Opportunities
Nursery
Propagate and grow rare and unusual plants to be sold at our monthly public plant sales and at our Annual Spring Plant Sale. Volunteers work one day per week, either Wednesday, Friday or Saturday, from 10am–3pm. Six-month commitment required. One Saturday per year is also required.
Gardener's Assistant Work directly with our gardeners to help maintain our wonderful Botanical Garden. See immediate and visible results from your volunteer efforts. No horticultural knowledge required but must be physically fit. Six-month commitment, three hours per week.
Helen Crocker Russell Library of Horticulture Assist librarians at Northern California's largest horticultural library with book processing, references, filing, computer work and collections maintenance.
Garden Bookstore and Arbor Greet visitors from all over the world. Sell a wide selection of books and merchandise, including one of the best selections of horticulture-related books in the Bay Area. Positions also available selling plants exclusively.
Garden Ambassador/Greeter Serve as a host/greeter at the Botanical Garden's busy North Gate. Many foreign tourists and out-of-towners pass by the gate without realizing what a treasure lies behind it. We need volunteers to make them aware of what a tranquil and beautiful visiting experience they might miss. Volunteers needed any day of the week but particularly on weekends. Must be outgoing and love talking to people.
Garden Guides (Docents) Garden Guides are the principal interpreters of the Garden to the public. Interpret the Garden for children or adults, revealing the hidden and not-so-hidden wonders of the Garden in the process. Two ten-week training sessions and fee.
Special Events If you can't volunteer on a regular basis, consider volunteering for special events, such as our Lunar New Year Flower Market, Annual Plant Sale, Summer Gardening Fair, or other periodic activities.
Plant Collections Department Collect data on plants in the Garden for the Plant Collections Department, collect seeds, or inventory plant collections. Create signage and assist with data entry.
GIS Volunteer Help map the garden using GIS and GPS techniques and equipment. GIS, landscape architecture or horticultural background helpful.
Survey Volunteer Conduct surveys of Botanical Garden visitors, gathering information vital to the marketing and customer service efforts of the Botanical Garden Society. One two-hour shift per month.
Children's Garden Two separate opportunities: Drop-in volunteer work helping to maintain the Botanical Garden's Children's Garden area every Thursday from 1–4:30pm; occasional opportunities also available during the school year to volunteer as a teacher's aide with Children's Garden staff, working with elementary school-age children.
Office Volunteer Assist the Development Department in reaching out to donors and members. Job consists of preparing membership packets, mailings and invitations to special events as well as light office work. The ideal volunteer would be available once or twice a month.
Many more opportunities are available. Call (415) 661-1316 ext. 412,
or email: volunteer@sfbg.org.
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