Volunteering at Norfolk Botanical Garden is not only gardening! Volunteers work in every department, inside and outdoors. Yes, there is lots of mulching and weeding to done year-round, but volunteers also do paperwork, work in maintenance, and even do virtual volunteering from home! Volunteer opportunities below are listed by type, with special events first and ongoing volunteer needs second. If you have questions, or need more information, please call Amanda Wells at (757) 441-5830 extension 327, or e-mail volunteer@nbgs.org. We look forward to working with you!
Everything you do makes a difference.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Spring Plant Sale and Book Sale (Minimum age 18 to volunteer)
The Spring Plant Sale is THE event of Mother’s Day weekend!
Help arrange plants, tally up purchases and assist customers in carrying their plants to their cars. Volunteers also needed for the plant holding area. Choose one or more shifts. Great opportunity for groups and families! You can also sign up for a shift in the library to help with the book sale if you would prefer to work indoors!
Call 757-441-5830 ext. 327 or send an e-mail.
Volunteer Shifts:
May 10, 11, 12, 2013
- 8:30 – 10:30 AM
- 10:15 AM – 12:15 PM
- Noon – 2:00 PM
- 1:45 – 3:45 PM
- 3:30 – 5:30 PM
The Last Bison (Minimum age 21 to volunteer)
Sunday May 19
Volunteer Shifts: 4:00 PM-10:00 PM
Virginia Arts Festival and Norfolk Botanical Gardens are pleased to present The Last Bison concert as part of the seventeenth Festival season and the 75th Anniversary of the Garden. Volunteers will be directing guests to the concert, answering questions, and be a smiling face for the Garden. We are expecting a high turnout so we will need a lot of help! Satellite parking will be announced. You will be working outdoors and standing for most of the shift.
GETTING DIRTY IN THE GARDEN
Gardening Assistant
Weekdays, 9 a.m. – Noon or 1 – 3:00 p.m.
Come and garden in 155 acres of beauty. You don’t need to have experience, you’ll learn as you grow. This is not a one day assignment, but designed for people who want to work and learn for at least a season. (Minimum age 16, or must be accompanied by parent/guardian.)
We can schedule a special group gardening day when your organization can come to the Garden, work for a few hours, then enjoy the Garden the rest of the day. Contact us for information.
IF YOU LOVE MEETING THE PUBLIC
Butterfly House Guide
It’s almost time for the ever popular Butterfly Exhibit! We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to show off our beautiful butterflies 7 days a week. The House opens June 14 and closes September 21
Volunteer Shifts:
- 9:45 AM – 11:45 AM
- 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
- 1:15 – 3:15 PM
- 3:00-5:00 PM
You will become an expert through our fun training!
Training session dates:
- Thursday April 18 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
- Thursday May 16 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
- Tuesday May 21 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Advanced training for those wanting more in-depth information:
- Thursday June 4 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Contact Amanda to RSVP for your preferred session.
Garden Ambassadors
Any day of the week, weekends preferred
10 a.m. – Noon or Noon – 2 p.m. or 2 – 4 p.m.
The job for those who enjoy meeting people and don’t want to be behind a desk. Welcome visitors to the Norfolk Botanical Garden, and help them make the most of their visit. This opportunity requires at least a 5 shift commitment. (Minimum age 16, or must be accompanied by parent/guardian.)
Library Assistant
Saturdays 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. or Sundays 1 – 4 p.m. or Mondays 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Attention Book Lovers! Norfolk Botanical Garden is looking for weekend Library Assistants for the Fred Huette Library. Work with the public, learn library skills, and enjoy a fine horticultural library. A great once a month volunteering opportunity. (Minimum age 16, or must be accompanied by parent/guardian.)
WOW! YOU WANT TO WORK WITH KIDS?
World of Wonders (WOW) Children’s Garden Guide
Any day of the week, Especially Saturdays or Sundays
9 a.m. – 1 p.m., or 12:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Times are flexible.
Volunteers are an important part of WOW. They greet visitors, do activities with the families, read stories, and make sure everyone has fun. This is a great opportunity for families to volunteer together (youngest family member must be at least 10 years old). Junior volunteers (14 – 17) are welcome, too. Background check and training required. This opportunity requires at least a 5 shift commitment.
BEHIND THE SCENES
Administrative Support
Weekdays, some weekends possible
Ongoing
Looking for indoor work with no heavy lifting? Want beautiful scenery nearby? This is the volunteer opportunity for you. Work in the marketing, development, education, or other department to help get that all important paperwork done. Junior volunteers (14 – 17) welcome.
Facilities Support
Seven days a week, weekends preferred
Flexible shifts, usually 2-3 hours during the hours of 9 am – 5 pm
This is for people who enjoy hard work and seeing immediate results. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds. Assist with room set ups and cleaning. Work with the facilities crew and be an important part of making the Garden shine. This can be a one shift assignment. (Minimum age 16, or must be accompanied by parent/guardian.)
Education Volunteer
Weekdays 9:00 AM-Noon or 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
Ongoing
This position is for a dynamic person who should be prepared to get crafty and shouldn’t mind getting their hands dirty. You may be helping prepare for upcoming classes, working on a computer, or helping maintain flower arrangements. The possibilities are endless! This is not a one day assignment, but designed for people who want to work and learn. (Minimum age 16.)
Membership Department Volunteer
Ongoing
We are looking for someone on Fridays for a couple of hours during the day that is able to do data entry, type letters and put membership cards into packages. This is not a one day assignment, but designed for people who want to volunteer on a weekly basis. (Minimum age 16)