Volunteer

Volunteens – FULL FOR 2024

Hershey Gardens is excited to offer its summer Volunteen program for youth between the ages of 12 and 16. In this program, volunteers assist with a variety of gardening tasks, educational initiatives and guest services. Activities include helping guests explore nature, assisting with crafts, special programs and gardening work. Teens that participate in the summer program are also invited to help with events, programs and gardening activities throughout the year.

Applications are accepted until positions are filled. Virtual interviews will begin on a rolling basis in January.

The 2024 summer program begins with a required orientation; teens may select between Monday, June 10 or Wednesday, June 12 from 9 a.m. – Noon.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Facilitate science and nature activities with children
• Gardening work; following the instructions from Gardens staff
• Help create a fun and educational environment for guests

Requirements/Expectations:

• Must be 12-16 years old
• Able to work independently or with a team

Time required:

• Minimum of 24 hours from June 10 to August 16.
• Shifts are available Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Full for 2024

Butterfly Atrium Flight Attendants

Come join our team of Butterfly volunteers at the Milton & Catherine Hershey Conservatory Butterfly Atrium! Share your interest in butterflies, plants and the natural world with visitors. The Atrium features hundreds of butterflies and moths from all over the world flying in a tropical oasis.

Butterfly Atrium volunteers are vital in engaging the curiosity of our visitors. You can inspire conversations and be a guide into the world of butterflies and plants.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Work with live tropical butterflies from all over the world
• Spark visitor curiosity through engaging interactions
• Lead school groups on an exciting journey of discovery
• Encouraging visitors to get a closer look with live insect handling
• Maintaining a safe environment for both visitors and butterflies

Requirements/Expectations: 

• Friendly, curious and reliable individuals
• Knowledge of butterflies or tropical plants is helpful, but not required
• Must attend required training session and continuing education programs
• Standing for an extended period of time is likely
• Be able to work in a warm and humid environment
• Must pass background investigation
• Must be at least 18 years old

Time Required: 

• Minimum of two 4-hour shifts per month
• A one- year commitment to volunteer

Apply Today

Gardening Volunteers

Get outside and get your hands dirty in a beautiful and historic setting! Gardening volunteers assist staff with planting, weeding, trimming of annuals and perennials – and even pumpkin carving! Work with your fellow gardeners and earn deserved pride for your role in creating beautiful gardens for visitors from around the world.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Duties vary throughout the year
• Opportunities to help with grounds repair and upkeep
• Opportunity to train for conservatory plant care

Requirements/Expectations: 

• Knowledge of gardening is helpful, but not required
• Training will be provided
• Must pass background investigation
• Must be at least 18 years old

Time Required: 

• Volunteer days are March through December
• Hours: 9:30 a.m. to noon

Apply Today

Garden Tour Guides

Volunteers conduct guided walking tours and mini specialty tours as well as participate in informative table talks and guest engagement throughout the Gardens. The one-mile walking tour along the Gardens’ pathways visits each of the 11 themed gardens providing our guests with an engaging and memorable experience. Tours are based on a script and training is provided. As a Hershey Gardens tour guide, you will have the opportunity to interact with a variety of interested groups and share the living legacy of Milton Hershey and Hershey Gardens.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Guide groups around a one-mile loop of the Gardens while presenting historical and horticultural information
• Answer questions and interact with guests in a variety of ways to create a unique and memorable experience

Requirements/Expectations:

• Must be 18 years or older
• Able to walk at least one mile in a variety of weather conditions, including heat, rain, etc.
• Must attend the required training sessions
• Must pass a background investigation

Time required:

• Minimum commitment of five activities per year.

Apply Today

School Programs Volunteers

Help our education staff inspire school groups with the wonders of the natural world. Assist our staff by leading or co-leading hands-on education stations. As a school programs volunteer, you will play a vital role in fulfilling Hershey Gardens’ educational mission.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Work with children of various ages teaching topics such as gardening and butterflies
• Assist with the arrival and flow of school groups
• Facilitate set-up and breakdown of classroom stations
• Qualified volunteers will teach 20-minute nature and science programs for grades K-5

Requirements/Expectations: 

• Must be at 18 years or older
• Must attend required training session and continuing education programs
• Must pass background investigation

Time Required: 

• Two to four hours per week

Apply Today

Special Events Volunteer

Want to be a part of the Hershey community and help the gardens grow but can’t make a regular commitment?  Become a special events volunteer! Special events volunteers assist staff during our fun and festive events. 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Duties will vary with each event
• Having a musical. dance or theatre background is a plus

Requirements/Expectations: 

• Enthusiastic, outgoing individuals, who enjoy working with the public
• Ability to adjust to changes in event responsibilities
• Must be willing to help in all weather conditions
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must attend required training session and continuing education programs
• Must pass background investigation

Time Required: 

• Hours vary per event

Apply Today