Government
Published 9/1/25 8:00PM

Grounds and Gardens Assistant

On-site, Volunteer must be in or near North Chicago, IL
I Want to Volunteer


  • Details

    Available Times:
    Weekdays (daytime), Weekends (daytime)
    Commitment Details:
    Work generally at least one weekday from May through October with the possibility for additional days as needed/desired. Ideally a volunteer would work four hours per shift, between 6:30-10:00am.
    Recurrence:
    Recurring
    Volunteers Needed:
    2
    Cause Areas:
    Education, Environment & Sustainability, Veterans
    Participation Requirements:
    Driver’s License, Background Check, Attend Orientation
    Age Requirement:
    16+
    Other Requirements:
    NMAS will provide all tools, equipment, and supplies but personal supplies can be brought by volunteer within reason. All protective gear, such as goggles or work gloves will be provided.

    Description

    Grounds and Gardens Assistant

    The National Museum of the American Sailor is currently in need of a volunteer(s) to assist with special one-time and ongoing seasonal grounds maintenance and gardening projects. These skills directly tie into the museum’s mission by allowing the institution to achieve and maintain an excellent museum facility in line with professional museum standards.

    Role Responsibilities and Tasks

    • Maintain annual and perennial flower displays and container gardens directly surrounding the museum
    • Watering plants
    • Weeding and mulching
    • Trimming hedges and edging sidewalk
    • Collect and dispose of any stray garbage (within reason)

    Skills

    • Skills Required
      • Enjoy being outdoors
      • Ability to crouch, bend, and lift
      • Basic gardening knowledge
      • Able to use standard gardening equipment such as pruning shears, shovels, clippers, etc.
      • Attention to detail
      • Good communication skills
    • "Nice to Have" Skills
      • Knowledge of plant species and care
      • Garden design and plant selection
      • Volunteers looking for longer-term projects to beautify NMAS grounds

    Working Conditions

    • Work setting is outside Building 42, the home of the National Museum of the American Sailor.
    • NMAS will provide all tools, equipment, and supplies but personal supplies can be brought by volunteer within reason.
    • NMAS will provide any protective gear, such as goggles or work gloves.
    • Dress code is comfortable outdoor work clothes that cover arms and legs.
    • Volunteer must wear closed-toe shoes or boots.
    • Hat and sunscreen recommended.
    • Kneeling pad recommended.

    Schedule

    • Work generally at least one weekday from May through October with the possibility for additional days as needed/desired.
    • Work may occur on weekends for special events or one-time projects.
    • Four hours per shift. Museum can accommodate two hours per shift.
    • Most volunteers work from 6:30-10:00am.
    • Volunteer must be willing to make a three month commitment to this role.

    1 shift available:

    • The shift start/end times are only a range, hours are flexible but must be done in the morning.: 06:30 to 10:00 CST

    Location

    On-site
    2531 Sheridan Road, Building 42, North Chicago, Illinois, US
    Building 42

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