Please see the below assignments, schedules and task descriptions of each volunteer position available at Bellevue Botanical Garden.
Horticulture
Get outside and dig in the dirt! Horticulture volunteers help city staff and Garden partners with garden and path maintenance. Tools and training are provided. No prior experience is required for most assignments. These are great opportunities for new or experienced gardeners who want to learn more about gardening and help keep the BBG a beautiful place for all to enjoy.
Jump to: General Garden Assistant | Hardy Fern Garden Assistant | Native Discovery Garden Assistant | NPA Perennial Border Assistant | Rock Garden Assistant | Waterwise Garden Assistant
Visitor Experience
Put a smile on the faces of our 425,000+ annual visitors! Volunteers enhance BBG visitors’ experience by greeting visitors, giving tours, and helping in the gift shop. These are great opportunities for those who enjoy meeting new people from all over the world and want to share their passion for the Garden with others. Training is provided; in most cases, no experience is necessary.
Jump to: Docent Tours | Garden Greeter | Trillium Store
Education
Provide the community with opportunities to learn new and exciting things about plants and the natural world! Each year, BBGS offers hundreds of in-person and virtual horticulture-related classes and field trip experiences for adults and children. Education volunteers assist staff during classes, prepare teaching materials, and help set up and take down events. These are great opportunities for those who enjoy working with children and/or adults, or who may have a background in education. Training is provided; in most cases, no experience is necessary.
Jump to: Adult Education Class Facilitator | Kids in the Garden | Living Lab | Youth Tour Guide | Youth Workshops and Events
Events
Join in the fun! Volunteers provide hospitality and support staff during large community events, like Garden d’Lights and Arts in the Garden. This is a great opportunity for those who are outgoing and want to showcase their hospitality skills. Training is provided and no prior experience is required.
Jump to: Arts in the Garden | Garden d’Lights – Greeter | Garden d’Lights – Event Support
Garden d'Lights
Illuminate the Garden with winter magic! Evenings in November and December, the BBG transforms into a wonderous garden of lights. Volunteers work tirelessly throughout the year to build, repair, install, and take down the light displays that make up Garden d’Lights (GdL). This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in the inner workings of GdL or who loves holiday lights. Training is provided and no engineering or electrical experience is required, though it is appreciated.
Jump to: Garden d’Lights – Build | Garden d’Lights – Installation & Take Down
Organization Support
Support Garden operations and create content! Organization support volunteers write articles, do clerical tasks, and take pictures and videos of the Garden, programs, and events. Training is provided. Prior experience is preferred for most assignments.
Jump to: Blog Writer | ‘The Buzz’ Newsletter | Photographer/Videographer | Plant Records and Database | Youth and Children’s Programs (Y&CP) Office Projects
Horticulture
General Garden Assistant
The Bellevue Botanical Garden is a 53-acre urban refuge with 12 thematic gardens that display best practices for gardening in the Northwest. This community treasure is made possible through the efforts of generous and dedicated volunteers. General Garden Assistant volunteers contribute over 1,000 hours each year helping City of Bellevue staff grow and maintain our gardens and trails. The team is open to new gardeners or experienced horticulturists looking to sharpen and apply their skills.
Tasks & Responsibilities
- Weed
- Plant
- Hand-water
- Remove invasive species
- Rake debris
- Prune, deadhead, and cut back plants
- Spread gravel and mulch
- Other gardening tasks as assigned
Schedule
- Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9-11 a.m.
- New volunteers should sign up for their first shift using the calendar in their online volunteer information center (VicNet). They will then receive a weekly email with the details of each week’s activities. Volunteers reply to the email to indicate their attendance for shifts.
Qualifications
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be willing to follow directions
- Have an interest in gardening and a desire to work outside
- A commitment to volunteer at least eight shifts a year is preferred
Physical Demands
- Tasks are physical and may require twisting, bending, kneeling, digging, and lifting
What to Bring
- Sturdy, closed-toe shoes with non-slip tread
- Dress for the weather in clothes you don’t mind getting dirty
- Water bottle, hat, and sunscreen
- Gloves are required and provided, but many volunteers choose to bring their own
Hardy Fern Garden Assistant
The Bellevue Botanical Garden partners with the Hardy Fern Foundation (HFF) to exhibit many different varieties of ferns in the Rhododendron Glen. HFF’s mission is to educate the community about ferns and bring new ferns into cultivation. Hardy Fern Garden Assistant volunteers work with HFF to maintain the hardy fern display and companion plants, including the rhododendrons. Volunteers will learn about the lifecycle of ferns, care and propagation techniques, and shade/woodland garden design principles.
Tasks & Responsibilities
- Weed
- Plant
- Water by hand
- Remove invasive plants
- Rake debris
- Prune, deadhead, and cut back plants
- Spread gravel and mulch
- Other gardening tasks as assigned
Schedule
- Tuesdays, 9-11 a.m.
- Volunteers are scheduled by email from the volunteer lead. Volunteers reply to emails to indicate their attendance.
Qualifications
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be willing to follow directions
- Have an interest in gardening and a desire to work outside
- A commitment to volunteer at least once a month for one year is preferred.
Physical Demands
- Tasks are physical and may require twisting, bending, kneeling, digging, and lifting.
What to Bring
- Sturdy, closed-toe shoes with non-slip tread
- Dress for the weather in clothes you don’t mind getting dirty
- Water bottle, hat, and sunscreen
- Gloves are required and provided, but many volunteers choose to bring their own
- Favorite hand tools (trowel, clippers, weeding tool, etc.) are optional, but helpful
Native Discovery Garden Assistant
The Native Discovery Garden showcases plants native to the Pacific Northwest, which are adapted to the local climate and conditions, and are ecologically sound, beautiful, and low maintenance in urban landscapes. It also serves as a transition between the more cultivated gardens and woodlands to the south. Native Discovery Garden Assistants work with and learn from the Washington Native Plant Society.
Tasks & Responsibilities
- Weed
- Plant
- Rake debris
- Remove invasive species, both in the maintained areas and in the woods
- Other gardening tasks as assigned
Schedule
- Second and fourth Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-noon
- New volunteers should sign up for their first shift using the calendar in the online volunteer information center (VicNet). They will then be added to an email list to receive updates about future work parties.
Qualifications
- Be at least 18 years old
- Willingness to follow directions
- Have an interest in native plants, gardening, and restoration
Physical Demands
- Tasks are physical and may require twisting, bending, kneeling, digging, and lifting
What to Bring
- Sturdy, closed-toe shoes with non-slip tread
- Dress for the weather in clothes you don’t mind getting dirty
- Water bottle, hat, and sunscreen
- Gloves are required and can be provided, but it’s helpful if you bring your own
- Favorite hand tools (trowel, clippers, weeding tool, etc.) are optional but helpful
NPA Perennial Border Assistant
The Northwest Perennial Alliance (NPA) has been creating and maintaining the Perennial Border at BBG since before the Garden opened to the public in 1992. The Border is currently ½ acre in size, including the Propagation Yard. It is believed to be the largest perennial border in a public park in the USA maintained entirely by volunteers. The volunteer team is open to new gardeners or experienced horticulturalists looking to sharpen and apply their skills.
Tasks & Responsibilities
- Weed
- Hand-water
- Rake debris
- Spread gravel and mulch
- Propagate plants
- Prune, deadhead, and cut back plants
- Track plant inventory
- Prepare educational signage
- Assist with the NPA Plant Stand
- Other gardening tasks as assigned
Schedule
- Mondays and Thursdays, 9 a.m.-noon, volunteers are not required to attend every day and start and end times may be flexible, as scheduled with the Volunteer Lead
- Volunteers receive an email before each shift to confirm the start time. There is no need to reply to the email or sign up through the online volunteer information center (VicNet). Just show up if you can. New volunteers should contact the Volunteer Lead to schedule their first day.
- On the third Thursday of each month, around noon, there is a pot-luck lunch (optional)
Qualifications
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be willing to follow directions
- Have an interest in gardening and desire to work outside
- A commitment to volunteer at least eight shifts a year is preferred
Physical Demands
- Tasks are physical and may require twisting, bending, kneeling, digging, and lifting
What to Bring
- Dress for the weather in clothes you don’t mind getting dirty
- Water bottle, hat, sunscreen
- Sturdy, closed-toe shoes with non-slip tread
- Most volunteers bring their own five-gallon bucket, gloves, kneepad, and favorite hand tools. If you do not own some or all of these, loaners can be provided.
Rock Garden Assistant
The Rock Garden is maintained in partnership with the Northwest Chapter of the North American Rock Garden Society. Working as a volunteer in the Rock Garden can be very rewarding as so many people express their appreciation for the work you are doing, and you have the satisfaction of helping to create and maintain a space that is beautiful, interesting, and revivifying. Once you are experienced in working in the Rock Garden, you will be providing input on what and where to plant. Beginning volunteers should be available on Wednesday mornings. A more flexible schedule may be available to experienced volunteers.
Tasks & Responsibilities
- Weed
- Plant
- Move plants
- Rake debris
- Prune, deadhead, and cut back plants
- Other gardening tasks as assigned
Schedule
- Wednesday mornings, times may be flexible as coordinated with the Volunteer Lead
- Shifts are scheduled by email with the Volunteer Lead
Qualifications
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be willing to follow directions
- Be attentive to detail
- Have an interest in rock gardens
- Some gardening experience is preferred
Physical Demands
- Tasks are physical and may require twisting, bending, kneeling, digging, and lifting
What to Bring
- Sturdy, closed-toe shoes with non-slip tread
- Dress for the weather in clothes you don’t mind getting dirty
- Water bottle, hat, and sunscreen
- Gloves are required and provided, but many volunteers choose to bring their own
- Weeding tool or trowel, kneeling pad/knee pads, and pruners (optional but appreciated)
Waterwise Garden Assistant
You can experience natural yard care in action at Bellevue Botanical Garden’s award-winning Waterwise Garden. A visit to its shady pathways confirms that splendid gardens don’t require large amounts of water or the pesticides that can harm children, pets, and Puget Sound. Volunteers can learn natural yard care techniques and get hands-on experience soil building, composting, and caring for a variety of plants during the growing season. Volunteering with the Waterwise Garden is a great opportunity to help support community conservation goals and build connections.
Tasks & Responsibilities
- Weed
- Plant
- Hand-water
- Remove invasive species
- Rake debris
- Prune, deadhead, and cut back plants
- Spread gravel and mulch
- Other gardening tasks as assigned
Schedule
- Every other Wednesday, 9-11 a.m., March-October
- A reminder email with a RSVP request is sent to active volunteers a week prior to every work party
Qualifications
- Be at least 16 years old
- Be willing to follow directions
- Have an interest in gardening and desire to work outside
- Volunteers are asked to commit to one work party per month
Physical Demands
- Tasks are physical and may require twisting, bending, kneeling, digging, and lifting
What to Bring
- Sturdy, closed-toe shoes with non-slip tread
- Dress for the weather in clothes you don’t mind getting dirty
- Water bottle, hat, and sunscreen
- Gloves are required and provided, but many volunteers choose to bring their own
Visitor Experience
Docent Tours
Bellevue Botanical Garden (BBG) Docents lead tours of the Garden and are integral to visitor engagement. Docents are subject matter experts in the BBG’s plant collection and its history and share this knowledge while strolling the Garden with visitors. Every year, the team gives 60-70 private tours to groups of two-50 people and approximately 100 public tours (Docents in the Garden) at noon on weekends and weekdays. The tour season runs from April through October. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys meeting new people, is outgoing and personable, and is passionate about the Garden and its mission.
Tasks & Responsibilities
- Participate in or lead private tours
- Participate in Docents in the Garden (DIGs) on weekends
- Attend a Docent Meeting once per month on weekdays
- Participate in docent committees such as continuing education or visitor engagement
- Possibly take a leadership role within the docents
Schedule
- Private Tours: 1-1½ hours, days and times vary by request
- DIGs: Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; tours start at noon. DIGs can also occur on weekdays as docents are available
- Volunteers sign up for shifts using the online volunteer information center (VicNet)
- Meetings: weekdays, once a month for two hours
- New Docent Training: February-April, 10 weeks, one morning per week, weekdays
Qualifications
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be available for New Docent Training
- Enjoy meeting and engaging people
- Be available for weekend DIGs
- Love the Bellevue Botanical Garden!
- A commitment to at least eight private tours and eight DIGs a year is preferred
Physical Demands
- Navigate one to one and a half miles of BBG trails
Garden Greeter
In 2022, the Bellevue Botanical Garden hosted a record 425,000 visitors and our popularity with locals and tourists continues to grow. Garden Greeter volunteers staff an informational table at the entrance to the Garden. They welcome visitors with a smile, answer questions, give directions and recommendations, and help provide the best visitor experience possible.
Tasks & Responsibilities
- Direct visitors and recommend routes
- Provide information about Garden programs and events
- Answer visitors’ questions
- Teach visitors how to use our plant collection database
- Follow emergency procedures for lost children and medical emergencies
- Record visitor interactions and common questions in a daily log
Schedule
- 2-hour shifts, Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-noon, noon-2 p.m., and 2-4 p.m.
- Garden Greeters sign up for shifts using the online volunteer information center (VicNet)
Qualifications
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a passion for the Bellevue Botanical Garden, plants, and the outdoors
- Be willing to follow directions
- Enjoy meeting new people
- Have a friendly demeanor
- A commitment to volunteer at least two shifts a month is preferred
Physical Demands
- Willingness to sit or stand outside for two hours at the entrance to the Garden
- Ability to lift 20 pounds and set up a folding table
What to Bring
- Dress for the weather
- Water bottle, hat, and sunscreen
- Sturdy walking shoes or sandals (no flip flops), closed-toe shoes are encouraged
Trillium Store
The Bellevue Botanical Garden Society’s (BBGS) Trillium Store is the gift shop at the Bellevue Botanical Garden. It is one of the first amenities visitors encounter when entering the Garden and often where they go for help. Trillium Store revenue supports BBGS operations. Volunteers act as cashiers, greeters, and stock room assistants. This is a great opportunity for those who enjoy meeting new people from around the world and providing exceptional customer service.
Tasks & Responsibilities
- Warmly greet visitors
- Answer questions and provide directions
- Process transactions using a digital Point-of-Sale (POS) system
- Inventory, tag, and restock products
- Dust and sweep
- Other tasks as directed by staff
Schedule
- Two to three-hour shifts during store business hours
- Business hours change seasonally, often Tuesday-Sunday. Late morning to afternoon, evenings in late November and December
- Volunteers sign up for shifts using the online volunteer information center (VicNet)
- New volunteers should contact the Store Manager for a brief interview and training
Qualifications
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be able to use a computer and digital POS system or be willing to learn
- Have experience handling cash
- Enjoy meeting new people
- A commitment to two shifts a month is preferred
- Retail and/or customer service experience is preferred
Physical Demands
- Be able to stand for up to three hours
- The ability to lift boxes of 10-30 pounds is helpful
- Some bending, twisting, and gripping may be required
What to Bring
- Water bottle and snack
- Comfortable and supportive shoes or sandals (no flip flops), closed-toe shoes are encouraged
Education
Adult Education Class Facilitator
The Bellevue Botanical Garden Society (BBGS) Adult Education Program schedules between 40 and 50 classes a year. The in-person classes are both indoors in the Aaron Education Center and outdoors in the Garden. Classes cover topics including horticulture, mind & body, and art. Volunteers are needed to help set up and facilitate classes.
Tasks & Responsibilities
- Set up tables and chairs
- Set out directional signs
- Check in participants
- Distribute nametags, handouts, and evaluation forms
- Help clean up and take down signs, tables, and chairs
- Assist staff and instructors during class, as directed
Schedule
- Two to four-hour shifts, classes are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on both weekends and weekdays
- Volunteers sign up by coordinating with the Volunteer Lead
Qualifications
- Be at least 18 years old
- Enjoy meeting and engaging with new people
- Be willing and able to follow directions from staff and instructors
Physical Demands
- Be at least 16 years old
- Be able to lift 20 pounds, enough to help set up tables
What to Bring
- Water bottle, snacks or whatever you need for your personal comfort
- Lunch, if scheduled for four hours or more
- Sturdy walking shoes or sandals (no flip flops); closed-toe shoes are encouraged
Kids in the Garden
Kids in the Garden is the Bellevue Botanical Garden Society’s (BBGS) preschool program. Each year, there are five sessions of four workshops per session. The workshops are on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from 10-11:30 a.m.. Volunteers are needed to help with set-up and snack. This role does not generally work directly with the children. The program is taught by education staff and parent/guardian chaperones provide additional support.
Tasks & Responsibilities
- Prepare snack (all food and supplies provided)
- Prepare crafts (cutting, gluing, folding, etc.)
- Help children with crafts (optional)
Schedule
- Tuesday and/or Wednesday mornings 9-10:30 a.m. or 9-11 a.m.
- Last week of March until mid-October
- Volunteers sign up using the online volunteer information center (VicNet). Volunteers may sign up for as many shifts as they like.
Qualifications
- Be at least 18 years old
- For those making snack, a Washington Food Worker Card; requires a brief online training and test, paid for by the Bellevue Botanical Garden Society
- Enjoy helping preschool-age children, if helping with the craft
- Able to follow directions from garden educators
Physical Demands
- It is helpful if you can lift at least five pounds
- Fine motor skills: manipulate scissors, paper cutters, fold paper, etc.
What to Bring
- Water bottle
- Sturdy walking shoes or sandals (no flip flops); closed-toe shoes are encouraged
Living Lab
Living Lab is a free elementary school field trip program offered by the Bellevue Botanical Garden Society (BBGS). The program is delivered by paid teaching staff, but we need volunteers to support the teachers. We serve over 2,000 students per school year. Volunteers help set up crafts and activities and help the children with the activities. If you are looking for more responsibility and have an interest in leading groups of youth and children through the garden on tours, please contact Kate Sorensen.
Tasks & Responsibilities
- Prepare crafts: cutting, gluing, folding, etc.
- Reset crafts between groups
- Interact with children (K-fifth grade) when they are doing a craft
Schedule
- Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays, usually 9-11:45 a.m.
- Volunteers sign up using the online volunteer information center (VicNet). Volunteers may sign up for as many shifts as they like.
Qualifications
- Be at least 16 years old
- Enjoy helping elementary-age children
- Able to follow directions from BBGS educators
Physical Demands
- It is helpful if you can lift at least five pounds
- Fine motor skills: manipulate scissors, paper cutters, fold paper, etc.
What to Bring
- Water bottle
- Sturdy walking shoes or sandals (no flip flops); closed-toe shoes are encouraged
Youth Tour Guide
Lead tours of the Bellevue Botanical Garden for school and youth groups. Share interesting facts about the Garden and inspire the next generation to connect with plants and protect the natural environment. Visual aids and other resources are available. Training will be individualized depending on background, including shadowing opportunities.
Tasks & Responsibilities
- Guide a group of about 10 youth or children and their chaperones through the Garden
- Connect with the tour requestor a week before the tour
- Prepare for the tour by finding out the interests of the group
- Work with other tour guides if it is a larger group
Schedule
- Schedule varies based on tour requests and tours are usually about an hour
- Volunteers sign up for shifts using the online volunteer information center (VicNet)
Qualifications
- Be at least 18 years old
- Enjoy working with youth and children
- Knowledge of the Garden and its history
Physical Demands
- Volunteers must be able to navigate all paths of the Garden for up to two hours
What to Bring
- Water bottle and cell phone
- Sturdy walking shoes or sandals (no flip flops); closed-toe shoes are encouraged
Youth Workshops and Events
A variety of youth and children’s workshops for different age groups are offered by the Bellevue Botanical Garden Society (BBGS) throughout the year. Many of these workshops cover requirements for BSA Scouts and/or Girl Scouts. Workshops are taught by BBGS education staff or paid instructors. Volunteers are needed for outreach and to assist staff and instructors during workshops. Some workshops take place off-site.
Tasks & Responsibilities
- Help set up and run a booth on a specific topic
- Interact with children or youth
- Support Garden staff and guest instructors
Schedule
- We offer workshops about once a month. Most are on weekends or weekday afternoons or evenings. Scout Day is usually in April on a Sunday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Volunteers sign up for shifts using the online volunteer information center (VicNet)
Qualifications
- Be at least 16 years old
- Enjoy working with children and youth
- Be willing and able to follow directions from staff and instructors
Physical Demands
- It is helpful if volunteers can lift five-15 pounds, enough to set up tables and carry boxes.
What to Bring
- Water bottle, snacks or whatever you need for your personal comfort
- Sturdy walking shoes or sandals (no flip flops); closed-toe shoes are encouraged
Events
Arts in the Garden
The Bellevue Botanical Garden (BBG) hosts Arts in the Garden each year during the last weekend of August. The festival celebrates the creations of local artists and offers visitors the opportunity to purchase unique pieces for their home gardens. More information about Arts in the Garden can be found at BellevueBotanical.org/arts-in-the-garden/. Volunteers greet visitors and ensure the event runs smoothly and safely by assisting staff with operational duties. Volunteers also help set up the event by checking in artists and directing them to their booth locations. This is a great opportunity for those who love garden art and want to help support local creators.
Tasks & Responsibilities
- Check in and direct artists
- Greet visitors
- Pick up trash
- Crowd control
- Make artists’ lunches
- Answer visitors’ questions
- Assist if there is a lost child or other incident
- Empty trash cans
- Restock restroom amenities
- Notify staff of unsafe conditions
- Other duties as assigned by staff
Schedule
- Two to three-hour shifts during the event, the last Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of August
- Artist check-in is Friday morning
- Shifts are announced via email and volunteers sign up using the online volunteer information center (VicNet)
- Training for new volunteers is offered during the weeks leading up to the event
Qualifications
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be willing to follow directions and accept supervision
- Be comfortable interacting with people and working outside
- For those making artists’ lunches, a Washington Food Worker Card, requires a brief online training and test, paid for by the Bellevue Botanical Garden Society
Physical Demands
- Greeters sit outside and Event Support volunteers navigate the Garden for up to three hours
- This assignment may also require some bending, twisting, and gripping
What to Bring
- Dress for the weather
- Sturdy walking shoes or sandals (no flip flops); closed-toe shoes are encouraged
- Water bottle, hat, and sunscreen
Garden d’Lights – Greeter
Each year in November and December, the Bellevue Botanical Garden hosts Garden d’Lights (GdL). The Garden is filled with over half a million lights that make up botanical-themed displays. This loved community event is possible because of the hard work and dedication of our volunteers. Garden d’Lights Greeter volunteers welcome visitors at the event entrance ensuring they have a great experience and the entrance line moves efficiently.
Tasks & Responsibilities
- Welcome visitors as they arrive
- Answer questions about the event
- Check that those in line have a ticket
- Help visitors purchase online tickets
- Help visitors find tickets on their phone and brighten the screen
- Assist during incidents like lost children
- Assist entrance staff with tasks as directed
Schedule
- Evenings, Saturday after Thanksgiving through December 31, two to three-hour shifts
- Training is on the Saturday and Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Attending a training session is strongly recommended for all and required for anyone who did not volunteer for at least four shifts in the prior year.
- Volunteers sign up for shifts using the online volunteer information center (VicNet)
Qualifications
- Be at least 18 years old
- Able to follow directions and work well with others
- Enjoy meeting new people
- Comfortable using Android/iOS devices and a handheld radio or willing and able to learn
- A commitment to volunteer for at least three shifts during the event is preferred
Physical Demands
- Navigate the Garden outside during November and December for up to three hours
What to Bring
- Warm closed-toe shoes, socks, and gloves (hand warmers are provided)
- Dress for the weather in layers
- Water bottle or thermos
Garden d’Lights – Event Support
Each year in November and December, the Bellevue Botanical Garden hosts Garden d’Lights (GdL). The Garden is filled with over half a million lights that make up botanical-themed displays. This loved community event is possible because of the hard work and dedication of our volunteers. Garden d’Lights Event Support volunteers navigate the paths ensuring visitors have a great experience and the event runs smoothly and safely.
Tasks & Responsibilities
- Answer visitors’ questions and provide directions
- Take pictures of visitors
- Remind visitors of event rules and redirect those moving against the one-way flow
- Inform staff of safety concerns
- Assist during incidents like lost children
- Check and refill restroom supplies and empty trash cans when necessary
- Assist staff with other operational duties as assigned
Schedule
- Evenings, Saturday after Thanksgiving through December 31, two to three-hour shifts
- Training sessions are on the Saturday and Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Attending a training session is strongly recommended for all and required for anyone who did not volunteer for at least four shifts in the prior year.
- Volunteers sign up for shifts using the online volunteer information center (VicNet)
Qualifications
- Be at least 18 years old
- Able to follow directions and work well with others
- Enjoy meeting new people
- Comfortable using a handheld radio or willing and able to learn
- A commitment to volunteer for at least three shifts during the event is preferred
Physical Demands
- Navigate the Garden outside during November and December for up to three hours
- Able to lift 15 pounds
What to Bring
- Warm closed toe shoes, socks, and gloves (hand warmers are provided)
- Dress for the weather in layers
- Water bottle or thermos
Garden d’Lights
Garden d’Lights - Build
Each year in November and December, the Bellevue Botanical Garden hosts Garden d’Lights (GdL). The Garden is filled with over half a million lights that make up botanical-themed displays. This loved community event is possible because of the hard work and dedication of hundreds of volunteers. Garden d’Lights Build volunteers contribute over 1,500 hours each year building the lights structures & other infrastructure for the Garden d’Lights event.
Tasks & Responsibilities
- Follow detailed instructions
- Use cable ties with tools
- Wrap rods
- Bend light strings
- Complete inventories
- Maintain displays and equipment
- Set up & put away tools
- Other tasks as assigned
Schedule
- Thursday 10 a.m.-2 p.m., March-October
- New volunteers should sign up for training in the online volunteer information center (VicNet). They will then receive emails with schedule and volunteering details.
Qualifications
- Be at least 18 years old
- Ability to follow directions and work well with others
- An interest in Garden d’Lights
- Previously participated in Garden d’Lights installation or take down
- A commitment to volunteer at least four shifts a year is preferred
Physical Demands
- Tasks are physical in nature and may require lifting and hand strength/dexterity for tightening cable ties and bending light strings
What to Bring
- Sturdy, closed-toe shoes with non-slip tread
- Dress for the tasks in clothes you don’t mind getting dirty
- Water bottle and lunch
- Gloves are required and provided, but many volunteers choose to bring their own
Garden d’Lights – Installation & Take Down
Each year in November and December, the Bellevue Botanical Garden hosts Garden d’Lights (GdL). The Garden is filled with over half a million lights that make up botanical-themed displays. This loved community event is possible because of the hard work and dedication of hundreds of volunteers. Garden d’Lights Installation & Take Down volunteers contribute over 2,500 hours each year installing and taking down light displays for the event.
Tasks & Responsibilities
- Install & take down lights structures
- Drive in & remove stakes & rebar
- Organize cords, rebar, & other items
- Install & remove roping
- Other tasks as assigned
Schedule
- Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Installation is the fourth week of October through the third week of November
- Take down is the first week of January
- New volunteers must sign up through the Volunteer Coordinator. They will then receive emails with schedule/volunteering details. It is okay to only volunteer on Saturdays.
Qualifications
- Be at least 18 years old
- Able to follow directions and work well with others
- Have an interest in Garden d’Lights and desire to work outside
- A commitment to volunteer for at least three shifts a year is preferred
Physical Demands
- Tasks are physical in nature and may require carrying, bending, kneeling, digging, pulling carts, and lifting five pounds or more.
What to Bring
- Sturdy, closed-toe shoes with non-slip tread
- Dress for the weather in clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and/or wet
- Water bottle, hat, lunch, and multiple layers
- Gloves are required and provided, but many volunteers choose to bring their own
Organization Support
Blog Writer
The Bellevue Botanical Garden website features a blog that consists of articles related to horticulture, gardening, nature, and the outdoors: https://bellevuebotanical.org/news/. Blog articles are written by staff and volunteers and are engaging and educational. Blog articles typically average 500 words long. The blog is managed by the Bellevue Botanical Garden Society Communications Manager.
Tasks & Responsibilities
- Consult with the Communications Manager on blog topic ideas
- Conduct research and interviews to complete blog articles
- Provide suitable photos for the blog article or make suggestions on what photos would be suitable
- Email blog text and photos (if applicable) to Communications Manager
- Write at least one blog article per quarter, with an eventual goal of one per month
- Submit blog articles by due date
Schedule
There is no set schedule for this assignment. Once the topic has been decided on, the writer can complete blog articles on their own schedule. The option to work remotely may be available as coordinated with the Communications Manager.
Qualifications
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have an interest in the Bellevue Botanical Garden, horticulture, gardening, nature, and the outdoors
- Willingness and adequate time to schedule and complete interviews, conduct research, and write blog articles
- Excellent research, interviewing, and writing skills
- Access to a computer and internet is helpful, but not required
‘The Buzz’ Writer
Since the early 1990s, the Bellevue Botanical Garden Society (BBGS) has published a newsletter called ‘The Buzz’ for its members. In present day, ‘The Buzz’ is published four times per year (winter, spring, summer, and autumn), is coordinated, edited, and designed by the BBGS Communications Manager, and articles are primarily written by a team of volunteer writers. ‘The Buzz’ is mailed to all current members on the first day of January, April, July, and October and digitally available at BellevueBotanical.org/the-buzz-newsletter/. The Buzz team is tasked with creating a publication that is both engaging and educational.
Tasks & Responsibilities
- Participate in virtual quarterly team meetings
- Join in a discussion to determine the content of the upcoming newsletter
- Write at least one article per year
- Conduct research and interviews to complete assigned articles
- Submit articles by due date
Schedule
- Meetings occur on the second Tuesday of March, June, September, and December at 1 p.m.. Meetings take place virtually.
- The Communications Manager will inform the team of the due date for articles. Once assignments have been made, it is the volunteer’s responsibility to ensure that their article is submitted by the due date.
Qualifications
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have an interest in the Bellevue Botanical Garden, horticulture, gardening, nature, and the outdoors
- Willingness and adequate time to schedule and complete interviews, conduct research, and write articles
- Excellent research, interviewing, and writing skills. Applicants will be asked to submit a one-page writing sample prior to joining the committee.
- Access to a computer and internet is helpful, but not required. Volunteers may attend virtual meetings using a computer at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
Photographer/Videographer Volunteer
The Bellevue Botanical Garden Society (BBGS) relies on photos and videos to engage our stakeholders and the community in the Garden and our activities. We use a cadre of volunteer photographers and videographers to assist us in this effort. Photos are used on our website, on social media, in outside publications, in printed materials, and in electronic materials. Video is used much more sparingly, and as needed. Photographers/videographers receive credit for photos and videos.
Tasks & Responsibilities
- Take high resolution photos at the Bellevue Botanical Garden periodically (at minimum, once per season)
- Upload photos in .jpg format to BBGS Dropbox account and inform Communications Manager that photos have been uploaded, or provide photos to Communications Manager on a flash drive
- Secure a signed and dated release form from people who are photographed and submit signed forms to the Communications Manager. Forms are available in the admin office. A parent or guardian must sign the release for children under age 18.
Schedule
- Schedule is flexible
- Volunteers should plan to visit the Garden once per season at minimum
- Video is only to be taken when requested
Qualifications
- Be at least 18 years old
- Knowledge of and interest in the Bellevue Botanical Garden
- Comfort with requesting release form signatures from people photographed
- Necessary equipment to upload photos to Dropbox or save to flash drive, BBGS will provide flash drives as requested
Physical Demands
- Ability to navigate the Garden
What to Bring
- Camera and any other necessary photography equipment, note that tripods cannot be used in garden beds, or block pathways
Plant Records & Database
Bellevue Botanical Garden maintains a collection of nearly 3000 varieties of plants. The Plant Records office maintains the information about these collections. We receive information from Garden Partners, collect our own information and photos on the grounds, prepare information and photos for entry into our database, consult botanical and horticultural resources, advise on technical requirements, and dabble in everything from plant pathology to taxonomy.
The Plant Records volunteer team welcomes persons with botanical and/or technical expertise, and persons with attention to detail who can assist in record keeping. Many of our volunteers find practicing botanical skills on the Plant Records team to be educational. The activities are diverse, and can be tailored to the skillset and physical abilities of the volunteer. The volunteer group is relatively small, and works in tight collaboration to accomplish integrative goals. For this reason, sign-up is by special request and interview.
Tasks & Responsibilities
- Inventory plants
- Identify plants using technical manuals and microscopes
- Photograph plants
- Maintain spreadsheets of inventories and processes
- Assemble and disassemble plant labels
- Other tasks as needed or offered by volunteer’s skillset
Schedule
Schedule is flexible, and recurring appointments are scheduled individually. We strongly prefer that onsite work be done either when the Curator is in the office, or for long-time volunteers, in pairs, but still during office hours. Some work (e.g. photo processing) may be done offsite.
Qualifications
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be willing to follow directions
- Be attentive to detail
- Be familiar with baseline data management practices
- Be willing to learn and try multiple strategies
- Have proficiency in Microsoft Excel
Physical Demands
Variable, from typing on a computer to standing for long periods in the sun (including bending, kneeling, and lifting). Tasks and preparedness (e.g. sun protection) will be discussed during the interview.
Y&CP Office Projects
The Bellevue Botanical Garden Society’s (BBGS) Youth and Children’s Programs (Y&CP) include Living Lab (elementary field trips), Kids in the Garden (preschool workshops), youth tours, and various public and private workshops. BBGS educators serve over 2500 youth and children per year. Office projects volunteers help prepare materials used for these programs. Volunteers can help prepare materials in the office or from home.
Tasks & Responsibilities
- Prepare crafts: cutting, gluing, folding, etc.
- Fold brochures
- Stuff envelopes
- Assemble teacher packets
Schedule
- Flexible schedule, contact the Volunteer Lead to pick up projects
- Most work is done September-October and March-June
Qualifications
- Be at least 16 years old
- Be able to follow written or oral directions
- A weekly commitment is appreciated but not required
Physical Demands
- It is helpful if volunteers can lift at least five pounds
- Fine motor skills: manipulate scissors, paper cutters, fold paper, etc.
What to Bring
- Water bottle and snack if desired