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Become a Docent at the UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley!
Details
Description
Do you remember the first time you experienced the wonder of the natural world? The first time you touched tree rings and understood they represented years of growth? The first time you observed a bee gathering pollen? The first time you saw a seed sprout?
If you enjoy helping others find inspiration in plants and the outdoors, become a UC Botanical Garden Docent!
The UC Botanical Garden is a living museum of plants that serves a wide audience. Our docents provide memorable and exciting learning experiences for small groups of school children and the general public year-round by leading interactive, engaging tours of our museum. Trainees gradually build up their plant knowledge and touring skills throughout the course, which is designed for all levels of plant knowledge. You do not need to be an expert!
Training is provided by the Garden's expert staff, experienced docents, and by specialists from UC Berkeley and the community. Continuing education opportunities are also available throughout the year for all docents.
Please click here for a full position description for this role.
Logistics:
The 2026 Docent Training program will last for 14 weeks and will meet on Tuesday afternoons from 12 pm to 3 pm at the Garden. The 2026 Training will run from February 3rd, 2026 to April 28th, 2026. Additional time in April will be spent shadowing experienced docents leading tours. Docents will graduate from the training in early May. In order to lead tours independently, trainees will be evaluated for readiness.
Application:
To apply for our docent program, click here. We will conduct interviews and make selections in early January for a program start date in February. Successful applicants will enjoy working with school-age children, working with the general public, and have a love of teaching in a non-traditional setting.
Volunteer Commitment:
Volunteer Docents are asked to commit at least two years of service to the Garden upon successful completion of the training. Docents are expected to lead at least 20 tours a year.
Tour demand fluctuates seasonally. Our busiest months are typically October, November, April, and May. Tours are offered every day EXCEPT Tuesdays, with the highest need being youth groups on weekday mornings.
Cost:
Due to the extensive nature of this training, we do charge a fee to become a docent. If cost is a barrier for you, please let us know in your application as we do have limited scholarships available. 2026 fees are:
- $375 non-member (includes 1-year individual membership)
- $300 UCBG Member
Limited scholarships available. Please indicate your need in your application.
Location
Directions
Parking:
The University parking lot across from the Garden entrance has limited spaces. Parking is not guaranteed. In the event that no parking is available, you will need to park in our overflow lot up the hill at the Lawrence Hall of Science and take the Hill Shuttle down to the Garden. The shuttle runs every 30 minutes and is free between the Hall and the Garden.
Parking in our lot or at the Lawrence lot is $1.50 per hour, using a license plate number, payable via lot machine (no change given) or Pay By Phone app.
Public Transportation:
Campus Shuttles run Monday–Friday (no weekend or holiday service):
- The H (Hill) Line Shuttle: The Hill shuttle leaves from the UC Berkeley campus at the Hearst Mining Circle, stops at Strawberry Canyon Recreational Area/Witter Parking lot, then the Botanical Garden, continuing to the Lawrence Hall of Science, and then looping back downhill.
- From campus, the shuttle costs $1 for the general public, free with Cal ID.
From Downtown Berkeley Bart:
- Take the Campus Perimeter Shuttle from the Downtown Berkeley BART Station (Shattuck Avenue @ Addison Street) in downtown Berkeley to Hearst Mining Circle.
- At the Hearst Mining Circle transfer to the H (Hill) Line Shuttle which brings you directly to the Botanical Garden.
- Each shuttle costs $1 for general public, free with Cal ID.
How to Volunteer for This Opportunity
To apply for our docent program, click here. We will conduct interviews and make selections in early January for a program start date in February. Successful applicants will enjoy working with school-age children, working with the general public, and have a love of teaching in a non-traditional setting.
Please click here for a full position description for this role.
