Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG) offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities for individuals interested in contributing to the garden’s beauty, educational programs, and visitor experience. Whether you have a green thumb, a passion for education, or a knack for administrative tasks, there’s a volunteer role at BBG that’s perfect for you.
Volunteer Opportunities at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
BBG’s volunteer program encompasses a diverse array of roles, catering to various interests and skill sets. Here are the key volunteer opportunities available:
- Administration–Office Work: Assist the staff with administrative tasks such as mailings, updating supply lists, and online database management. Some computer skills are preferred.
- Children’s Garden and Education Greenhouse: Help with garden maintenance, including planting, transplanting, watering, weeding, and other tasks.
- Corporate Groups: Corporate members can volunteer through the Corporate Membership Program, which is a great team-building exercise for employees.
- Discovery Garden Docents: Lead hands-on science activities and engage visitors in the Discovery Garden.
- Garden Guides: Lead free public tours and registered adult tour groups, requiring extensive training and monthly continuing education sessions.
- Gardener Resource Center: Assist with research inquiries and correspondence to provide home gardeners with information.
- Horticulture: Assist gardeners with tasks such as pruning, planting, raking, mulching, watering, and weeding.
- Library: Assist with cataloging and filing books and periodicals, and provide visitors with information.
- Membership: Engage with visitors, promote and sell memberships, and assist with membership administration and events coordination.
- Special Event Support & Weekend Greeters: Welcome visitors, answer questions, and staff information tables during special events.
- Visitor Center: Welcome visitors, give directions, answer questions, and sell memberships.
- Weekday Assistance–Physical Help: Assist with special projects and seasonal activities such as plant sales and gift bag assembly.
Typical Tasks and Responsibilities for Discovery Docents
Discovery Docents play a crucial role in engaging visitors, especially families and children, in the Discovery Garden. Their typical tasks and responsibilities include:
- Leading hands-on science activities and engaging visitors in the Discovery Garden.
- Committing to one three-hour shift per week for the season.
- Participating in a one-day training session.
- Assisting with setup and cleanup, learning about activities, and doing a team wrap-up during each shift.
Available Shifts and Schedules for Volunteers
BBG’s volunteer program offers a variety of shift options and schedules to accommodate different availability and preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the available shifts for some of the key volunteer roles:
| Volunteer Role | Available Shifts |
|---|---|
| Discovery Docents | Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, or Sunday, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. (Fall 2024 schedule) |
| Garden Guides | Tuesdays–Sundays, with extensive training and monthly continuing education sessions |
| Horticulture | Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays only when openings are available; 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m. |
| Library | Monday–Friday; 10:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. |
| Membership | Monday–Friday; some weekends; hours vary |
| Special Event Support & Weekend Greeters | Saturdays or Sundays; 9 a.m.–6 p.m. |
| Visitor Center | Tuesday–Sunday; 10 a.m.–5 p.m. |
| Weekday Assistance–Physical Help | Monday–Friday; 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; depending on project/activity hours vary and some weekends might be included |
Additional Information
- Age Requirement: 14+ years old for most volunteer opportunities.
- Application Process: Submit a volunteer application, which includes a resume if applicable. Potential candidates will be contacted for an interview according to their qualifications, interests, and availability.
- Training: Volunteers receive training specific to their assignment.
- Benefits: Volunteers receive benefits like free parking and discounts in the cafes, in the Shop, and on Continuing Education Classes.
Volunteering at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a rewarding experience that allows you to contribute to the garden’s mission, connect with nature, and engage with the local community. Whether you have a few hours to spare or a more substantial commitment, there’s a volunteer role at BBG that’s perfect for you.
References
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden. (n.d.). Volunteer. Retrieved from https://www.bbg.org/support/volunteer
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden. (n.d.). Discovery Docent Program. Retrieved from https://www.bbg.org/learn/discovery_docent_program
- New York Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Volunteer. Retrieved from https://www.nybg.org/about/work-with-us/volunteer/
- Brooklyn Technical High School. (n.d.). Volunteering Opportunities. Retrieved from https://www.bths.edu/apps/pages/index.jsp?pREC_ID=793646&type=d&uREC_ID=356815