Volunteer Opportunities

The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center needs your help. Now is a great time to get started volunteering at the Nature Center! Below are some of our volunteer opportunities:

For detailed information on each job, click on the job name below. For a printable version of opportunities and training dates, click here. (pdf file)

• School Tour Guides introduce students to the wonders of nature! Lead 10 students on a mission to discover basic ecology in forest, meadow, and pond habitats. (September-May; Tuesday – Friday)
• The Discovery Room is filled with interactive exhibits to give a good interpretation of the habitats in the Arboretum. Volunteers assist the public by explaining what is available in the Discovery Room and by providing help in finding information about their questions. (Weekdays and weekends)
• Front Desk/Nature Shop Volunteers work at the center of the action! Greeting people from all over the world and introducing them to the Arboretum’s services and policies; answering the phone and referring calls as needed, and assisting customers in the Nature Shop to pick out that gift that is “just what they wanted”. If you’re a people person- this is a job for you! (Weekdays)
• Weekend Tour Guides meet interesting people as they lead public tours on Saturdays at 2 and 3PM. After training and an “apprenticeship”, you will be telling the public about the history and mission of the Arboretum while enjoying a walk through the woods.
• Trail Workers get instant satisfaction and a good workout! On every Thursday morning and the 1st Saturday of each month, trail workers assist staff in maintaining our 5 mile trail system. Mulching, weeding, pruning, and planting are ongoing tasks in our living “exhibit”.
• Conservation Work Projects are scheduled every Tuesday morning and on the 2nd Saturday of each month and include habitat restoration projects.
• Gardening volunteers work with staff on Wednesday and Friday mornings from 9 am to noon to maintain the plant beds near the building that demonstrate planting for wildlife. Learn names of plants, proper gardening techniques, and enjoy a good day’s work!
• Children's Class Assistants assist staff naturalists with classes for children ages 5 to 12 that are offered one Saturday a month.
• Special events volunteer opportunities: help with one or all of these fun, educational events throughout the year: Arbor Day (January), Earth Day (April), National Trails Day (June), ArBOOretum (October) and Winter Celebration (December)

New posting:

• Aquarist - Assist with care and maintenance of the aquariums and live animals in the Discovery Room. Knowledge of aquarium systems, aquatic plants and animals is a plus. Commitment is about 3 hours a week. For more information, contact Lucien Bouffard
• Other Volunteer Opportunities include Library Assistants, Clerical/Computer Assistants, Photographers, and more. To find out how you might donate your time and talents call the Volunteer Coordinator at 713-681-8433 or email.