Ecological work opportunity: Botanical garden provides employment positions for volunteers
Beginning August 1, 2025, a twelve-month program will launch at an undisclosed botanical garden, offering school leavers an opportunity to learn about and practice ecologically-focused professions and environmental protection.
Volunteers will participate in various tasks within the garden, such as cultivating, registering, and labeling endangered plants, and contributing to the global seed exchange. This program covers the full spectrum of horticulture tasks, from sowing and potting to watering, fertilizing, weeding, pruning, and more. It includes instruction in ecologically responsible plant protection and many other relevant topics.
Several botanical gardens offer comparable programs aimed at providing participants with hands-on exposure to horticulture, ecology, and environmental protection. For example:
- The Huntington Botanical Garden offers seasonal internships focusing on hands-on training in nursery management and specialized horticultural techniques.
- The Chicago Botanic Garden has a 6-month apprenticeship program which combines classroom instruction with 12 weeks of paid work experience in sustainable urban agriculture, technical training, and professional development.
- The Seattle Interagency Academy offers 4-week summer programs that offer exposure to environmental organizations and leadership development in environmental careers.
Regardless of the specific program, volunteers and interns at botanical gardens can expect to engage in tasks such as plant care and propagation, garden maintenance, education and outreach, field work, professional development, community engagement, and leadership and facilitation. They will often be guided by experienced staff and have the opportunity for professional growth through mentorship.
While a 12-month career guidance program specifically designed for school leavers at a botanical garden in 2025 has not been confirmed, you can inquire with local or regional botanical gardens about available internships, apprenticeships, or leadership initiatives. Many programs are shorter in duration and may provide the opportunity for further involvement after the initial program.
In August 2025, the upcoming 12-month program at an unspecified botanical garden will facilitate school leavers' learning in environmental-science, providing hands-on experience in ecologically-focused professions and environmental protection. This comprehensive program, encompassing plant care, propagation, and education, will foster growth in science, horticulture, and environmental education and self-development.
