Volunteers are the heart of the Selby Gardens and play a vital role in our mission of research, conservation, and horticultural display. Outnumbering staff by more than 15 to 1, volunteers add the equivalent of more than 20 full-time workers to the Selby workforce each year. They continually tell us that they get back much more than they give: new friends, new interests, and opportunities to learn and grow in some of Sarasota’s most beautiful surroundings.
Volunteer Benefits
- Training and special educational opportunities
- Invitations to Selby Gardens Volunteer events including the Annual Volunteer Recognition, lectures, an annual potluck luncheon, and more
- 10% discount at The Selby House Cafe and Garden Shop
Active Volunteers
To see your information on VOLGISTICS, please click the button below and sign in using your email address and password.
If you are interested in volunteering with Selby Gardens please fill out the following application:
Typical Volunteer Positions
Museum Docent: Volunteers will share their knowledge of art, various exhibitions, and history of Payne house with visitors to the Museum of Botany & the Arts.
Tour and Display House Guides: Tour guides and Display House guides share knowledge about the Gardens, the Selby Gardens’ legacy, and horticultural displays.
Welcome Center: Volunteers will welcome guests and provide campus maps, as well as provide detailed campus information.
Ask Me Cart Guide: Volunteers will spend time outdoors providing information about the gardens and answering visitor questions.
School Group Guide: Guide groups through the Gardens and Display House and assist with special programs formulated for groups from schools.
Display Plants Inventory Assistants: Volunteers will be responsible for helping updating records on display plants’ locations throughout the Gardens.
Kids Corner Volunteers and Children’s Rainforest Garden Teen Volunteers: Volunteers will help young visitors find books and puzzles, read stories, look through microscopes, and more.
Walk & Talk Guides: Volunteers will perform half-hour mini-tours throughout the Gardens.
Horticulture Assistant: Volunteers will assist Horticulture team who is responsible for the care of our plant collection and grounds.
Special Events Volunteers: Volunteers will guide visitors, answer questions, assist with production and much more during Special Events.
Teen Camp Counselor: Camp counselors will be engaged for four weeks for preparation, camp itself, and break down. Counselors should have camp experience, enjoy children, be self-directed, and enjoy nature.
Interested in Volunteering?
Thanks for your interest!
Please fill out a Volunteer Application here.
Volunteers must attend a virtual Volunteer Orientation before you can begin at the Gardens for any position.
After orientation, if you would like to join our organization, you will have a one-on-one interview to determine your skills and interests and to find the perfect volunteer spot for you.
