Opportunities From: Powell Gardens Kansas City's Botanical Garden

Help create an unforgettable first impression at Powell Gardens' 30th Annual Festival of Butterflies! As a Greeter, you will be one of the first friendly faces guests see as they arrive. Volunteers will welcome visitors, distribute festival maps, answer general questions, and help direct guests to exhibits, activities, and key locations throughout the Gardens.

This role is ideal for volunteers who enjoy meeting new people, providing excellent customer service, and helping guests have a fun and memorable experience. Your warm smile and helpful guidance will play an important part in making every visit special.

Shift Times:  9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m

                       1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m

Volunteer Instructions:

Park in the main Visitor Parking lot. Upon arrival, check in with the Manager on Duty in the Grand Hall of the Visitor Center to sign in and receive your volunteer lanyard. Lockers are available in the basement break room to securely store personal belongings during your shift. At the end of your shift, check out with the Manager on Duty to receive two (2) Admit One passes as a thank-you for volunteering.

Help create a welcoming shopping experience for guests during Festival of Butterflies! As a Marketplace Assistant, you will support the retail team by helping keep the Marketplace organized, inviting, and fully stocked throughout the day.

Volunteers may greet guests as they enter the Marketplace, assist them in locating merchandise, answer basic questions, restock displays, straighten shelves, bag purchases, wrap breakable items, and provide general support wherever needed. Your assistance helps ensure guests enjoy a smooth and pleasant shopping experience while allowing staff to focus on customer service during one of our busiest seasons.

This role is perfect for volunteers who enjoy interacting with people, staying active, and working as part of a team. No retail experience is necessary—just a friendly attitude, attention to detail, and a willingness to lend a helping hand.

Shift Time:  10:00 a.m - 2:00 p.m.

Volunteer Instructions:

Park in the main Visitor Parking lot.Upon arrival, check in with the Manager on Duty in the Grand Hall of the Visitor Center to sign in and receive your volunteer lanyard.Lockers are available in the basement break room to securely store personal belongings during your shift.At the end of your shift, check out with the Manager on Duty to receive two (2) Admit One passes as a thank-you for volunteering.

Help inspire curiosity and discovery in the Plant & Insect Lab during the Festival of Butterflies! As a Plant & Insect Lab Assistant, you will help create a fun, engaging, and welcoming learning environment where guests of all ages can explore the fascinating world of plants, insects, and nature.

Volunteers will welcome visitors, assist families and young children with hands-on activities, answer basic questions, and encourage guests to interact with educational exhibits. Additional responsibilities may include helping facilitate activities, monitoring activity stations, restocking supplies, and maintaining a clean, organized, and safe space throughout the day. Your enthusiasm and support will help guests make meaningful connections with the natural world while creating a memorable festival experience.

This role is perfect for volunteers who enjoy working with children and families, have a passion for nature and science, and love encouraging learning through hands-on exploration.

Shift Time:  9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Volunteer Instructions:

Park temporarily in front of the Visitor Center and check in with the Manager on Duty in the Grand Hall to sign in and receive your volunteer lanyard.After checking in, move your vehicle to the Missouri Barn parking area and walk to the Education Building.At the end of your shift, check out with the Manager on Duty to receive two (2) Admit One passes as a thank-you for volunteering.

Help protect one of the most magical experiences at Powell Gardens! As a Vestibule Monitor, you will play a vital role in ensuring the safety of our live butterfly exhibit and helping us comply with USDA regulations. Before each shift, volunteers are required to complete a brief training video.

Stationed at the Conservatory exit, you will assist guests as they leave the exhibit by checking clothing, bags, wheelchairs, strollers, and other personal items for any butterflies that may have landed on them. Your careful attention helps prevent accidental butterfly escapes, protecting these delicate creatures and allowing Powell Gardens to continue offering this unique experience for years to come.

This role is perfect for volunteers who enjoy interacting with guests, educating visitors about butterfly conservation, and making a meaningful contribution to the success of Festival of Butterflies.

Shift Times:  9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m

                       1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m

Volunteer Instructions:

Park in the main Visitor Parking lot.Upon arrival, check in with the Manager on Duty in the Grand Hall of the Visitor Center to sign in and receive your volunteer lanyard.Lockers are available in the basement break room to securely store personal belongings during your shift.This position is located outdoors in a screened, covered vestibule. Water will be provided, but bringing a personal refillable water bottle is highly recommended.Before your first shift, you must complete the required vestibule training video.At the end of your shift, check out with the Manager on Duty to receive two (2) Admit One passes as a thank-you for volunteering.

Help inspire creativity and imagination at Powell Gardens during Summer Art Camp: Dragons! Volunteers will assist the Education team with children’s camp activities, help prepare materials, support indoor and outdoor activity stations, and create a fun, engaging environment for campers throughout the week.

This opportunity is ideal for volunteers who enjoy working with children, are energetic, patient, and excited to support hands-on learning experiences inspired by dragons and the natural world.

Volunteer Requirements:

Must pass a background screening Comfortable working with children Able to assist in both indoor and outdoor environments

What to Bring:

Sunscreen Water bottle Comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for indoor and outdoor activities

Shift Information:

Dates: June 9 - June 12; July 7 – July 10 Time: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM each day

Arrival Instructions:
Please meet in the Education Building at 9:00 AM to assist with setup before campers arrive.

Availability:
Limited to 2 volunteer spots.

Note:
This is a private volunteer opportunity intended for approved volunteers who are eligible to work with children.

Volunteer Contact: Jamie Runyon | jrunyon@powellgardens.org

Support a lively seasonal series at Powell Gardens by assisting with bar back operations for Mimosas & Dragons. Volunteers in this role help ensure smooth beverage service by supporting the bar team with restocking, setup, cleanup, and general assistance throughout the event.

This is a hands-on outdoor bar environment where volunteers play an important role in keeping service running efficiently and helping create a positive guest experience.

Event Dates & Times

May 31 June 14 & 28 July 12 August 9 & 23 Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM each date

Check-in Location

Grand Hall at 10:00 AM

Volunteer Responsibilities

Assist bartending staff with bar back duties Restock supplies and assist with beverage service setup Maintain cleanliness and organization of bar area Support breakdown and cleanup after service

Requirements

Must be 21 years of age or older Comfortable assisting with beverage service operations Outdoor bar environment

What to Bring

Sunscreen Water bottle Comfortable attire for outdoor work conditions

Staff Lead/Point of Contact: Jamie Runyon | jrunyon@powellgardens.org

Thank you for helping us keep the Mimosas & Dragons experience running smoothly for our guests!

Looking for a fun and engaging way to volunteer? We’re seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help create a warm and welcoming experience for guests at Powell Gardens! 

Greeter – Be the friendly face that welcomes visitors and helps them navigate the gardens.

Days: Every Friday & Saturday
Shifts: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM & 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Where: Powell Gardens Visitor Center

Why Volunteer?

Enjoy the beauty of the gardens while making a difference Gain valuable experience in guest services and retail support Meet new people and be part of the Powell Gardens community

Arrival & Parking:
Please park in the Visitor Center parking lot and meet in the Grand Hall, where the Manager on Duty will greet you and provide instructions. If you are new to volunteering, we ask that you arrive 30 minutes early for a brief tour of the facilities.

Help us create an unforgettable guest experience!