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Our Mission

Join Our Volunteer Team

Join a dynamic team helping the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden become one of the most beautiful attractions in Iowa! Volunteers are essential to our success and help carry out our mission by donating more than 14,000 hours of service annually. Volunteers are involved in every area of the organization. Share your enthusiasm for the natural world by connecting with guests, nurturing plants, educating, or supporting events and activities.
Current Volunteer Login

Opportunities

Explore current openings to find volunteer roles that connect with your interests, skills and availability. If there is a potential fit, please fill out the appropriate volunteer application.

Our needs change regularly so if you don’t see anything now, check back to view new opportunities.

(Click on links to review position descriptions, applications available below)

Seasonal Opportunities

5

Horticulture

    • Outdoor Garden Maintenance: April through October. (Weekday and Weekend)
    • Nursery: Assist with watering and weed maintenance in pots and under the tables. (Available daily)
5

Artists in the Garden

    • Seeking artists to participate in Artists in the Garden, a unique volunteer opportunity that blends art, nature, and community engagement in one of Iowa’s most inspiring settings.

    • Volunteer artists create original artwork throughout the Botanical Garden while inviting guests to observe and engage with the artistic process in a casual and welcoming environment.

    • Artists may work in a variety of mediums inspired by the Botanical Garden’s collections, landscapes, seasonal displays, architecture, and programs.

    • Find out more details here

Ongoing Opportunities

5

Education

Field Trip Leader

5

Botanical Artisan Guild

The Guild is comprised of artists, sewers, woodworkers, plant lovers, crafters and those who don’t call themselves creative at all. A multitude of volunteers work independently and in small groups to create botanically inspired items that are sold in the Garden Shop and support the Botanical Garden. There is something for everyone to do. No creativity or green thumb required!
5

Guest Services

Applications

Volunteer

      • For individuals age 14 and up interested in an ongoing volunteer commitment.
      • Ongoing activities include education, guest services, horticulture, and administrative support.
      • The Botanical Garden is not accepting applications for court-appointed community service at this time.
Apply

Event Volunteer

      • A shorter application for those who do not plan to volunteer on a consistent basis.
      • Use for events such as Spring Garden Festival, Trick or Trees, winter and spring break, etc.
      • Appropriate for helping multiple days for the same event.
      • Great for Silver Cord volunteer programs!
Apply

Seasonal Volunteers

Group Volunteer

      • Primary activities include Spring Garden Festival, winter and spring break, or various horticulture or facility projects as available.
      • Group projects are typically available for up to 10 people.
      • For larger groups, please contact the volunteer manager.
Apply

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