Volunteers are a crucial part of the U.S. Botanic Garden community. Through their time at the Garden, volunteers develop new skills, explore their personal interests, and make significant contributions that enable the Garden to fulfill its mission. Volunteering is a great way to meet others and connect with the community. Have you ever wondered how you could be part of the experience?
If yes, please explore below to get important information about the application and onboarding process.
Volunteer Frequently Asked Questions
PROSPECTIVE APPLICANT INFORMATION
Please review the information below to learn more about the application and onboarding process, decide between Hands-on Gardening & Public Engagement volunteering, and submit an application.
We’re currently accepting applications for Public Engagement volunteers! Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. To be eligible for this recruitment cycle, your application must be received by May 15, 2025.
If you would prefer Hands-on Gardening volunteering, you can fill out this interest form. We will contact you when applications become available in late Summer/Fall 2025.
¡Buscamos voluntarios bilingües! We are looking for bilingual volunteers!
Si habla inglés y español y está interesado en hablar sobre plantas y el jardín, ¡presente su solicitud y únase a nuestro cuerpo de voluntarios!
NEW VOLUNTEER PROCESS
Step 1: Do you prefer to work with people or plants?
Are you most interested in working with people (public engagement) or working with plants (hands-on gardening)? If you're not sure, you can click the links below to see more detailed descriptions.
Step 2: Submit an application
Submit your application!
Once you submit your application for either Public Engagement or Hands-on Gardening, you will receive access to an online pre-service orientation. After you complete the training, the Volunteer Coordinator will review your application and direct you to next steps.
Apply Now: Public Engagement Volunteer
Please refer to the APPLICATION & ONBOARDING STATUS section above for current status. Application review is rolling as long as applications are received before the deadlines listed above.
Step 3: Try it out
All new volunteers complete a trial shift in a USBG volunteer role. Trial shifts give you a chance to explore the role and meet some USBG team members.
We try to find a match for all applicants, but volunteer positions are not guaranteed. Availability is impacted by our collections, staffing, and organizational capacity.
When we find a role that is a match for both you and the Garden, you'll move on to additional training and badging.
Step 4: Orientation, training, and badging
After being matched to a volunteer role, we will provide access to any additional training and you will begin the badging process.
All volunteers must complete fingerprinting and a background check. After successful completion of the background check, you will be issued an ID badge. We begin this process after you complete your orientation.
Step 5: Begin volunteering!
Have more questions? Check out the Volunteer Program Frequently Asked Questions. You may contact Elizabeth Barton, USBG Volunteer Coordinator, with any questions by email (Elizabeth.Barton@aoc.gov).