Salary
$15.00 - $17.00 per hour

Job Description

Under the guidance of the Horticulture Section Leaders, the Assistant Horticulturist assists the Horticulture team with the installation and care of the display gardens and horticultural collections, both outdoors and under glass. This position works collaboratively within a dynamic department that is responsible for creating and maintaining displays that represent the highest aesthetic standards at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden and the Lewis Ginter Nature Reserve.  Individuals in this position should have a keen interest in horticulture and gardening, a general understanding of horticultural principles, and the skills necessary to perform basic horticultural tasks.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the hands-on maintenance of annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, and tropical plants in a manner consistent with the horticulture standards of the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden and the Nature Reserve.
• Physically work in all aspects of garden maintenance and development including soil preparation, planting & transplanting, mulching, watering, weeding, fertilizing, pruning, propagating, potting, raking, sweeping, and blowing.
• Utilize hand tools effectively and safely.
• Operate push mowers, weed-whackers, backpack blowers, push blowers, garden ATVs, tractors, pickup trucks, and other power equipment in accordance with LGBG safety protocols and regulatory standards (training will be provided).
• Participate in weekly group maintenance tasks such as blowing walkways, replenishing supplies, and caring for tools and equipment.
• Apply pesticides and herbicides in accordance with IPM protocols and in accordance with all federal, state, and local regulations
• Participate in group projects with other horticulture staff and in cross-departmental initiatives as needed (i.e. marketing, education, facilities, etc.).
• Assist with the care of our natural areas including our meadows and woodlands.
• Regularly work with Horticulture Volunteer
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills and Abilities

• A passion for horticulture and plant collections, and a commitment to the “public” in public horticulture
• A thorough understanding of horticultural practices and procedures and the ability to identify frequently used woody, herbaceous, and annual landscape plants.
• The ability to use hand and power tools effectively and safely.
• Strong work ethic and an enthusiasm for physical work outdoors.
• A willingness to interact with the public on an informal basis by answering questions, providing directions, etc.
• The ability to work with a diverse staff and group of volunteers.
• Able to work independently and collaboratively.
• The ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Must be available to work evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays, ensuring coverage for Horticulture outside the traditional work week/day

Employees of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

• Must comply with provisions of the current Employee handbook, all published personnel policies and the requirements of their individual job descriptions.
• Must perform all duties in a manner consistent with a public garden serving multigenerational and multicultural individuals, families, and in accordance with directed practices and procedure
• Must be aware of surroundings and vigilant to threats to the safety of visitors, volunteers, and staff or to security of their property, ensuring that all concerns are reported promptly.
• Must report all injuries and incidents immediately and ultimately in writing to supervisor(s) and to Human Resources.
• Must ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations.
• Must perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

• Must have the physical strength, dexterity, and coordination sufficient to perform the above functions.
• Must be able to bend, squat, kneel, stand and walk long distances for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to work out-of-doors and under glass in Central Virginia seasonal extremes.
• Have the ability to push, pull and/or lift 50 pounds repeatedly
• Note: Duties described above, other duties and physical demands have been identified as essential.

*Note: Duties described above, other duties, and physical demands have been identified as essential functions as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Education and Experience

• Required
  • One year of experience as a professional gardener or groundskeeper.
  • Virginia Pesticide Applicator’s License (or the ability to obtain one within six months of hire).
  • Possession of a valid driver's license.
  • Other combinations of education/experience appropriate to the job will be considered
• Preferred
  • An Associate's degree in Horticulture, Botany, Plant Science, or a related field.

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to h[email protected].

Please note: This position is represented by International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, AFL-CIO. To discuss the specific needs of your group, please reach out to 804-359-4058.

Salary: $15.00 per hour

Job Description

The Facilities Assistant supports multiple departments to ensure an extraordinary guest experience during fluctuating visitation, seasonal work needs, rental event preparations and special event support and execution. This position assists in day-to-day functions throughout the Garden campus, including custodial cleaning duties, preparation, and coordination for private and public events and exhibits under the supervision of the Director of Operations. Visitation, event schedules, seasonal needs, and priority tasks will determine assignments and hours divided among these support departments.

Responsibilities and Requirements

• Assist in maintaining the highest aesthetic standard for the Garden by cleaning and
sanitizing Garden facilities and grounds.
• Collect and remove litter, trash, and recycling from facilities and grounds.
• Clean and disinfect restroom facilities, public spaces, and staff work areas.
• Dust and clean furniture, windows, and other surfaces.
• Performs deep cleaning tasks, such as carpet and floor cleaning, window washing, or
scrubbing hard-to-reach areas.
• Maintain cleaning and consumable supplies in facilities, working areas, storage areas, and equipment.
• Report any issues, safety hazards, or areas in need of major repairs or attention to
management.
• Assist in setting up and cleaning for events, meetings, or special functions, including set-up and breakdown of tents, tables, chairs, etc., for all ongoing events.
• Move and transport supplies and delivery items between campus facilities
• Install and disassemble garden exhibits, including: Light installation, display setup, construction for securing displays, running extension cords, etc.
• Provide information and directions to visitors and guests of the Garden or appropriately direct them to the Robins Visitors Center for assistance
• General repair and maintenance of all structures, vehicles, equipment, and utilities
• Maintain accurate maintenance records
• Assist with special construction and maintenance projects
• Use departmental communication tools effectively and correctly, including set-up sheets, scheduling task lists, clock-in computers, and radios
• Respond to requests of all departments/staff members for Operations assistance, as directed by the supervisor.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

General Responsibilities

• Delivers excellent customer service in all facets of work.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment with attention to detail.
• Able to move from task to task and remain flexible to changing assignments as needed.
• Required to have a flexible work schedule and willing and able to work weekends and
evenings as required by dynamic special event schedule.
• Acts as a contact person in case of emergencies and reports situation to appropriate parties, using required reporting procedures, as well as contacting 911 for assistance when needed.
• Handles difficult situations with tact and respect and reports issues to supervisor in a timely manner with accurate details.

Skills and Abilities / Core Competencies

• Familiarity with safe use of common hand tools.
• Ability to use common digital and electronic communication systems.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse others in a team environment.
• Ability to read and interpret product labels, operating manuals, and equipment instructions.

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

• Must be able to work for extended periods in one location, standing, bending, stooping, climbing stairs, lifting and transporting supplies by hand or by cart.
• Must be able and willing to walk the Garden grounds and move readily between buildings and outside areas.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds repeatedly.
• Must be willing to work in all weather conditions based on given assignment.
• Must be comfortable working using ladders, lifts, scaffolding, and similar equipment
observing all safety instructions and training provided.

Note: Duties described above, other duties and physical demands have been identified as essential.

Education and Experience

• High school education or GED required
• Familiarity with standard commercial cleaning practices
• 1 year prior experience working with the public in a hospitality setting preferred
• Bilingual with a preference for conversational fluency in Spanish helpful.

Please note: This position is represented by International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, AFL-CIO. To discuss the specific needs of your group, please reach out to 804-359-4058.

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to  [email protected].

Salary: $15.00 per hour

Job Description

The Public Safety Specialist monitors and patrols the Garden campus, remaining visible to help deter security-related incidents and provide a welcoming presence for visitors and staff. Responsibilities include conducting routine patrols, responding to safety situations as needed, and furthering efforts to create a safe experience on the entire campus.

Responsibilities

• Provide shared safety services to project a security presence, including inspecting and providing incident response services, alarm calls, service calls, maintaining communication contact with appropriate personnel to report status or incidents, or to request additional assistance or response.
• Conduct regular and random surveillance patrols on foot and in motorized vehicles throughout the Garden campus, secures its facilities and perimeter to help deter unauthorized activity and identify potential concerns.
• Monitor visitor access and secure premises to prevent unauthorized entry, including opening and closing the Garden grounds and assigned areas during maintenance and emergencies.
• Prepare reports of observations, information, suspicious activities, and incidents.
• Assist and facilitate emergency response activities and first responders during any police, fire, or EMT activity.
• Manages and directs traffic, including load-in & load-out, service road access, and parking.
• Completes on-the-job training and relevant security training programs, including CPR/First Aid/AED, Fire Alarms, Fire extinguisher usage, water rescue, and Garden safety protocols.
• Cross-trains with other departments to support Garden needs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Each employee of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

• Must comply with provisions of the current Employee Handbook, all published personnel policies and the requirements of their individual job descriptions.
• Must conduct herself or himself and perform all duties in a manner consistent with a public garden serving multigenerational and multicultural individuals and families, and in accordance with directed practices and procedures.
• Must be aware of surroundings and vigilant to threats to the safety of visitors, volunteers, and staff or to the security of their property, ensuring that all concerns are reported promptly.
• Must report all mishaps, injuries, and incidents immediately and ultimately in writing to supervisor(s) and to Human Resources.
• Must ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations.
• Must perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

• Must be able to move throughout the 82-acre Garden property, as needed.
• Work hours vary according to Garden programming and operating hours and include evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, and humidity.
• Must be comfortable working in immediate proximity to the public in a safe and friendly manner.
• Must be comfortable working solo on patrols/rounds/events.
• Lift and carry up to 30 lbs. on an occasional basis.

Note: Duties described above, other duties, and physical demands have been identified as essential.

Education and Experience

• A strong background in Public Safety or Security experience required.
• Other combinations of education/ experience appropriate to the job will be considered.

Please submit a cover letter and resume to  [email protected].

Salary: $16.00 per hour

Job Description

Part-Time Educators are a vital part of the Youth and Family Engagement (YFE) team. Educators facilitate outdoor educational programming for Pre-K to 12th grade students, lead drop-in programming for families, and provide support in horticultural tasks within the Children’s Garden. The typical work schedule for this position is 8:00am – 1:00pm Monday – Friday.

Responsibilities

• Facilitates nature-based learning programming for Pre-K to 12th-grade school groups, families, and summer camps.
• Responsible for daily operations of the Children’s Garden on weekdays, including opening, set-up, and clean-up for the Children’s Garden, the Waterway, and program areas.
• Maintains physical spaces within the Children’s Garden:
  • Ensures tidiness of activity spaces.
  • Performs basic horticultural tasks (watering, weeding, planting, harvesting).
  • Participates in staff workdays to support larger projects.
• Assists YFE staff with additional programming, which may include:
  • Leading summer camp.
  • Support for school group arrivals.
  • Occasional teaching/support of off-site programs at partner organizations in the community.
• Assists with the Garden’s yearly GardenFest of Lights holiday light show.
  • Occasional evening shifts required.
• Completes other duties as assigned, including:
  • Actively participates in staff training and department meetings.
  • Completes American Red Cross First Aid and CPR training.
  • Ensures that guests’ fundamental needs for safety, security, and comfort are met at all times in the Garden.
  • Occasional evening, weekend, and holiday hours.

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of formal and informal education principles and developmentally
  appropriate practices.
• Communicates effectively with diverse ages, backgrounds and all abilities.
• Works well independently and in a team environment; adaptable and solution-oriented.
• Energetic and personable; an innovative, creative thinker.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and group facilitation.
• Excellent organizational skills; self-motivated with the ability to manage goals and productivity.
• Able to work varied hours outside the traditional work week, including weekends, evenings, holidays, and special events, including GardenFest.
• Basic gardening knowledge is a plus.
• Proficiency in conversational Spanish a plus.

Each employee of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

• Must comply with provisions of the current Employee Handbook, all published personnel policies and the requirements of their individual job descriptions.
• Must conduct herself or himself and perform all duties in a manner consistent with a public garden serving multigenerational and multicultural individuals and families, and in accordance with directed practices and procedures.
• Must be aware of surroundings and vigilant to threats to the safety of visitors, volunteers, and staff or to the security of their property, ensuring that all concerns are reported promptly.
• Must report all mishaps, injuries, and incidents immediately and ultimately in writing to supervisor(s) and to Human Resources.
• Must ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations.
• Must perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

• Ability to carry up to 30 lbs.
• Ability to work outdoors in varied terrain and all weather conditions.
• Comfortable working in immediate proximity to general public in a safe and friendly manner.
• The position requires familiarity with all public areas of the 82-acre Garden property.

Note: Duties described above, other duties and physical demands have been identified as essential functions as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma.
• 2 years college, vocational training, or other work experience; focus on environmental studies a plus
• Demonstrated experience with the design and delivery of innovative, creative, high quality, and developmentally appropriate programs for all ages, backgrounds and abilities.
• Experience in a garden or other nature-based learning setting a plus.
• CPR and First Aid certification a plus.

Please note: This position is represented by International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, AFL-CIO. To discuss the specific needs of your group, please reach out to 804-359-4058.

Please submit a cover letter and resume to  [email protected].

MARKETING INTERN 

The Marketing Department strives to build the Lewis Ginter Botanical brand and support the mission to connect people to plants by inspiring communities to explore and conserve nature. This is a paid internship; hours are flexible but require a minimum of 150 hours per semester and 20 hours per week.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist in supporting the Garden’s social media efforts. This involves monitoring (including some weekends) and creating content.
• Write for the Garden’s blog.
• Help make updates to the Garden’s website.
• Post Garden info to websites such as tourism sites and media calendars.
• Take and upload digital photos and video of the Garden.
• Assist with events as needed.
• Provide general office and project support for the Marketing Department.
• Work with the Chief Marketing Officer and Digital Content Strategist to help meet the needs of reporters and photographers.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience using social media; experience using for a business or brand is a plus. (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest and TikTok.)
• Strong writing and communication skills.
• Ability to work on computers and use a digital camera.
• Some simple graphic design skills and the ability to use or to learn Photoshop and WordPress.
• Should be prepared to work in a business environment, including meeting deadlines, working alone and as part of a team, and multitasking.

INTERNSHIP TRAINING INCLUDES:

• Social media use in a business setting.
• Writing blog posts and optimizing content for SEO.
• Building photography, videography and graphic skills.
• Marketing and public relations experience in a non-profit setting

TO APPLY:

Candidates are asked to submit the following to [email protected]:

• Resume
• a writing sample (preferably a blog post, news article or social media post)
• An informal cover letter detailing your interest in the specific internship and how you hope this experience will help you reach your educational and career goals. Please also let us know if you plan to pursue this internship for credit and list your scheduling availability (start/end dates, days/times available)
• Optional: links to social media account/s
• In addition, we ask candidates to have at least one recommendation on LinkedIn

DEADLINES FOR APPLICATIONS:

Spring Semester/December 15th
Summer/March 15th