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Smithsonian Gardens Research and Support Volunteers
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Description
Do you love organizing information or conducting research? Do you enjoy crafts or being creative? If you said yes to one or more of these items, then becoming a research and support volunteer at Smithsonian Gardens might be just for you. Volunteers use online catalogs to find materials for exhibitions and public programs; they help respond to researcher inquiries, and they prepare materials for events.
Applications for this opportunity are due on or before February 19, 2026.
Who are we looking for?
Seeking detail-oriented individuals, 18 years or older, who are interested in supporting museum functions.
Commitment: Applicants must commit to serving at least one 3-4 hour shift per week. Both morning and afternoon shifts are available each weekday.
This opportunity does not offer weekend or evening shifts.
Where would you volunteer?
Volunteers help in the Smithsonian Gardens office space near the National Mall.
Qualifications and Training
- Volunteers must complete a Smithsonian background check
- Volunteers must complete all online Smithsonian Volunteer Training Requirements on Smithsonian's Volunteer Management System (Vsys) at vol.si.edu
How to Apply
To apply, applicants must register and submit an application online at Smithsonian's Volunteer Management System (Vsys) at vol.si.edu.
Links to the online application are included in the opportunity's description. Once you create a profile, you will be able to use the same application to apply for multiple opportunities. If you have a Vsys account, please verify that the information in your account is still up to date and correct. You can log in via vol.si.edu .
It is mandatory for all Smithsonian Volunteers to be registered in Vsys. When completing your Vsys application/ profile all the boxes in yellow are required.
Location
Smithsonian Gardens
How to Volunteer for This Opportunity
To apply, applicants must register and submit an application online at Smithsonian's Volunteer Management System (Vsys) at vol.si.edu.
Links to the online application are included in the opportunity's description. After creating a profile, applicants may apply for multiple opportunities. Volunteers who have already established a Vsys account should verify that the information in their account is up to date. To access Vsys, visit vol.si.edu.
All Smithsonian Volunteers must be registered in Vsys. Note, within the application yellow boxes indicate required information.
In the application, please provide:
- Phone (Primary) - cell phone
- Birthday - if you are uncomfortable listing your year of birth, please list birth year as 1901
Additional Information Required
Why do you want to be a Smithsonian Gardens volunteer?
What do you hope to gain and/or learn from the volunteer experience?
Other documents: resume is optional.
