticulture Volunteer
Horticulture Volunteers work with the horticulture staff to care for the Garden’s collection of plants and its grounds. A typical day might include planting, weeding, mulching, deadheading or projects such as mending fences and painting. This opportunity is ideal for people who enjoy spending time outdoors. Volunteer workdays are held on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings from 9 am – noon. Gardening experience is not necessary.
Grow the Garden Days
Join the horticulture staff and fellow volunteers to beautify the display garden areas. All levels of gardening experience are welcome! Suitable for volunteers 14-18 years of age if accompanied by an adult.
Pre-registration is required by contacting Gina Walter, Education and Volunteer Coordinator, at 412-444-4464, ext. 235 or [email protected].
Special Events & Guest Services Opportunities
Garden Monitor
Our Garden Monitors are the eyes and ears of the Garden. As a Monitor, you will enjoy talking with Garden guests along the paths. This is perfect for a Volunteer who is very familiar with the Garden, is comfortable assisting visitors and providing updates on conditions of pathways. Monitors are needed on weekends for a few hours each shift and during all weather conditions.
Special Event Support
The Garden holds a variety of community events and high energy individuals are needed to assist with greeting registered guests, set up and clean up and other tasks to create memorable events. Opportunities are year round and may be inside or outside.
Corporate & Community Groups
Pittsburgh Botanic Garden welcomes corporate and community groups to assist with special projects. These vary, from planting vegetation, weeding, mulching and other maintenance tasks. On occasion, groups help with large community events. If you have a special skill that might be useful, please let us know in the application. This opportunity is open to groups of adults, 18 years or older. Volunteerism is a great way to improve group communication, morale and team relationships.
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Apply
Corporate and community groups are scheduled as projects become available. Please fill out an application, and Garden staff will contact you with potential opportunities. A majority of group volunteer projects are scheduled on weekday mornings.
