Volunteer with McKee
Be Part of Something Beautiful.
Volunteers are the heart of McKee Botanical Garden, helping us preserve a historic treasure and inspire thousands of visitors each year. By sharing your time, skills, and passions, you’ll play a vital role in advancing our mission of the education, enjoyment, and enrichment of all who visit McKee. Join our community of like-minded nature enthusiasts and make a difference that grows far beyond the Garden gates.
If you are interested in volunteering, please call the McKee office to set up an appointment to discuss your interests and/or complete the attached volunteer application. We will be able to assess our current needs with your qualifications and find the perfect “match.” Please download our Volunteer flyer.
Opportunities
- Garden Tour Guide
- Garden Greeter/ Roving Guide
- Mailings
- Summer Camp
- Children’s Activities/Education
- Office Volunteer
Benefits of Volunteering
- Personal enrichment and satisfaction
- On the job training (depending on position)
- 10% discount on purchases made in the Gift Shop
- Free class registration if space is available
- Annual appreciation luncheon (for 20+ hours in a calendar year.
- Complimentary JUNGLE LIGHTS admission on preview evening
How to Become a McKee Volunteer
Getting started is easy! The first step is to complete a Volunteer Application, which also includes a background check. Once that’s done, we’ll schedule a friendly interview where you can share your interests, skills, and availability. Together, we’ll explore the ways you might enjoy helping, and based on both your preferences and the Garden’s current needs, we’ll propose a placement that feels like the right fit.
Whether you’re available just once in a while to help with special events, or you’d like to spend a few hours each week in a regular role, we’d love to have you on our team. Indoors or outdoors, during the busy season or the summer months, every contribution is important—and every volunteer makes a big difference in helping McKee thrive.
For more information, contact Cazz Castle, Volunteer Coordinator
772-794-0601 ext 113 or ccastle@mckeegarden.org
Position Description
Garden Guide
This position is for individuals who enjoy meeting the public and requires a commitment for taking visitors (groups) through the Garden at prearranged times. Guides should be familiar with the Garden history, horticulture and enjoy sharing that knowledge with the public. Guides should be comfortable talking in front of groups of 15-20 people.
Varied
Attend a one-day Garden Guide training class, shadow an experienced Guide 2-3 times and review the Garden Guide Training Manual (provided by McKee).
Garden uniform required (McKee Shirt, Tan Bottoms). Comfortable shoes suggested and name tag must be worn at all times.
Greeter
Individuals in this position should enjoy meeting and speaking with the public. Duties include but are not limited to: greeting guests, answering visitor’s questions and giving directions.
Varied
General volunteer orientation.
Garden uniform required (McKee Shirt, Tan Bottoms). Comfortable shoes suggested and name tag.
Grounds Volunteer
Grounds volunteers help take care of the Garden and the plants in it. Most work is in the Garden, Greenhouse or Nursery. Tasks include watering, weeding, pruning, fertilizing, potting, clearing, planting and algae control.
Mornings, typically 8 am- 11am.
Willingness to work in outdoor setting, ability to take directions and share garden knowledge, and good observation skills.
Outdoors, can be hot, dirty work. Volunteers are asked to bring their own pruners, water bottle, gloves, hat and sun block.
Clothing appropriate to working conditions. Sturdy shoes, gloves, hat, sun block and mosquito repellent, as needed.
Building Maintenance Volunteer
Assist with upkeep and maintenance of buildings and site.
Varied
Willingness to work in outdoor setting, ability to take directions and share knowledge, and good observation skills.
Outdoors, can be hot, physical work.
Clothing appropriate to working conditions. Sturdy shoes, gloves, hat and sun block as needed.
Garden Guide
This position is for individuals who enjoy meeting the public and requires a commitment for taking visitors (groups) through the Garden at prearranged times. Guides should be familiar with the Garden history, horticulture and enjoy sharing that knowledge with the public. Guides should be comfortable talking in front of groups of 15-20 people.
Varied
Attend a one-day Garden Guide training class, shadow an experienced Guide 2-3 times and review the Garden Guide Training Manual (provided by McKee).
Garden uniform required (McKee Shirt, Tan Bottoms). Comfortable shoes suggested and name tag must be worn at all times.
Children's Activities
This position enjoys working with children. Background checks and fingerprint screen is required for assisting with Camps.
Weekly Programs, Craft tables, Special Events, Summer Camp and assisting with behind-the-scenes preparations.
General Volunteer Orientation. Special meetings are required for Summer Camp volunteers.
Comfortable clothing and closed toed shoes. McKee t-shirts and solid color bottoms. Name tag.
Special Events
Various opportunities for events throughout the year including the Magic of McKee Festival of Lights, the Annual Motor Car Exhibition, Gardenfest, and the Annual Waterlily Celebration.
Varied
General Volunteer Orientation.
Garden uniform required (McKee Shirt, Tan Bottoms). Comfortable shoes suggested and name tag.