Volunteer with Us

Anderson Japanese Gardens is always looking for fun and high-energy volunteers

Anderson Japanese Gardens is always looking for fun, high-energy volunteers with a passion for the outdoors and Japanese culture to assist in its daily operations.  Our volunteers are a diverse group of dedicated individuals who bring a unique mix of personal experiences and professional backgrounds to create a dynamic team.

Volunteers serve as Garden Monitors, Tour Group Leaders, Office Assistants, and Gift Shop Volunteers.  Volunteers are asked to commit to at least two, four-hour shifts per month during the open season (May-October).  Training is provided and team outings and social events are scheduled year-round.

Click the following links below for more information, or contact Anderson Gardens at tours@andersongardens.org  or 815.316-3354.

Ready to make a difference?  Download the application HERE.

Garden Monitor
Garden Monitors hold a crucial role at Anderson Japanese Gardens.  These volunteers help guide guests through the Gardens, answer questions  and share the Gardens’ history,  and keep the Gardens tranquil.  Guests enjoy the personal stories that our Garden Volunteers share with them, and appreciate the guidance when they find themselves lost in our 12 acres.  As a Garden Monitor, you make a typical afternoon stroll extraordinary!

Duties Qualifications
  • Greet Garden guests.
  • Help Garden guests interpret the map.
  • Eagerly learn about the Garden and Japanese culture in order to share more with the guests.
  • Answer questions about various aspects of the Garden, programs, events, etc.
  • Maintain current knowledge of services and programs being offered on the grounds.
  • Respond appropriately to guest complaints and bring issues to the Volunteer Coordinator.

 

  • Ability to communicate effectively in English in order to provide courteous, responsive service to guests and staff.
  • Interest and passion for the outdoors, gardening and/or the Japanese culture.
  • Ability to anticipate, solve and deal with a variety of problems/situations.
  • Positive and service oriented attitidue.
  • Ability to walk and stand for long periods of time.

 

Tour Group Leaders

Garden Monitor Volunteers can become Tour Group Leaders after completing a training program.  Tour Group Leaders are assigned to lead all types of tours offered at the Gardens, and share their personal knowledge with guests from all over the world; all in an intimate group setting.  Guests who participate in group tours are connected to the Garden in a lasting way.  Tour Group leaders are assigned to a regular Garden Monitor shift, and will likely give a tour during that shift.

If you enjoy public speaking and have an interest in the outdoors, you can help make a difference!

Duties Qualifications
  • Greet guests visiting the Garden.
  • Help guests interpret the Garden map.
  • Learn as much as possible about the Garden and Japanese culture to help shape and provide a more meaningful visit for guests.
  • Answer questions about various aspects of the Garden, program, events, etc.
  • Maintain current knowledge of services and programs being offered at the Garden.
  • Help cross-promote present and future Garden activities.
  • Respond appropriately to guest concerns and bring all issues to the Volunteer Coordinator.
  • Lead two hour Guided Tour of the Gardens to small group (8-12 guests).

 

  • Ability to communicate in English to provide courteous, responsive service to guests and staff.
  • Interest and passion for the outdoors, gardening and/or the Japanese culture.
  • Ability to anticipate, solve and deal with a variety of problems/situations.
  • Positive and service-oriented attitude.
  • Ability to walk and stand for long periods of time.

 

Gift Shop

Beyond helping customers locate and purchase the merchandise they need, Gift Shop Volunteers play another important role in many situations: helping guests with Garden questions.  When someone walks into the Gift Shop, they may be looking for directions, or may have a question about Garden events or services.

The Gift Shop is also an important fund-raising unit of the Garden.  By donating your time to the Gift Shop, you support Anderson Japanese Gardens, its staff and its guests.  As a Gift Shop Volunteer, you have the power to brighten a day!

Duties Qualifications
  • Assist in daily Gift Shop operations.
  • Operating a register
  • Opening and Closing the Gift Shop
  • Pricing merchandise
  • Inventory
  • Restocking items
  • Answering phones
  • Good customer service skills
  • Good written and verbal communication skills
  • Attention to detail and good organization skills
  • Polite telephone demeanor
  • Positive and service-oriented attitude.
Office Assistant

If you are task-oriented, enjoy customer service, and like working in a friendly office environment, volunteering as an office assistant may be a good fit for you.  Office Assistants play an important behind-the-scenes role at Anderson Japanese Gardens.  Beyond answering phones, Office Assistants help with data entry, filing, sorting and special projects.  This position provides valuable experience for administrative management students and anyone with a passion for Anderson Japanese Gardens.

Duties Qualifications
  • Answer incoming phone calls and written correspondence, providing prompt responses, and forwarding to appropriate staff members as necessary.
  • Perform general clerical duties including photocopying, faxing and mailing.
  • Handle requests for information and data to follow up with the appropriate staff member.

 

  • Good customer service skills.
  • Good verbal and written communication skills.
  • Attention to detail and good organizational skills.
  • Polite telephone demeanor.
  • Positive and service-oriented attitude.