Welcome!
You’re in the right place to apply for volunteer opportunities with the Seattle Japanese Garden.
Grow with us!
Thank you for your interest in volunteering for the Seattle Japanese Garden! We look forward to meeting you and appreciate your support for this special place!
Events
Every year, with the help of amazing volunteers, the Seattle Japanese Garden is able to offer public festivals and programs with rich cultural and educational opportunities. From staffing arts and craft tables, to setting up for tea service, to moving canopies and chairs, we need many hands to make these days enjoyable for visitors of all ages.
There are no long term commitments or prerequisites to support us as an event volunteer. Shifts are available on weekdays, evenings, and weekends.
Garden Monitors
Crowds at the Garden can grow quite large during the high-season and some of our events. Garden Monitors peacefully walk the Garden and interface with the public to ensure the safety of guests and wellbeing of our plant collection.
Garden Guides
Guides are the interpretive storytellers of our garden. They impart knowledge about the garden's history, elements and aesthetics to visitors. In addition to leading 45-60 minute public or private tours, guides are sometimes stationed in key locations to answer visitors' questions, especially during festival days. There is a 2-tours a month commitment for this program. Most tours take place at 11:00am and 1:00pm Tuesday through Friday, and 1pm on 1st Saturday of each month.
Guides receive classes, specialized training, and mentoring before leading tours. Guide training is held biennially, with the next training expected in Spring 2025. If you would like to be notified about the next guide training class, please fill out the form below.
Why Volunteer With Us?
The community and social benefits of volunteering are immense. You can meet new people, find a sense of belonging, and grow your skills while contributing to conservation and supporting a meaningful community asset.
As a volunteer, you may:
- Gain experience and learn new skills
- Receive a 10% discount in the Arboretum Gift Shop
- Enjoy a free hot beverage during your shift
- Have the opportunity to earn a First Aid/CPR certification
- Activate a membership with Outdoor Prolink, providing discounts on hundreds of outdoor brands
- Request a letter of reference or documented professional volunteer experience, which can be especially valuable for students or people changing careers
When filling out an application select all programs that interest you. Some programs may not currently be placing new volunteers, but we’d still like to know about your interest.
