The Asheville Botanical Garden is a grassroots community organization started by volunteers in 1960. Volunteers are the backbone of our organization, supporting the Gardens and its small paid staff in many ways.
CURRENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
GARDEN VOLUNTEERS – We are not currently accepting new Garden Volunteers.
Due to the fragile nature of our plant collection, we require our Garden Volunteers to have past gardening experience and to be prepared for physical labor in various weather conditions.
VISITOR CENTER HOST – Accepting new Visitor Center Hosts!
Many of our volunteers work in our Visitor Center greeting visitors, making gift shop sales, and serving as our ambassadors to the Garden. Visitor Center Hosts work for three hour shifts either from 10 am to 1 pm or 1 pm to 4 pm. As a volunteer Host you may choose to work a regular weekly or bi-monthly shift or to fill in as your schedule permits.
We provide one-on-one training. Previous retail experience is not required. We always have a special need for volunteers willing to work weekend shifts.
HANDYPERSON
Do you have basic carpentry skills and are good at fixing things and working independently? We need volunteers to help as projects and maintenance needs arise. This job includes things like fence repair, trail work, hardscaping maintenance as well as small repairs to buildings and equipment.
PHOTOGRAPHER
Are you a professional or amateur photographer? We are in need of a few people skilled at photography to take photos of plants, animals, insects and scenery in the Garden. Photos shared with us would be credited if you choose and used on our website, social media and for other media materials. Occasionally specific photography projects or events may arise, but generally a volunteer photographer would visit the Garden on their own schedule and simply upload their best shots to a shared drive.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS & COMMITTEE POSITIONS
As a non-profit organization, the Garden is directed by a Board. This is a working board made up of volunteers who contribute their time and expertise to the Garden. Board members are selected carefully for the skills & knowledge they bring to the organization. Our Board members also have a passion for the environment, our community and native plants. If you are interested in joining our board, please let us get to know you by volunteering with us. New Board members are voted on by our membership in January of each year.
In addition to the Board of Directors, we have several ongoing Committees which advise the Board on varying aspects of the Garden.
The Facilities Committee is currently seeking an experienced general contractor, commercial builder or project manager to advise on facilities projects. This committee meets once monthly and is seeking expertise on a number of projects.
The Education Committee is currently seeking volunteers with a special interest in environmental & outdoor educational programs for children. These individuals should be experienced educators who are passionate about environmental education for kids.
The Education Committee is also seeking volunteers to help with adult environmental education and programs. This position involves contacting teachers, scheduling, coordinating and hosting our environmental educational classes.
How To Apply
For consideration for any of our volunteer opportunities, please fill out the online Volunteer Application Form indicating what position you are interested in and we will follow up.
To be considered for Board or Committee positions, please begin by filling out the Volunteer Application Form noting the position you are interested in. After reviewing the application, we will follow up with you and may ask for more information. For Board & Committee positions, please be prepared to also submit a resume showing qualifications for your position of interest and a letter of recommendation.
WE VALUE OUR VOLUNTEERS! VOLUNTEER BENEFITS include:
- 15% discount in the Visitor Center (more on special occasions)
- 25% discount on educational programs
- A subscription to our quarterly newsletter
- Opportunity to learn about native plants and wildlife
- Invites to volunteer appreciation events
- The company of civic-minded, earth-friendly native plant lovers
- The opportunity to meet visitors from around the globe while contributing to your local community.
VISITOR CENTER HOST SHIFT CALENDARS
Visitor Center Hosts, click here to view the monthly calendar schedules & sign up: