Volunteer

Be Part of Something Greater

Volunteer and be part of a dynamic team, in an always friendly climate. You can help the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden create a greater destination where everyone can find their true nature!  

Volunteers are essential to our success and help carry out our mission by donating more than 14,000 hours of service annually. Share your enthusiasm for the natural world by connecting with guests, nurturing plants, educating, or supporting events and activities. Our volunteers are involved in every area of the organization so there’s something that fits with what matters most to you. 

Current Volunteer Login

Volunteer Opportunities

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

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.

  • Seasonal Opportunities:

    • Garden Coach Volunteer
    • Horticulture
      • Outdoor Garden Maintenance: April through October. Opportunities to volunteer in 11 distinct gardens openings as available. 
        • Duties include planting, weeding, deadheading, raking, pruning, watering, and interacting with guests. 
      • Indoor Garden Maintenance: year-round, openings as available. 
        • Conservatory – duties include weeding, cleaning up plant debris, sweeping, pruning, planting, watering, and interacting with guests. 
        • Gardeners Show House – duties include cleaning plants, sweeping, planting, pruning, being creative, and interacting with guests.  
    • 2024 Summer Camp Assistant and Discover Tour Co-Leader
      • Applications due on or before Sunday, March 10, 2023.
  • Ongoing Opportunities

    • Education
    • 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!

Volunteer Application

  • 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.
Application

Event Volunteer Application

  • 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!
Application

Youth Summer Program Application

  • For 2024 Summer Camp assistant and discovery tour co-leader positions only.
  • Applications due on or before Sunday, March 10, 2024.
Application

Group Volunteer Application

  • 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.
Application
Even if you’re not a gardener, this is a great place to volunteer. It’s a good way to meet people, especially if you’re new to the area. It’ll make you feel a part of Des Moines.
Wes Hunsberger, Botanical Garden Volunteer
Please email volunteer@dmbotanicalgarden.com or call 515.323.6293 with questions.