Volunteer Opportunities
Please check back often, this information is updated regularly.
Guiding Tours
Ongoing
Guides lead tours of the Garden for members of the public, vacation groups, seniors groups, school groups, and more. Guides complete the Introductory Guide Training course and work with a mentor before leading tours on their own.
“I choose to be a guide because I love the Garden and wanted to share its serenity with others and let the world know there is this peaceful place that they can come to in this chaotic world we live in.”
The Introductory Guide Training course takes place over several sessions. You will receive a Guide Training Manual before training begins. This course is designed to provide you with the information and tools to lead a basic, 45-minute tour of the Garden. Once you are certified as a Garden Guide, you will have the opportunity to lead tours throughout the year.
“It's a chance for me to give back to the place I enjoy most in Portland. I also wanted to learn more about Japanese garden design and culture. I like meeting people from all over the U.S. and world on my tours.”
We will offer additional opportunities to train as a Guide later in 2010. To
participate in future courses, please complete the 
2010 Guide Application and return it to our Volunteer Coordinator Stephanie
Moss. For more information, you can contact Stephanie at (503) 223-9233 or smoss@japanesegarden.com.
Volunteer Shifts
Varies by assignment
Requirements
- Ability to walk the entire tour through each of the gardens over the course of about an hour, rain or shine
- Ability to work independently
- Commitment to learning about the Garden
- Willingness to participate in ongoing training opportunities
- Enjoy speaking with diverse people
- Commitment to lead at least ten tours in the first year as a Guide
- Garden members only
Volunteer Orientation
Wednesday, March 10 (repeated June 3, September 12)
10:30am-Noon in the Garden Pavilion
Free, reservations requested
Contact smoss @ japanesegarden.com or (503) 223-9233
Do you want to learn more about how you can become involved at the Garden? Veteran volunteers and Volunteer Coordinator Stephanie Moss will join you at the Volunteer Orientation where they will share their experiences, answer questions, and advise you on upcoming upcoming volunteer opportunities at the Garden.
Horticultural Support Volunteer Orientation
Wednesday, March 31
1-3pm in the Garden Pavilion
Free, reservations requested
Contact smoss @ japanesegarden.com or (503) 223-9233
The volunteer Horticultural Support Team is extending the reach of our staff Gardeners. With 5.5 acres to maintain, there is always something to do. These volunteers help with a wide variety of projects. They trim off spent flowers (deadheading), clean the ground underneath azaleas, cut back ivy, skimmed waterways, remove weeds, and more. The volunteers bring a range of experience. Director of Grounds Maintenance Virginia Harmon interviews each volunteer to allow her to match the right tasks to each volunteer.
The Garden invites both veteran horticulture support volunteers and potential volunteers who would like to apply to join us for our Horticulture Support Orientation on March 31. We'll have a chance to get to know one another and discuss the policies and procedures that allow this program to operate. Director of Grounds Maintenance Virginia Harmon, staff gardeners, and Volunteer Coordinator Stephanie Moss will be available to answer your questions.
Please note: All new volunteers will be asked to complete a
2010 Volunteer Application in advance of the meeting.
Volunteer Shifts
Varies by assignment
Requirements
- Comfortable sitting and standing for sustained periods of time
- Work clothes and footwear that are appropriate for the weather and outdoor gardening
- Ability to work both in a team and independently
- Willingness to learn and follow directions
- Garden members only
More Information/Sign Up
All volunteers receive free admission to the Garden for the shift. For more information or to sign up for a shift, please contact Stephanie Moss, Volunteer Coordinator, at (503) 223-9233 or smoss @ japanesegarden.com.
