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 — Behind the Scenes
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
Step into one of Bellevue’s most beautiful backyard spaces — all 53 acres of it! As a General Garden Assistant, you’ll join a friendly crew that keeps the Bellevue Botanical Garden thriving. Whether you’re new to gardening or already have soil under your fingernails, this team is a great place to learn, grow, and help maintain the Garden’s winding trails and vibrant plant collections. Every hour you contribute helps this beloved community refuge flourish.
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 and Thursdays, 9-11 a.m.
- Attendance is flexible - a commitment of at least once or twice a month is appreciated.
- After orientation, new volunteers should email the Volunteer Lead to schedule their first day.
Qualifications
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be willing to follow directions
- Have an interest in gardening and a desire to work outside
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
If you love shady woodland nooks and quirky, ancient plants, being a Hardy Fern Garden Assistant may be for you! In partnership with the Hardy Fern Foundation, volunteers help care for an incredible array of ferns and rhododendrons nestled in the Rhododendron Glen. You’ll discover the fascinating world of fern lifecycles, propagation, and woodland design while tending one of the Garden’s most enchanting spaces. No experience required — just curiosity and a love for green things.
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
- Second Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-noon
- 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
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
Celebrate the beauty and resilience of the Pacific Northwest’s native plants! The Native Discovery Garden connects the Garden’s cultivated areas to nearby woodlands, showcasing species perfectly adapted to our region. Volunteers work with experts from the Washington Native Plant Society to restore and care for this vibrant landscape. If you enjoy learning about local ecology, this role offers a wonderful way to give back.
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
- Attendance is flexible - a commitment of at least once a month is appreciated.
- After orientation, new volunteers should email the Volunteer Lead to schedule their first day.
Qualifications
- Be at least 18 years old
- Willingness to follow directions
- Have an interest in native plants, gardening, and habitat 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
Join the passionate team behind one of the largest volunteer‑maintained perennial borders in the country! The Northwest Perennial Alliance has tended this breathtaking half‑acre display for decades, and they welcome gardeners of all skill levels to dig in. From propagating plants to keeping the Border looking its best, volunteers enjoy hands-on learning, shared knowledge, and a warm, community-oriented team (plus the occasional shared meal).
Tasks & Responsibilities
- Weed
- Prune, deadhead, and cut back plants
- Plant and transplant
- Clean & sharpen tools as needed
- Rake debris
- Spread gravel and mulch
- Propagate plants
- Keep propagation yard, beds and paths tidy
- Track plant inventory
- Prepare educational signage
- Other gardening tasks as assigned
Schedule
- Mondays and Thursdays, 9 a.m.-noon, often 10 a.m.-noon in the winter
- Attendance is flexible - volunteers are not required to attend every day, but a commitment to at least once or twice a month is appreciated
- 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. 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 shared meal
Qualifications
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be willing to follow directions
- Have an interest in gardening and desire to work outside
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
If you enjoy intricate plantings, rugged textures, and a garden that delights thousands of visitors, the Rock Garden might be your perfect match. Volunteers help maintain this unique hillside landscape in partnership with the North American Rock Garden Society. You’ll learn specialized techniques, help shape planting decisions, and work in a spot where visitors often stop to say “thank you.” It’s rewarding, creative, and beautifully different from traditional garden work.
Tasks & Responsibilities
- Weed
- Plant
- Move plants
- Rake debris
- Prune, deadhead, and cut back plants
- Other gardening tasks as assigned
Schedule
- Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-noon. Attendance is flexible as coordinated with the Volunteer Lead. A commitment to at least once or twice a month is appreciated.
- 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
- 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
Discover how gorgeous a low‑water, eco‑friendly garden can be! The Waterwise Garden shows that water-smart gardening doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty — and volunteers get hands‑on experience in natural yard care, composting, soil building, and more. If you love sustainability, supporting environmental conservation, and learning practical gardening skills, this friendly team offers a fun way to make a real impact.
Tasks & Responsibilities
- Weed
- Plant
- Hand-water
- Remove invasive plants
- Rake debris
- Prune, deadhead, and cut back plants
- Spread gravel and mulch
- Other gardening tasks as assigned
Schedule
- Every other Wednesday, 1-3 p.m., March-Oct.
- Attendance is flexible - a commitment of at least once a month is appreciated
- Shifts are scheduled by email with the Volunteer Lead
Qualifications
- Be at least 16 years old
- Be willing to follow directions
- Have an interest in gardening and desire to work outside
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
Step into the role of storyteller and guide as you help visitors discover the magic of the Bellevue Botanical Garden. Docents are the heart of our visitor experience — sharing plant knowledge, Garden history, and hidden gems while strolling the pathways with curious guests. If you enjoy meeting new people, love learning, and get energy from connecting others to nature, this role is a wonderfully rewarding way to spend time in the Garden.
Tasks & Responsibilities
- Assist with 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 volunteer portal (VicNet)
- Meetings: weekdays, once a month for 2 hours
- A commitment to at least 8 private tours and 8 DIGs a year is preferred
Qualifications
- Be at least 18 years old
- Enjoy meeting and engaging people
- Be available for weekend DIGs
- Love the Bellevue Botanical Garden!
Physical Demands
- Navigate one to one and a half miles of BBG trails
Garden Greeter
Be the warm, smiling welcome that sets the tone for a visitor’s entire Garden experience. With more than 400,000 guests a year, our Greeters help create a friendly, inviting first impression by answering questions, offering tips, and pointing visitors toward the best blooms of the season. If you enjoy chatting with people from all over the world and love the idea of spreading joy at the Garden entrance, this is a perfect fit.
Tasks & Responsibilities
- Greet and provide a warm and friendly welcome to all guests visiting the garden
- Provide information and options to help guests explore the garden, including wayfinding information, walking route recommendations, seasonal features, and plants in bloom
- Respond to a range of visitor questions including amenities, programming, special events, and garden membership options and benefits
- Teach visitors how to use our plant collection database
- Encourage visitors to sign our guest log and/or participate in our community garden survey
- Record visitor interactions and common questions in a daily log
- Follow emergency procedures for lost children and medical emergencies
Schedule
- 2-hour shifts, Monday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-noon, noon-2 p.m., and 2-4 p.m.
- A commitment to two shifts a month is preferred
- Garden Greeters sign up for shifts using the volunteer portal (VicNet)
- New Greeter Training is ongoing throughout the year: in-person orientation and training meeting, followed by shadowing of an experienced Greeter. Garden highlights and updates are provided to volunteers weekly and there are continuing education opportunities throughout the year.
Qualifications
- Be at least 18 years old
- Experience in customer service, teaching, interpretation or botany is helpful in this role but not required
- 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
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 Trillium Store is where visitors often turn for help, souvenirs, and inspiration — and our volunteers make it shine. As a gift shop volunteer, you’ll welcome guests, assist with purchases, and keep the shop looking its best, all while supporting vital Garden programs. If you’re friendly, curious, and enjoy helping people discover beautiful, garden‑inspired gifts, you’ll feel right at home.
Tasks & Responsibilities
- Process transactions using a digital Point-of-Sale (POS) system
- Give visitors a warm greeting
- Answer questions and provide directions
- Inventory, tag, and restock products
- Dust and sweep
- Other tasks as directed by staff
Schedule
- 2 to 3-hour shifts during store business hours
- Store hours change seasonally: often Tuesday-Sunday, late morning to afternoon, evenings in late November and December during Garden d'Lights
- A commitment to 2 shifts a month is preferred
- Store volunteers during Garden d'Lights should be willing to commit to one evening shift per week.
- Volunteers sign up for shifts using the online volunteer portal (VicNet)
- New volunteers should contact the Store Manager for a brief interview and training
Qualifications
- Be able to use a computer and digital POS system
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have experience handling cash
- Enjoy meeting new people
- Retail 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 are 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
Help make learning in the Garden fun and seamless! The BBGS Adult Education Program offers classes on everything from horticulture to art, and our volunteers ensure each one runs smoothly. If you enjoy supporting educators, meeting new people, and lending a hand behind the scenes, this hands-on role is a great way to be part of the Garden’s vibrant learning community.
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
- 2 to 4-hour shifts, classes are typically between 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on both weekends and weekdays
- Volunteers sign up through the online volunteer portal (VicNet)
Qualifications
- Be at least 18 years old
- Enjoy meeting and engaging with new people
- Be willing to follow directions from staff and instructors
Physical Demands
- 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
Bring creativity and curiosity to life by helping young children explore nature! Kids in the Garden is our preschool program filled with crafts, hands-on activities, and joyful discoveries. Volunteers help prepare materials and snacks, supporting educators as they lead the fun. If you like simple craft prep, gentle structure, and the buzz of little learners nearby, this role offers a sweet and meaningful way to contribute.
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., only Tuesdays during the school year
- Last week of March through Oct.
- Volunteers sign up using the online volunteer portal (VicNet). Volunteers may sign up for as many shifts as they like.
Qualifications
- Be at least 18 years old
- For those making snacks, 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
- Willing to follow directions
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 welcomes more than 2,000 elementary students each year for hands-on science in the Garden — and volunteers play a big role in making these field trips memorable. You’ll help set up activities, assist students as they explore, and keep the experience running smoothly. It’s a great fit for anyone who enjoys working with kids, loves the energy of school groups, or wants to support environmental education in a fun, active setting.
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 portal (VicNet). Volunteers may sign up for as many shifts as they like.
Qualifications
- Be at least 18 years old
- Enjoy helping elementary-age children
- Willing to follow directions
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
Inspire the next generation of nature lovers! Youth Tour Guides lead school and youth groups through the Garden, sparking curiosity with stories, fun facts, and plant discoveries. You’ll help kids connect with the outdoors while giving them an unforgettable Garden experience. If you enjoy teaching, guiding, or just sharing your enthusiasm for plants, this is a rewarding way to give back.
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 portal (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
From scout badge workshops to hands‑on gardening activities, youth programs bring excitement and learning to the Garden year-round. Volunteers help set up, assist instructors, and engage with kids and teens during these interactive sessions. If you enjoy lively environments and want to help create memorable experiences for young learners, this role is a great way to get involved.
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 portal (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
Celebrate creativity in full bloom! Arts in the Garden brings together local artists, handmade garden art, and thousands of visitors for a lively summer weekend among the plants. Volunteers help welcome guests, support artists, and keep the event running smoothly. If you love art, gardens, and the energy of a joyful community event, this is a fun way to get involved and make the festival shine. More information about Arts in the Garden can be found at BellevueBotanical.org/arts-in-the-garden/.
Tasks & Responsibilities
- Check in and direct artists
- Greet visitors
- Answer visitors’ questions
- Make artists’ lunches
- Crowd control
- Assist if there is a lost child or other incident
- Restock restroom amenities
- Pick up trash & empty trash cans
- Notify staff of unsafe conditions
- Other duties as assigned by staff
Schedule
- 2 to 3-hour shifts during the event, the last Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of Aug.
- Artist check-in is Friday morning
- Shifts are announced via email and volunteers sign up using the online volunteer portal (VicNet)
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
Be part of one of Bellevue’s most magical holiday traditions! Garden d’Lights transforms the Garden into a sparkling wonderland visited by thousands each winter. Greeter volunteers are the cheerful, welcoming faces at the entrance — helping guests get tickets ready, answering questions, and setting the tone for an unforgettable evening. If you love bright lights, happy crowds, and festive energy, this is the role for you.
Tasks & Responsibilities
- Welcome visitors as they arrive
- Answer questions about the event and provide directions to guests
- Check that those in line have a ticket for the appropriate date and timeslot
- 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 Dec. 31, 2 to 3-hour shifts
- Volunteers sign up for shifts using the online volunteer portal (VicNet)
- A commitment to volunteer for at least 3 shifts during the event is preferred
Qualifications
- Be at least 18 years old
- Willing to follow directions
- Work well with others
- Enjoy meeting new people
- Comfortable using Android/iOS devices and a handheld radio, or willing and able to learn
Physical Demands
- Navigate the Garden outside during Nov. and Dec. for up to three hours
- Willingness to sit or stand outside for prolonged periods of time
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
Help visitors experience the wonder of Garden d’Lights! Event Support volunteers stroll the pathways, answer questions, and make sure everyone stays safe and moving smoothly through the displays. It’s an active, social role that puts you right in the heart of the event. If you enjoy being outdoors, meeting new people, and supporting a beloved community tradition, this is a great place to lend a hand.
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 Dec. 31, 2 to 3-hour shifts
- Volunteers sign up for shifts using the online volunteer information center (VicNet)
- A commitment to volunteer for at least 3 shifts during the event is preferred.
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
Physical Demands
- Navigate the Garden outside during Nov. and Dec. 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 — Behind the Scenes
Garden d’Lights - Build
Help bring the magic of Garden d’Lights to life — literally! Build volunteers work behind the scenes from spring through fall, crafting the lighted figures and displays that make the event so enchanting. You’ll join a friendly team that cuts, wraps, bends, and assembles the glowing creations that delight thousands every winter. If you enjoy hands-on projects and being part of something special, this group is a great fit!
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-Oct.
- A commitment to volunteer at least twice a month is preferred
- New volunteers should sign up for training in the online volunteer portal (VicNet). They will then receive emails with schedule and volunteering details.
Qualifications
- Be at least 18 years old
- Willing to follow directions
- Work well with others
- An interest in Garden d’Lights
- Previously participated in Garden d’Lights installation or take down
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
Be part of the team that transforms the Garden into a glowing wonderland! Installation & Take Down volunteers help set up the dazzling displays before the season begins and pack them away carefully afterward. It’s active, collaborative work that’s essential to bringing this beloved event to life. If you enjoy teamwork, working outdoors, and seeing big projects come together, you’ll love contributing to this behind-the-scenes magic.
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 first three weeks of Nov.
- Take down is the first week of Jan.
- After orientation, new volunteers should email the Volunteer Lead. They will then receive emails with schedule/volunteering details. It is okay to only volunteer on Saturdays.
- A commitment to at least 3 shifts during installation is preferred
Qualifications
- Be at least 18 years old
- Willing to follow directions
- Work well with others
- Have an interest in Garden d’Lights and desire to work outside
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
If you love plants and love writing, this role offers the perfect blend of both. Blog Writers help bring the Garden’s stories to life through engaging articles about horticulture, nature, and the Garden’s programs. Your words will inspire readers, support learning, and help connect the community to what’s happening at the Garden. It’s a great creative outlet for anyone with solid writing skills and a passion for the natural world. Articles average 500 words long. You can read blog posts from other volunteers here: https://bellevuebotanical.org/news/
Tasks & Responsibilities
- Develop blog topic ideas and write independently, within the guidelines given by the Communications Manager
- Conduct research and interviews to complete blog articles
- Provide or suggest suitable photos for the blog article
- Write at least one blog article per month
- Email blog articles to the Communications Manager by the due date
Schedule
- Volunteers work independently and may research and write blog articles on their own schedule.
- Work is primarily done remotely.
- Successful volunteers should be able to allocate at least 4-6 hours each month to research and write.
- A commitment of at least 6 months is preferred.
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
- The Communications Manager can only provide light editing. Extensive coaching and follow-ups are not available.
Photographer/Videographer Volunteer
Help capture the beauty, energy, and magic of the Garden through your lens! Our volunteer photographers and videographers document plants, events, and special moments, providing images used across the Garden’s website, social media, and publications. If you enjoy exploring the Garden with your camera and want your work to support community engagement, this flexible, creative role is a wonderful opportunity.
Tasks & Responsibilities
- Take high resolution photos at the Bellevue Botanical Garden periodically (at minimum, once per season)
- Upload photos in .jpg format to the BBGS Dropbox account and inform the Communications Manager that photos have been uploaded, or provide photos to the 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
Join the team that keeps track of the Garden’s living collection — almost 3,000 varieties of plants! Plant Records volunteers help document, identify, and photograph plants — keeping organized and accurate records that support thoughtful interpretation of BBG's exhibits. If you love details, botanical inquiry, or the behind-the-scenes work that keeps public gardens thriving, this small collaborative team might be the perfect place for your skills.
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 basic 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
Support the Garden’s youth and children’s programs by helping prepare materials that make workshops and field trips run smoothly. From folding brochures to assembling craft kits, Office Projects volunteers make a big difference behind the scenes. If you enjoy simple hands-on tasks, flexible scheduling, and contributing to educational programs, this role offers a low-pressure, highly helpful way to get involved.
Tasks & Responsibilities
- Prepare crafts: cutting, gluing, folding, etc.
- Fold brochures
- Stuff envelopes
- Assemble teacher packets
Schedule
- Flexible schedule as coordinated with the Volunteer Lead
- Most work is done Sept.-Oct. 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