Do you want to help keep our Zoo beautiful? Volunteer with our horticulture team to plant flowers, maintain gardens, and more.
VOLUNTEER POSITION OVERVIEW
Botanical Gardener volunteers work closely with our horticulture team to maintain our botanical gardens. We have over 5 gardens with several unique plants all throughout the Zoo that attract pollinators and create a beautiful ambiance on grounds. Botanical Gardeners will assist in landscaping, gardening, invasive plant removals, and more. This is the perfect volunteer program if you enjoy working outdoors, plants, and beautifying our Zoo!
Duties
Participate in gardening tasks like weeding, mulching, raking, pruning, watering, trimming, planting, plant removal, assist in propagation, and more.
Work in our gardens outdoors with frequent direct sunlight.
Work directly with our horticulturists.
Engage with guests to educate about our botanical gardens.
Monitor guest interactions and enforce Zoo policies to keep animals and guests safe.
Training Sessions
We continuously onboard Botanical Gardener volunteers throughout the year as needed. If your application is accepted, you will meet with the Horticulture team to receive initial training that covers safety protocols, our gardens, gardening resources, and receive tasks as assigned. You will also be required to complete Orientation with the Volunteer Services team before completing your training and receiving full acceptance to be a Botanical Gardener.
Requirements
Minimum 18 years old.
Pay a $40 training fee for onboarding materials and uniform.
If this fee creates a financial hardship, please contact us for assistance.
Must be able to commit to volunteering 50 hours annually.
Must successfully pass a background check.
Must be able to tolerate Florida’s weather conditions.
May be asked to lift and/or move 25-50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 70 pounds, and stand for long periods of time. The volunteer is frequently required to use hands and fingers to handle, reach or feel and manipulate objects, tools or controls. The volunteer is frequently required to sit, walk distances, climb, balance, stoop, bend, kneel, and crouch.
Must successfully complete an introductory period.
Receive and understand directions/instructions verbally, written, and audio.
Ability to learn and retain plant information in an effective manner.
Excellent communication and teamwork skills are necessary.
Abide by policies in the Volunteer Handbook.
If you are interested in becoming a Botanical Gardener at Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, please fill out this application. Once you complete the form, click the Submit button at the bottom.
