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Interns & Volunteers
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Volunteers Make a Difference
From helping with weeding and raking,
to researching plants and counting seeds, we have lots of volunteer
opportunities. Below is a complete list of options for where we
currently need help.
 Horticulture
Volunteer Jobs
Conservation
Volunteer Jobs
Education Volunteer Jobs
Administrative Volunteer Jobs
The Benefits
The top 3 reasons why our volunteers enjoy
helping us:
1. A sense of accomplishment
Whether it is a neatly raked path, a well-written brochure, a well-run
class, or a new accession to our seed vault, you've helped us accomplish
something we'd have not been able to do without you.
2. Friendship
Bring a friend, or meet new ones here here - we always have a good
time.
3. Learning
Learn something new: how to maintain a garden, how to grow a plant
from a cutting, the life-story of a rare plant and more. Satisfy
all of your plant interests.
Horticulture Volunteers
Help us care for the garden
The Berry Botanic Garden's lovely, mature estate garden is multilayered,
from the towering Douglas firs to the tiny alpine wildflowers. Almost
every gardener will find appealing plants here. Our horticulture
program offers numerous opportunities to volunteers for expanding
your knowledge and experience.
Attention High Stress Job Holders
Are you in the medical field or some other major
stress producing career? Are you getting way too STRESSED OUT? Do
you live in a townhouse, condo or apartment and have no place outdoors
to reconnect with nature and let the stress evaporate like the morning
dew on a putting green?
Well we have a way to help you relax. And it is FREE!
Come volunteer at The Berry Botanic Garden and spend a relaxing
half day getting some much needed decompression time. A few hours
pruning, weeding, raking paths, taking photographs, transplanting
and other hands on activities will help you relax and feel much
more centered. Nice thing is that most plants won’t complain about
anything, though the carnivorous ones might get a bit testy if not
fed.
We teach you the skills and techniques you will need. If interested,
call: Scott, (503) 636-4112 ext. 101.
Plant Records Collector/Updater
If interested, call: Scott, (503) 636-4112 ext. 101
Description: Collect, verify and
input data into spreadsheets/databases on plants that are being
grown in the nursery or being added to the collection. Assist with
online or library research for missing or incomplete information.
We also have opportunities for you to work on the research and records
from home if you are unable to come in regularly.
Requirements: A comfort using computers,
working knowledge of Excel Spreadsheets or Access database. Great
attention to detail and accuracy. An interest in plant facts and
information gathering is a plus.
Benefits: From research, data entry and
verification you will learn a great deal about the plants and have
the satisfaction of working on a vital part of botanical garden
work.
Gardener "on call"
If interested, call: Scott, (503) 636-4112 ext. 101
Description: Your job is sort
of like an EMT, on call for those days when we just need an extra
pair of hands. But different, for you can always just say, "Nope,
not today, too rainy."
Requirements: A willingness to be called
for last minute help in the garden_-for example, to clean up when
a tree has fallen.
Benefits: You'll be hugely appreciated,
and you'll not only know when we're doing exciting (even historic)
stuff, you'll get to help out!
Volunteer Gardener
If interested, call: Scott, (503) 636-4112 ext. 101
Description:We need help with
all aspects of gardening—weeding, pruning, physical work such
as path maintenance and transplanting. There are opportunities for
independent projects as well.
Requirements: An ability to work independently
outside in the garden.
Benefits: Work outside at your own pace,
and gain a deeper understanding of this garden treasure. Enhance
your knowledge and understanding of gardening in general. It's much
more fun than a treadmill at the gym!
Greenhouse Volunteer
If interested, call: Courtney, (503) 636-4112 ext. 105
Description:Assist horticulture
staff. Grow new plants from seeds, cuttings, divisions. Help with
transplanting, record keeping, seed collecting and cleaning, and
maintaining the greenhouse and nursery areas (watering, weeding,
organizing). Opportunities for independent projects also exist.
Requirements: A regular commitment to
Monday, 9am-noon.
Benefits: Share plant knowledge and practice
propagation skills. Have the satisfaction of watching a plant you've
grown from seed become large enough to sell at our sale or plant
out in our garden. Greenhouse volunteers often get to take home
extra plants for their own gardens.
Pruning Crew
If interested, call: Scott, (503) 636-4112 ext. 101
Description:Assist garden staff
with pruning of various shrubs and trees. No high ladder or chainsaw
work. We will work outside in nice to slightly messy weather from
December through September.
Requirements: Ability to learn and work
with others outdoors. Some experience with pruning desirable (though
we will train you), your own tools & gloves if you have favorites
(we have some here) and appropriate clothes and footwear for working
outside for several hours. In addition to the opportunity for regular
(weekly or monthly) volunteering, we may also call upon you, about
a week in advance, for occasional help on weekdays and weekends,
for specific larger pruning projects depending on the weather.
Benefits: Learn more about proper pruning
and plant maintenance and get in a great upper body workout! You
get to work with other gardening enthusiasts, learn a great deal
about plants and help us restore the vigor and structure of the
BBG garden. Highly therapeutic and stress relieving.
Rhododendron Renovation Crew
If interested, call: Scott, (503) 636-4112 ext. 101
Description: Assist garden staff
with caring for the extensive and mature Rhododendron Forest and
plantings. Primarily working on pruning to thin canopy, dead wood
removal and rejuvenation pruning.
Requirements: Ability to learn and work
safely. While some experience with pruning is desirable, we will
train you. Please bring your own tools & gloves if you have
them (we have some here) and appropriate clothes and footwear for
working outside and on short ladders for several hours. This winter
we will be pruning on cold, dry, sometimes sunny days. Short notice
flexibility is a plus.
Benefits: Learn from Executive Director
Scott Vergara, how to deal with overgrown rhododendrons, dealing
with dead and diseased branches and the secrets to more flowers.
Winter is an excellent time to learn and work on the rhododendron
collection.
High School Students!
Many high schoolers must have community service hours to graduate.
Our Gardener would be delighted to work with students in the Garden
to meet these requirements! (It's amazing how fast a morning goes
by in this peaceful setting!)
If interested, call: Scott, (503) 636-4112 ext. 101
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Conservation
Conservation volunteers help save our
region's flora!
While volunteering for us, you will learn about rare and endangered
plants and how they are protected. Get involved in plant conservation
efforts! Below is a description of specific volunteering opportunities.
Contact Andrea Raven, 503-636-4112 ext. 104
andrea.raven@berrybot.org
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Seed Banker at work
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Seed Banker
If interested, call: Andrea, (503) 636-4112 ext. 104,
or email:
andrea.raven@berrybot.org
Description: Assist with all phases of
our seed banking program. These seeds are of rare and endangered
plants of the region!
Requirements: A keen attention to detail,
good eyesight, reasonable dexterity, and neat handwriting.
Benefits: Gain experience in the curation
of a priceless scientific collection, while supporting our conservation
mission.
Seed Germinator
If interested, call: Andrea, (503) 636-4112 ext. 104,
or email:
andrea.raven@berrybot.org
Description: Assist with studies exploring
what it takes for native plant seeds to germinate.
Requirements: A keen attention to detail,
good eyesight and neat handwriting.
Benefits: Gain experience in scientific
methods while also enjoying the company of others on the volunteer
conservation team.
Record Keeper
If interested, call: Andrea, (503) 636-4112 ext. 104,
or email:
andrea.raven@berrybot.org
Description: Assist with keeping computer
records up to date for the rare and endangered species in our seed
bank.
Requirements: A working knowledge of
Microsoft Excel and attention to detail.
Benefits: Gain experience in computer
documentation and contribute to the conservation of our region's
rarest plants.
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Education Volunteers
Education Volunteers learn about
plants and gardening!
Plant Detective
If interested, call: Kris, (503) 636-4112 ext. 102,
or email:
register@berrybot.org
Description: Use our garden resources
(our library, volunteers, staff and the internet) to find the stories
behind the plant labels. Distill the information into an interpretive
sign that will be added to our new self-guided tour.
Requirements: A curiosity about plants
and tenacious desire to hunt down clues. An ability to translate
dry botanical or horticultural information into something a visitor
will enjoy reading.
Benefits: Learn about our garden and plants
in general, while making this place more approachable to those of
us who aren’t so well-versed in the lingo.
Librarian
If interested, call: Kris, (503) 636-4112 ext. 102,
or email:
register@berrybot.org
Description: Our small library needs
a librarian! It hasn’t had proper attention for 2 years, and
we would like to create an electronic catalog of our books and periodicals.
Requirements: Commitment to one day per
week at the Garden. Library experience and ability to work with
a computer database.
Benefits: You’ll experience the satisfaction
of bringing order to mild chaos and the company and gratitude of
pleasant plant people. A weekly visit to a beautiful garden and
many opportunities to learn more about plants and gardening.
Administrative and Visitor Services Assistant
URGENT
If interested, call: Kris, (503) 636-4112 ext. 102,
or email:
register@berrybot.org
Description: Running a non-profit garden
requires more than just gardening. Learn the inner workings of our
organization while enjoying the relaxing, beautiful setting. Help
out with a wide variety of office tasks, as well as serving as receptionist
for garden visitors.
Requirements: An ability to commit to
a regular schedule, at least 4 hrs/week. Attention to detail necessary,
some computer ability a plus.
Benefits: Serene environment, genial
staff and volunteers, increased understanding of gardening and non-profit
operations.
Garden Guide
If interested, call: Kris, (503) 636-4112 ext. 102,
or email:
register@berrybot.org
Description: Lead groups, on an “on call
basis” through the garden on interactive, thematic tours.
Requirements: An outgoing nature, love
of plants, and a short training program.
Benefits: Visit the garden and discover
what’s happening; share your plant knowledge and enthusiasm for
this wonderful place.
Garden Blooms Assistant
If interested, call: Kris, (503) 636-4112 ext. 102,
or email:
register@berrybot.org
Description: Every month, create a small
display of plants that are of current interest in the garden. Create
labels with captions so visitors will have an idea of what to look
for on their stroll.
Requirements: A commitment to help on
a regular basis; an interest in learning about the garden.
Benefits: Enjoy visiting the garden throughout
the seasons to help make it a more visitor-friendly place.
Class Hospitality Assistant
If interested, call: Kris, (503) 636-4112 ext. 102,
or email:
register@berrybot.org
Description: Be an extra set of hands
in the “rush” before a class, helping to make coffee, park cars,
etc. Take the class, helping out as needed. Afterward, assist with
clean-up.
Requirements: Ability to be at The BBG
approximately 1 hour before the class begins, ease around a kitchen
for tasks such as making coffee and serving goodies, and a cheerful
nature.
Benefits: Free admission to the class (some
have an addional supply fee), while helping us achieve our educational mission.
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Administrative Volunteers
Administrative and Visitor Services Assistant
URGENT
If interested, call: Kris, (503) 636-4112 ext. 102,
or email:
register@berrybot.org
Description: Running a non-profit garden
requires more than just gardening. Learn the inner workings of our
organization while enjoying the relaxing, beautiful setting. Help
out with a wide variety of office tasks, as well as serving as receptionist
for garden visitors.
Requirements: An ability to commit to
a regular schedule, at least 4 hrs/week. Attention to detail necessary,
some computer ability a plus.
Benefits: Serene environment, genial
staff and volunteers, increased understanding of gardening and non-profit
operations.
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