Help the gardens grow
Volunteer
The Tucson Botanical Gardens relies on a corps of dedicated, talented volunteers who assist with everything from maintaining the gardens and grounds, staffing the butterfly greenhouse, to educating visitors about wise use of plants and water in the desert environment.
Volunteer With Us
Opportunities to Grow
- Meet new, interesting people
- Refine or gain new skills
- Learn more about gardening in the desert
- Spend time in Tucson’s urban oasis
- All the benefits of being a member (Membership to the Gardens is required.)
- We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities, most require no experience, training provided.
Volunteer Opportunities
The Great Garden Express
Our newest permanent exhibit is in need of a dedicated team of volunteers! This crew will help keep the tracks free of debris, switch out engines every two to three hours to prevent them from overheating, and welcome curious visitors as they try to identify the trains, buildings and natural features. Join the train volunteers, engineer hat and train whistle included!
Docent Programs
Are you interested in helping people connect with the natural world? Deepen your knowledge of local flora and fauna, environmental education, water-wise gardening, and the cultural connections between people and plants by becoming a Docent-in-training!
After you develop your knowledge of the Gardens with practical experience and Docent training, become a ‘Greeter on the Go’ where you’ll be stationed at various spots throughout the Gardens. Docents also assist with special events throughout the year and help our guests make lasting memories at the Gardens.
Butterfly Exhibit
Butterfly Magic is a seasonal exhibit that showcases tropical plants and butterflies located inside the Cox Butterfly & Orchid Pavilion. We are looking for dedicated volunteers who help to operate and interpret this exhibit every day. As a volunteer, you’ll learn about the unique ecology of the tropical organisms on display and then share your enthusiasm and knowledge with guests who visit the exhibit. Volunteer shifts take place from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 12:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily, October 1 – May 31.
We are seeking volunteers who can commit to a weekly shift.
Horticulture/Grounds
No Opportunities Open at this Time
Help our gardens look their best! Join our Horticulture Team on Monday & Wednesday mornings to help beautify the Gardens. No experience necessary, just a willingness to be reliable, dependable, and hard working.
Youth Education Programs
Help young people learn about and connect with nature through a wide range of programs and our Children’s Discovery Garden. Everyone from birth to 18 and their families engage in programs that range from literature to the arts to science to gardening. New programs are always being developed and we welcome those of you who may have a special talent you’d like to share with young people.
To volunteer in this capacity, you will need to clear a basic background check.
Facilities
Enjoy working with your hands? Help our staff with painting, building maintenance, and/or heavy lifting.
Volunteer With Us
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator.
(520) 326-9686 ext. *10
VolAdmin@tucsonbotanical.org
To start volunteering, please fill out an application form and we will contact you for an interview.
Current Volunteers
If you’re logging-in for the first time, please follow these steps to create your password:
- Open the Vic Net Portal
- Click on “Password Reset”
- Type your email address (make sure you use the one that you listed on your volunteer application)
- Check your email and follow the prompt to set your password
- Log-in to Volgistics and explore
