Jul

Help maintain a prize-winning collection

Smithsonian Gardens is looking for energetic plant enthusiasts to help maintain our Smithsonian Gardens Orchid Collection. Orchid Collection Volunteers will assist our horticulture staff with general tasks including routine plant care and cleaning of greenhouse areas. This position involves routine weeding, grooming and sanitizing as directed by collection horticulturists.

Bloomin gorchids in Smithsonian Greenhouse — Orchids in bloom at one of Smithsonian Gardens’ greenhouses in Suitland, Maryland. (Image courtesy Smithsonian Gardens.)

Smithsonian Gardens holds the third largest species-diverse orchid collection in the world. New acquisitions are carefully selected based on their display quality, educational value, beauty, rarity, and how they complement the present collection. Smithsonian Gardens Orchid Collection is an invaluable resource for scientific research, educational programs, and exhibitions.

If you have a passion for plants and an interest in learning more about them, we’d love to receive an application from you! No prior experience needed! Click here to see the full position description and to apply.

Even if you don’t have an interest, we would still love your help spreading the word about this opportunity. Please share the details above with any family, friends, neighbors, or colleagues who may be interested. Application deadline is July 31, 2022.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Museum Specialist Paula Healy and horticulturist Shannon Hill contributed to this post. Smithsonian Gardens’ Greenhouse Facility is located in Suitland, Md., and has 14 state-of-the-art greenhouses, four of which house our prized Orchid Collection.