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.
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 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, committee or board opportunities, please fill out the online Volunteer Application Form indicating what you are interested in and we will follow up.
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
- Insider emails on garden happenings
- 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.