Science and Conservation Volunteers

Dedicated to studying and conserving native plants, medicinal species, and food and agricultural plants, our Science & Conservation activities at SDBG have grown enormously over the past few years. Volunteers within this department will work closely with the Science & Conservation team to conduct environmental restoration, rare and native plant nursery propagation, seedbanking and herbarium voucher preparation, and field botany.

Seedbank and Laboratory Volunteer

Position currently not available – please check back!

Functions:
Assist with herbarium processing and labeling, data entry, seed cleaning, and related activities. Activities involve physical specimens, materials, and data that are critical components of conservation, research, and collection development projects, requiring that all work be completed according to specific detailed protocols.

Knowledge or Training Required:
Workable knowledge of spreadsheets, Google documents, and other software used for data tracking. Willingness to learn basic microscopy and laboratory techniques.

Competencies/Commitment:
Attention to detail and ability to work in an environment containing sensitive scientific specimens and data. Ability to sit in a chair for up to 3 hours performing repetitive actions.

 

Science and Conservation Nursery Volunteer

Functions:
Assist with the cultivation of, care of, and data collection for plants related to SDBG’s conservation and restoration projects. Activities will include watering, potting up delicate plants, nursery labeling, data collection, weeding, etc. Must adhere to detailed protocols related to safety, hygiene, and data tracking.

Knowledge or Training Required:
While training will be provided, previous experience working in a nursery setting with California native plants and other rare plants will be an advantage

Competencies/Commitment:
N/A

Environmental Restoration Volunteer

Functions:
Assist in the establishment and maintenance of environmental off-site restoration sites. Functions will include removal of invasive and other nonnative species using manual methods and hand tools, native seed collection from natural areas, installation of native plants using manual methods and hand tools, watering native plants, trash removal, sign installation, and interacting with school groups and other citizen groups.

Knowledge or Training Required:
Interest in San Diego’s native ecosystems and plant communities.

Competencies/Commitment:
Ability to frequently bend over, get up and down, and carry materials on uneven terrain.

Medicinal Plant Volunteer

Position currently not available – please check back!

GIS and Mapping Volunteer

Position currently not available – please check back!