Jobs & Volunteering

Volunteering at Longwood Gardens builds social and professional contacts, increases knowledge and skills, and adds to personal growth. You will become a part of the organization and represent Longwood Gardens to hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.

Volunteers play a key role in the success of our programs and in the comfort and experience of our visitors. Currently, over 860 Volunteers are assisting in almost every facet of the Gardens' operations. These Volunteers contributed more than 47,758 hours of service in 2010.

Volunteers will, in turn, contribute new and often unique skills, ideas, and experience to the organization; Longwood staff will benefit both professionally and personally through their interactions with our Volunteers.

Click here to view our current list of Volunteering Opportunities.

View our volunteer calendars.

Volunteers may expect Longwood Gardens to provide:

• An orientation session that includes receipt of the Volunteer Information Manual
• Training and effective supervision
• Equipment and materials necessary for the job
• A safe and appreciative work environment
• Opportunities for learning
• Evaluation and feedback on performance
• Recognition for volunteer hours and years of service
• A description of available opportunities

Volunteers are asked to:

• Select a position appropriate to their interests, and abilities
• Develop a dependable schedule
• Attend an orientation session and applicable training opportunities 
• Purchase safety shoes if required for the position
• Read and follow the Volunteer Information Manual
• Support Longwood's mission, principles, planning, vision, and policies
• Work a minimum of 30 hours each year
• Effectively represent Longwood Gardens on- and off-site
• Stay informed regarding changes in policies and programs

Volunteers who contribute 30 hours of service annually are considered active. They will receive on an annual basis: 

• Free admission to Longwood Gardens every day of the year
• Ten (10) complimentary admission tickets per year
• A discount in the Terrace Restaurant for the Volunteer and accompanying dependents
  Café – 50% discount
  1906 (Full Service Restaurant) – 10% discount
  Special Buffets – Volunteers receive the Member rate
  To receive the discount show your Longwood Gardens Volunteer Identification Card to the cashier or server.
• A 10% discount on most items in the Gardens Shop
• Discount on Fireworks & Fountains tickets
• Reduced admission fees to Continuing Education courses (when space is available)
• Subscription to the Longwood Chimes, Longwood’s quarterly, in-house newsletter
• Invitations to special Volunteer events and Longwood functions
• Longwood’s Shirt Shop purchase privileges
• Use of Longwood Library for horticultural research and book check out
• Recognition for hours and years of service
• Attention of Volunteer Coordinator and correspondence about Volunteer activities
• Longwood organizational orientation sessions
• Safety equipment, tools, and training
• Injury and Accident Insurance