Volunteer

Docent guides lead scheduled groups on Garden tours showcasing plant collections, conservation work and current exhibitions. Tours are split into groups of 8-12 people, with each docent leading a group around the Garden for about an hour.

Docents must be Garden members, commit to attending all seven training classes, submit to a background check, pay a one-time $20 training fee and lead a minimum of two tours a month during peak seasons. Docents are also invited to monthly lunch meetings for Garden updates and program information.

Attendance is required at all classes, and volunteers must commit to leading at least two tours a month during peak seasons. Register for more information and session dates.

Calling all Master Gardeners: Do you know everything there is to know about gardening and horticulture? Staff, visitors and inquiring minds across Georgia will test your knowledge with questions about plants, pests and growing conditions. This small but faithful group of volunteers work out of the Sheffield Botanical Library answering more than a thousand questions a year.

Library Volunteers assist in the Sheffield Botanical Library and Orchid Reference Library with the Garden’s librarian. Tasks include stocking and shelving books, checking in periodicals, and assisting staff and visitors with finding selections.

Weekday shifts are available with a commitment of one shift a week. An interview with the volunteer manager and librarian is required.

Discovery volunteers engage visitors of all ages about the Garden’s collections and conservation work with an additional emphasis on the Garden’s exhibitions. Shifts are available Tuesday through Sunday throughout the day. You must commit to at least two shifts a month.

Assist with plant maintenance in the Fuqua Conservatory, Orchid Center and behind-the scenes greenhouses in Atlanta and Gainesville. Tasks include bringing plants on and off display, watering, weeding, dividing and repotting, and sweeping. Some horticulture or gardening experience is needed. Shifts are available on weekdays.

Primary duties include cleaning, receiving merchandise, stocking and assisting customers. This is a multi-task position for people who enjoy meeting and helping people of all ages and cultures.

Four-hour shifts are available during regular Garden hours. An interview is required.

Make the Garden your own. Weed, water, prune, mulch and complete other basic outdoor gardening tasks under the supervision of experienced horticulturists.

Volunteers must commit to one weekday morning per week from 9 a.m. – noon. Training sessions are conducted quarterly. No interview required; register for more information.

This important position is responsible for assisting visitors and answering phone calls and emails. Working alongside the Guest Concierge, volunteers must be knowledgeable about daily events, admission prices, membership dues, directions around the city and parking information.

Shifts are available for morning or afternoon placement. Requirements include the scheduling of several weekday training shifts with the receptionist and a commitment to a weekly shift or an on-call basis.

Greet and orient Garden guests arriving in the Hardin Visitor Center. Under the supervision of the Guest Experience Manager, this position provides excellent customer service to guests while distributing maps, taking tickets and answering basic questions. This opportunity is outstanding for people who love introducing the Garden to first-time guests in a fast-paced environment.

Assignments are 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., 1 – 4 p.m. or 4 – 7 p.m. both weekdays and weekends.

The membership, development, special events and business offices need volunteers to assist with answering phone calls and emails, filing, assembling mailers, and event setup. This is a perfect opportunity if gardening isn’t for you.

Shifts are available on weekdays.

Expert knowledge of orchids, including experience with growing orchids, is required for this important position. Volunteers in this role must be able to communicate with visitors from beginners to experts.

Shifts are available Tuesday through Sunday with a commitment to weekly shifts.

Primary responsibilities include keeping the kitchen in order, helping chefs locate supplies, distributing tastings, collecting trash, kitchen cleanup, assisting with crowd control, and answering basic questions from visitors. Opportunities are available for weekend afternoon demonstrations and weekday evening cooking classes.

Kitchen Assistants must commit to two shifts a month at approximately three hours a shift. Interview required prior to the spring training session.

Openings are available with the conservation department on weekday mornings, afternoons, and limited fieldwork travel. Volunteers are needed to assist with maintenance and weeding of the Conservation Collections, assisting in the Genetics Lab, Seed Bank, and Tissue Culture Lab, and working directly with the Conservation Collections.

Register to volunteer to receive information about specific opportunities and shift availability for these programs.

Volunteer opportunities are available at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Gainesville location, showcasing a 5-acre formal space, woodland walking trails, visitor center with gift shop, and a 2000-seat amphitheater. Positions include Discovery, Docent, Festivals and Events, Garden Maintenance, Greenhouse and Visitor Services.