TBG is a volunteer-based organization that relies upon and values its volunteers to help run our many programs and events and to meet our goal of delivering horticultural information and services. Our volunteers take a great deal of pride in their many contributions to our organization. They strongly support our mission and vision and are members of the community that we serve.
Volunteer Roles at the Garden
All of our volunteer roles involve representing TBG to members of the public and are for individuals who like meeting people and who have good communication skills. For most roles, you also need to be comfortable with technology (email and online scheduling and booking systems). Roles often involve working with other volunteers, and many rely on specialist skills/experience and/or need a commitment of at least 6 months. Training is provided, tailored to the role. Some volunteers assist in many roles and there are a wide variety of positions to help, something for everyone! Please read on for more information.
Year-round roles:
Garden Shop – Retail sales assistant, 10.30-1.30 and 1.30 to 4.30 pm shifts
Weston Family Library – Library assistant at library desk 10.30-1.30 and 1.30 to 4.30 pm shifts weekdays, 12-4 pm weekends.
Reception – Welcoming face and voice and correspondent of TBG to all visitors! 10.30-1.30 and 1.30 to 4.30 pm shifts
Seasonal roles:
Tour Guide, leading tours for public and private groups of TBG and Edwards Gardens and/or Wilket Creek Ravine. Tour season May to October.
Seasonal hands-on gardening team – begins April to October, teams of up to 15 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 8 am to 12.00 pm.
Adult Education – Course Ambassadors – assisting with lectures and courses ensuring these run smoothly.
TBG Kids – March Break, PA days, Summer Camps, and lots more fun programs throughout the seasons.
Special Events – meet and greet, represent TBG, registration, info table roles, something for everyone.
CURRENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Updated June 2024
Thanks to the high number of applications received in recent months the volunteer teams for the Garden shop, Weston Family Library, Garden volunteer, and Tour Guide roles are at capacity for now. Special events for the coming months are at capacity as well.
If and when that status changes new opportunities will be posted here.
The Reception team can welcome new members (see below) and TBG Kids can welcome volunteer participation for their upcoming Summer Camps.
Children’s Learning Programs
- 2024 Summer Nature Camp
As a volunteer, you will be matched with a trained camp staff that you are supporting for the week, including helping the camp staff and campers through the day’s themed activities (hikes, games, crafts, and free play). Excellent opportunity for high school students to acquire up to 40 volunteer hours in just one week!
Dates: July 2 to August 30, 2024 (new camp theme each week)
Shift: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Time Commitment: Sign up for a full week of camp at a time either all mornings, all afternoons or full days!
- March Break Camp – APPLICATIONS WILL REOPEN IN FALL 2024
March Break Camp at TBG is an excellent opportunity for high school students to gain over half of their 40 volunteer hour requirements in less than a week!
Dates: March 10 to 14, 2025
Shift: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Welcome Desk
- Receptionist
We are looking for engaging new members to join our reception team who enjoy interacting with the public. Role descriptions are available upon request and full training with a focus on customer service skills is provided.
Dates: Weekdays or weekends starting early April
Shifts: Morning or afternoon shifts available (10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.)
QUESTIONS?
Please call our Volunteer Office at 416-397-4145 or tourguides@torontobotanicalgarden.ca
If you don’t see an opportunity that fits your skillset but feel you have something to contribute, please fill out and send in an application form. We’d love to hear from you!
WHAT DOES TBG LOOK FOR IN OUR VOLUNTEERS?
- Passion for gardening and the natural world
- Great people skills
- Respect and support for others
- Reliability and dependability
- Great attitude
INTERESTED IN JOINING THE TEAM?
If you are interested in volunteering with the Toronto Botanical Garden the next step is to complete and submit the volunteer application form on this website (or submit your resume). You will be invited to an interview to discuss volunteering in more detail and assess the best fit.
Comments are closed.