Public Safety Manager

$ 25 -$ 30/hr

Job Description
The Public Safety Manager supports all aspects of the Garden’s operational safety and security functions to ensure the
health and safety of guests, staff, and volunteers. This position works collaboratively with the Garden’s Leadership Team
and the Manager on Duty (MOD) to establish, review and maintain safety procedures to mitigate hazards and provide
emergency support when necessary. The Public Safety Manager is a working supervisory position responsible for the
development of safety procedures, training, recruitment and direction of support staff that ensure a culture of safety and
security of all Garden areas and assets during daily programs, events and exhibitions. This position exemplifies our core value of hospitality and responsibility to ensure a world-class guest experience to all and ensures all tasks are performed in alignment with Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens core values and strategic plan.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develops and leads Gardens Safety protocols, procedures and trainings. Plans, updates and provides ongoing Garden Safety Protocol training for staff to include lost children/adults,
  weather emergencies, power outages and community safety concerns.
• Co-leads Garden Safety Committee to identify, assess and report maintenance, operational or safety concerns
  and issues.
•  Serves as the liaison to local and state agencies to provide current safety communications, trainings, and
  facilitate tabletop exercises for staff, including CPR/First Aid/AED certifications.
• Works with VP of Facilities to update, test, and maintain Fire Alarms, Campus Wide Security Monitoring
  Systems, etc.
• Supervises emergencies in coordination with appropriate staff; reports to location of incident, dispatches staff
  to assist in directing emergency vehicles, etc. and ensures all reports/documents of incidents are complete
  and communicated to the proper departments.
• Supervises Public Safety Associates/Safety Contractors.
•  Oversees all activities of the Public Safety Department, ensures work aligns with organizational goals, and
  team members are demonstrating the Garden core values at all times.
• Cultivates and expands a sense of purpose and connection of Public Safety team to Garden mission and
  activities.
•  Responsible for efficient scheduling of support staff for daily/nightly activities to ensure public safety
  presence whenever we have guests at the Garden including weekends, heavy visitation periods, and special
  exhibitions.
• Successfully manages all department team members including interviewing, hiring, training, supervising and
  performance assessment, with the ability to, coach, counsel, and if necessary, terminate staff.
• Responsible for appropriate procurement/purchasing responsibilities and managing departmental budget.
• Attends meetings to ensure thorough understanding of events, visitation and hours of planned activity on
  campus and transition needs from day operations to evening events.
•  Ensures proper safety/security coverage of PS team, through communications with Garden staff/contracted
  service providers.
•  Communicates openly and has a visible presence for all staff and guests during all Garden activities.
• Maintains a comprehensive understanding of all daily activities, seasonal and annual programs and events.
• Carries a dedicated security cell phone and two-way radio at all times during work hours.
• Walks the Garden campus, engages with guests, staff, students, volunteers, food service contractor, staying in
  close proximity to activities, ensuring safety measures are in place, and teams are prepared for emergencies.
• Monitors/reports inclement weather conditions that may affect the safety of guests, staff and v0lunteers and
  participates with VPOF/VPOH/MOD for any preparation needs or post event safety assessment and clean up
  needs.
• Stays knowledgeable of and coordinates with Garden Leadership in the execution of the Gardens Disaster
  Preparedness Plan.
•  Manages Garden parking, security and closure.
•  Monitors parking demands during highly attended events, manages traffic and directs vehicles to available
  parking areas and coordinating outsourced HPD support as needed.
• Sweeps Garden of all guests at closing time in a friendly and courteous manner.
• Secures Garden entry and exit gates for closure.
• Ensures security of facilities and activation of alarms at end of business.
• Turns off campus lighting breakers as needed.

 

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 report incidents immediately and ultimately in writing to supervisor(s) and to the HR Manager.
• Must ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations.
• Must perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Supports and embraces our diversity and inclusion policy to create an equitable, diverse and inclusive culture where the contributions of all community members are valued, respected and appreciated.

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

• Must be able to work outdoors and navigate the Garden’s campus in all seasonal weather conditions.
• Must be able to lift 25 pounds intermittently.
•  Must be able to walk quickly between all garden venues regularly and walk or stand for periods.
• This 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 requiredby the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Education and Experience

• Bachelors’ degree or 5 years of equivalent experience working with the public in customer service capacity.
• A strong background in Public Safety and OSHA experience is required.
• Previous managerial and public safety training experience required.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and work with peers, co-workers and volunteers.
•  Experience and demonstrated sensitivity in working with persons of various ethnic and economic backgrounds on
  staff and within our community.
• Conversational Spanish preferable.
•  Other combinations of education/experience appropriate to the role.

Baseline Knowledge/Requirements

• Computer knowledge or willingness to learn systems for receiving and communicating information:
• Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, Work Order Systems, Active Net, TAM.
• Experience leading safety and security trainings; CPR/First Aid/AED, Fire Alarms, Safety Protoc0l, etc.
• Excellent problem solving skills with outstanding communicati0ns (written and verbal).
• Excellent organizational skills with high attention to detail.
• Highly responsible and reliable with a professional presentation.
• Ability to work nights, weekends and holidays.
• Possesses a valid driver’s license required to operate Garden vehicles.

Please submit cover letter, resume, and Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden Job Application to [email protected]

Horticulturist

$ 17-$ 24/hr

Job Description

Under the guidance of the Horticulture Section Leaders, Horticulturists assist 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

• Work daily to support and maintain a diverse planting of annuals, perennials, tropical, woody and
  edible plants through pruning, grooming, weeding, mulching, watering, fertilizing, and scouting.
• Maintain various established demonstration-quality growing strategies including in-ground
  plantings, raised beds, containers gardening, various vertical-growing models, companion planting,
  etc., plus contribute new ideas and techniques.
• Diligently tend to plant health by applying organic, ecosystem-based, sustainable Integrated Pest
  Management (IPM) strategies including biological, mechanical, and cultural controls. Coordinate
  scouting and control treatments with IPM Horticulturist.
• Partner with Marketing for the promotion of horticulture by supporting development of blogposts,
  social media, etc.
• Interact with the public on an informal basis by answering questions, providing directions, etc.
• Lead and supervise Assistant Horticulturists, Seasonal Gardeners, interns, volunteers, and corporate
  groups. Collaborate with Manager of Volunteers.
• Safe and correct use of Garden tools and equipment.
• Utilize shovels, trowels, fan rakes, grading rakes, spades, digging forks, pickaxes, brooms,
  hand shears, hand saws, loppers, pole pruners & pole saws, wheelbarrows, fertilizer spreaders,
  garden carts, ladders, and other hand tools to complete assigned tasks.
• 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).
• Work collaboratively with a dynamic team to achieve horticultural standards of excellence.
• Participate in weekly group maintenance tasks such as blowing walkways, filling gas cans, and
  caring for tools and equipment.
• Participate in group projects and meetings with other horticulture staff and in crossdepartmental projects.
• Must be available to work evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays, ensuring coverage for
  Horticulture outside the traditional work week/day
• Support plant records work to advance our botanical collections.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Horticulture Section Leaders or their designee.

Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of and experience with edible landscapes and/or agricultural crop maintenance practices
  and plant care appropriate to the region.
• Strong work ethic, keen interest in sustainable agriculture and organic food production, and an
  enthusiasm for physical work outdoors.
•  A demonstrated understanding of the horticultural practices and procedures required for soil
  preparation, planting & transplanting, mulching, watering, weeding, fertilizing, pruning, propagating,
  mowing, raking, sweeping & blowing, and tree & brush cutting.
• The ability to use shovels, trowels, fan rakes, grading rakes, spades, digging forks, pickaxes, brooms,
  hand shears, hand saws, loppers, pole pruners & pole saws, wheelbarrows, fertilizer spreaders,
  garden carts, ladders, and other hand tools effectively.
• The ability to operate push mowers, riding mowers, string trimmers, backpack blowers, push
  blowers, garden UTVs, pickup trucks, chainsaws, and other power equipment safely and effectively.
• The ability to follow written and verbal instructions.

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

• The physical strength, dexterity, and coordination are sufficient to perform the above functions.
• Must be able to bend, squat, kneel, stand, and walk for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to work out-of-doors in Central Virginia seasonal extremes.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds repeatedly.

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

• Degree in Horticulture, Botany, Plant Science, or a related field.
• Three years of experience working in public gardens, parks or arboreta.
• 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.
• Proficiency in conversational Spanish desired.

See a pdf with full job description.

Please submit a cover letter and resume to Human Resources at [email protected]

Facility Manager

Salary range: $55,000-$65,000

Job Description

The Facility Manager is responsible for the care, maintenance and repair of the physical building and grounds infrastructure with an emphasis on safety, and stewardship of the Garden’s built environment.   This requires communicating effectively with a diverse team of staff and volunteers while providing hospitality for Garden guests.

The Facility Manager is both a supervisory and a functional position requiring strong personal skills in basic work of all trades – HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical repair, carpentry, painting, etc.   The Manager must exercise experienced judgement about those tasks that can be safety and effectively self-performed with staff talent and those that are best out-sourced to vendors and contractors.

Responsibilities

Supervisory

• Successfully manages Maintenance Coordinator, volunteers and students and strategically pair’s responsibilities and schedules that best accommodate the needs of the organization, leads by example and nurtures morale and optimism with team members.
• Resourcefully supports daily work, including interviewing, hiring, training, supervising and performance assessment, with the ability to, coach, counsel, and transition staff.
• Ensures team members are trained and well versed in the Gardens values and safety protocols.
• Assist V.P. Facilities in management of departmental budget – monitoring expenses and forecasting for future budget period.
• Provide support for special events and programming as needed, which may be outside of regular work schedule.

Maintenance

• Collaborate with Maintenance Coordinator to coordinate necessary work by vendor and contract service providers. Assist with ongoing evaluation of performance and cost effectiveness of contractor relationships.
• Conduct routine facility inspections to ensure all systems are functional and proactively identify items requiring service or repair. Collaborate with Maintenance Coordinator to schedule required inspections of life safety systems (alarms, fire suppression, boilers, elevator, generators, etc.)
• Operate and monitor building automation systems (BAS) and greenhouse controls
• Coordinate exhibition build and renovation projects and monitor work to control schedule, budget, and quality results.
• Use service request/work order system to prioritize request for service and support issued by other Garden departments.   Evaluate routine practices and procedures to improve efficiency, collaboration, and quality of service.
• Solicit proposals/quotes from contractors and service providers for special repair or modernization initiatives. Evaluate proposals and make recommendations for contractor selection.  Coordinate project through completion.
• Perform sourcing and purchasing of supplies and equipment with timely record keeping and cost accounting.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong supervisory skills and proven successful management background.
• Strong project management and time management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with others and across teams.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects of varied size and complexity.
• Strong ability to read and understand architectural and engineering drawings.
• Knowledge of standard construction practices and project management.
• Mechanical aptitude and proficiency with standard hand and power tools.

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

• Valid Driver’s License
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Prolonged walking or standing and frequent bending, stooping, and reaching on a daily basis.

• Must be comfortable working using ladders, lifts, scaffolding, and similar safety equipment.

• Ability to work outdoors in 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 and the ability to move regularly throughout the Garden campus.
• 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

• Minimum 2-3 years experience as a Facility Manager required.

• Work requires communication, analytical and organizational skills generally acquired through completion of a bachelor’s degree program. Equivalent experience is also highly valued.
• Operating experience and familiarity with greenhouse controls and building automation systems
• Work experience in a cultural non-profit, educational institution, or hospitality venue is preferred.
• Familiarity with operation of ornamental fountains, water features, and swimming pool equipment is desired. Certified Pool Operator (CPO) license desirable, or willingness to seek license within first six months of hire.
• Proficiency in conversational Spanish preferred.

See a pdf with full job description.

Please submit a cover letter and resume to Human Resources at [email protected]

Director of Planned and Leadership Gifts

Salary Range

$60-$80K

Job Description
The Director of Leadership and Planned Gifts will serve in a high impact position critical to the
successful execution of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden’s mission. The Director of Leadership and
Planned Gifts will design and build a robust Planned Gift model incorporating marketing
strategies and stewardship to grow planned gifts to Lewis Ginter. As part of the Advancement
fundraising team, they will work closely with the Chief Advancement Officer to secure funding to
both the annual operating budget and capital campaigns. They will develop personalized
cultivation, engagement, fundraising and stewardship plans for donors of $25,000+ and will be
responsible for securing major gifts to the Garden (outright and deferred) from individuals.

Responsibilities

Planned Giving

• Develop and execute a robust and sustainable planned giving program for Lewis Ginter.
• Conduct prospect research to help inform the identification and cultivation of prospects.
• Cultivate an advisory group for dissemination of Garden initiatives and funding priorities.
• Grow our Grace Arents Society membership by securing planned gifts to Lewis Ginter.
• Stewardship of Grace Arents Society membership.
• Expand and Diversify Donors
• Persuasively present the Garden’s mission and goals as outlined in the Strategic Plan by
  working independently and creatively to match donor interests with Gardenpriorities.
•  Build and manage a portfolio of approximately 150 prospects including the qualification,
  cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of gifts ranging from $25,000 to $1M, with written
  engagement and focused solicitation strategies for the core 75 constituents in the portfolio.
• Using a Moves Management platform, continually monitor the portfolio ensuring healthy
  segments in all stages.
• Work closely with the Associate Director of Advancement to prepare blended major, planned
  gift and annual fund solicitations.
• Actively engage in the greater Richmond Community and beyond to identify new
  prospects, diversify and expand the Garden’s donor community while continually building
  the portfolio.

Organizational Collaboration

• Work closely with the Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) to maximize outright donations and
  blended gifts to capital campaigns.
• Work to develop natural partners across the Garden to strengthen donor ties to the Garden.
• Prepare briefings, stewardship plans and other correspondence for prospects and donors,
  collaborating as necessary with the CEO, CAO, Associate Director of Advancement and
  other Garden Directors and Managers.
• Create donor contact reports in our donor database.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent active listening skills.
• Highest ethical standards.
• Must adhere to the highest standards of confidentiality and best practice for
  development professionals.
• Proven success in securing planned, major and blended gifts.
• Must be a proactive, successful, intelligent, intuitive and empathetic person.
• Must communicate clearly, effectively and comfortably in written and spoken word with
  guests, members, staff, Board, volunteers and vendors.
• Must actively participate in the creation of long-rangeplans.
• Must be goal-oriented, yet flexible and adaptable to the ever-changing needs of our constituents.
• Must possess a commitment to the Garden’s mission and its core values.
• Must be a positive and motivating presence while embracing change and challenge.
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail.
•  Ability to be self-motivated and disciplined.
  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 procedures.
• 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 reportedpromptly.
• 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

• Ability to navigate the Garden’s campus in most weather conditions.
• Ability to work Advancement Office Special Events including lifting up to 20lbs and other
  physical labor.
• Some night and weekend work required.
• 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
Required: Bachelor’s degree

•  A minimum of three (3) years of proven success in planned giving and major gifts.
• Extensive knowledge of various planned gift vehicles.
• Advanced problem solving skills.
• Professional membership with AFP preferred.
• Experience in deploying fundraising metrics and tracking and analyzing results.
• Experience in expanding a portfolio.
• Personal commitment to the fundraising industry as evidenced by work ethic andhigh
  standards of best practice.
• Proficient with computers and Microsoft Office Suite programs.
• Working knowledge of fundraising donor databases.
• Other combinations of education/experience appropriate to the job will be considered.

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

Director of Social Responsibility

Salary Range

$24-29/hr

Schedule

Full-time; 37.5 hours per week

Job Description

The Director of Social Responsibility is responsible for broadening the accessibility and relevance of
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden through intentional relationship building with communities that have not
been robustly represented at the Garden. They will develop strategies for connecting with and engaging
diverse communities, provide leadership and daily oversight of community partnership programs both
on-site and off-site, and implement systems to build capacity and collaborations. Based on the Garden’s
core values of hospitality, responsibility, integrity, inspiration, and innovation, they will work closely with
our partners, staff, volunteers and Board to build a more inclusive, welcoming, and accessible Garden.

We are committed to elevating diverse backgrounds and experiences that are not well represented on our
team. We value the opportunity to work with individuals from different cultures and understand that like
diverse ecosystems, diverse workplaces are needed for success. We have a strong desire for our Director
of Social Responsibility to represent the diverse community we serve. We encourage candidates from
underrepresented identities and experiences to apply.

Job Responsibilities:

• Develop priorities, establish expectations, and set goals for community partnerships,
  implementing systems to build capacity and collaboration.
• Actively participate in community networks and gatherings, listening to community needs
  and facilitating conversations in order to develop meaningful partnership programs.
• Compile and maintain an inventory of partners.
• Develop best management practices for partnerships, including an approval framework
  for introducing new programs and partnerships.
• Collaborate with staff and volunteers to manage and grow partnerships on and off-site.
• Collaborate with partners, staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, and Board of Associates to grow a
  more inclusive, diverse, and accessible Garden.
• Collaborate with Human Resources and leadership staff to provide training for working
  with and welcoming individuals from diverse communities.
• Identify and break down barriers that keep people from accessing the Garden; manage
  and build upon Garden access programs such as Museums for All and Share the Garden.
• Collaborate with community partners in order to effectively welcome individuals of all
  backgrounds and abilities.
• Lead the Garden’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion cross-departmental team.
• Provide daily oversight for social responsibility initiatives.
• Develop and implement an evaluation framework in order to measure and communicate
  impact and outcomes.
• Establish, track, and maintain program budget.
• Work closely with the Marketing department to share social responsibility and
  engagement initiatives on print, social media, website and other platforms.
• Collaborate with the Advancement department to pursue funding opportunities, compile
  information for reports, and manage special project budgets

Skills and Abilities

• Strong leadership skills, including the demonstrated ability to bring together various stakeholders
  toward a common goal.
• Innovative thinker, with a track record for translating strategic thinking into action plans and
  results.
• Adaptability and a demonstrated positive approach to problem solving and collaborating with
  others.
• The ability to foster empathy amongst colleagues and guests while working effectively and
  respectfully with people of diverse cultures, ages, and economic backgrounds.
• Excellent organizational skills; ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines while juggling
  multiple tasks and projects, planning months in advance while responding to day-to-day
  demands.
• A strong commitment to and experience with DEI practices and training.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate difficult conversations.
• Excellent writing, verbal, presentation, and public speaking skills.
• Technical proficiency with computers, databases, Microsoft software programs, and social media
  platforms.
• Flexibility to work weekend, evening and holiday hours, as needed

Required:

• Able to work weekends and evenings during regular season and special events.
• 1 – 2 years cashier or money handling experience in the retail industry.
• Basic computer knowledge or the ability to learn.
• Ability to work in a supervised and an unsupervised environment.
• Willing to take initiative and to learn.
• Fluency in conversational Spanish preferred.

See a pdf with full job description.

Please submit a cover letter, resume, to Human Resources at [email protected]

Custodial Assistant: Operations

Job Description

Salary Range

$14/hr

The Custodial Assistant is responsible for assisting in day-to-day functions of the Garden with a primary focus on custodial and cleaning duties necessary to create an exceptional guest experience.  A successful candidate must have the ability to communicate effectively with staff of all levels and interact with Garden visitors and volunteers in a cheerful and positive manner. They must be able to work independently without supervision as well as alongside other members of the Operations team.

Responsibilities:

• Clean and maintain facilities including, but not limited to, cleaning and sanitizing restrooms and public areas, vacuuming, dusting, cleaning of windows, collecting recycling, emptying trash cans, floor cleaning and maintenance, and deep cleaning as requested
• Clean facilities, rental spaces, classrooms and equipment between programs and event
• Police outdoor areas for litter and general cleanliness
• Keep all storage areas clean, organized and stocked
• Respond to requests of all departments/staff members for custodial and operations support, as directed by supervisor
• Set and maintain high standards for the appearance of the interior and exterior of all buildings and public areas on a daily basis
• Perform duties efficiently and effectively to include proper and safe use of cleaning supplies
• Apprise supervisor of maintenance issues, repairs and supplies needed in a prompt manner
• Use departmental communication tools effectively and correctly including radios, clock in computers and task list schedules

Required:

• Good organizational, interpersonal, and communications skills
• Ability to work nights and weekends
• Strong analytical skills and a self-motivated performer
• Reliable mode of transportation
• Related work experience
• Mechanical understanding and knowledge

See a pdf with full job description.

Please submit a cover letter, resume, to Human Resources at [email protected]

Public Safety Officer

$14/hr

Job Description

Public safety officers patrol the Garden and the designated surrounding area and provide emergency services and response to protect visitors and property from hazards such as crimes, fires, and natural disasters. Provide first aid and participate in emergency drills and demonstrations. Participate in Garden events providing parking assistance, Garden patrols, guest interface and Garden building security.

Responsibilities

• Secures premises and personnel by patrolling property.
• Completes reports by recording observations, information, occurrences, and surveillance activities.
• Securing specific areas during maintenance work and emergencies.Participates in following, testing, maintaining and updating training needs of: CPR/First Aid/AED, Fire Alarms and Garden Safety Protocol.
• Walks Garden Campus to ensure safety measures and compliance are appropriately executed.
• Sweeps Garden of all guests at closing time in a friendly and courteous manner.
• Secures Garden entry and exit gates for closure.
• Ensures all facilities are locked and alarms activated after end of business.
• Turns off campus lighting breakers as needed.
• Cross trains with guest facing departments to support Garden needs.Participates in Garden events with patrols, monitoring parking, load-in & load-out, service road access and parking.
• Manages traffic and directs vehicles to available parking areas & parking areas.

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

• Ability to carry up to 30 lbs.
• Must be able to move throughout the 82-acre Garden property, as needed.
• 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.

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 cover letter, resume and Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden Application to [email protected]

Seasonal Gardener

Salary Range

$14.50/ hour

Position Type

FT/Seasonal (March – October)
37.5 hours/week

Job Description

Our Horticulture staff exhibits a tireless commitment to creating new and innovative gardens and displays that delight and inspire visitors of all ages and from all backgrounds.  We are committed to demonstrating the use and cultivation of a wide palette of native and exotic plants suitable for use in Central Virginia and strive to maintain our collections to the highest standards in an environmentally responsible way. We think independently, work collaboratively, and are unified in our passion for horticulture.  We come from diverse backgrounds and celebrate different ways of being, in ourselves and in others.

As an integral member of the Horticulture team, Seasonal Gardeners are responsible for assisting and supporting full-time Horticulture staff with the installation and care of the display gardens and horticultural collections, both outdoors and under glass. 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.

Job Responsibilities

• Participate in maintenance of horticultural displays, botanical collections and Garden natural areas.
  • 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.
  • Physically work in all aspects of garden maintenance and development including soil preparation, planting & transplanting, mulching, watering, weeding, fertilizing, pruning, propagating, potting, raking, sweeping & blowing, tree & brush cutting, and recordkeeping.
• Safe and correct use of Garden tools and equipment.
  • Utilize shovels, trowels, fan rakes, grading rakes, spades, digging forks, pickaxes, brooms, hand shears, hand saws, loppers, pole pruners & pole saws, wheelbarrows, fertilizer spreaders, garden carts, ladders, and other hand tools to complete assigned tasks.o  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).
• Work collaboratively with a dynamic team to achieve horticultural standard of excellence.
  • Participate in weekly group maintenance tasks such as blowing walkways, filling gas cans, and caring for tools and equipment.
  • Participate in group projects and meetings with other horticulture staff and in cross- departmental projects.
  • Work with Horticulture Volunteers.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Senior Horticulturists, Director of Horticulture or his/her designee.

Skills and Abilities

• A demonstrated understanding of the horticultural practices and procedures required for soil preparation, planting & transplanting, mulching, watering, weeding, fertilizing, pruning, propagating, mowing, raking, sweeping & blowing, and tree & brush cutting.
• The ability to identify frequently used woody, herbaceous, and annual landscape plants by common name.
• The ability to use shovels, trowels, fan rakes, grading rakes, spades, digging forks, pickaxes, brooms, hand shears, hand saws, loppers, pole pruners & pole saws, wheelbarrows, fertilizer spreaders, garden carts, ladders, and other hand tools effectively.
• The ability to operate push mowers, riding mowers, weed-whackers, backpack blowers, push blowers, garden ATVs, pickup trucks, chainsaws and other power equipment safely and effectively.
• The physical strength, dexterity, and coordination sufficient to perform the above functions.
• A willingness to interact with the public on an informal basis by answering questions, providing directions, etc.
• The ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds repeatedly.
• Must be able to work out-of-doors in Central Virginia seasonal extremes.
• Must be able to bend, squat, kneel, stand and walk for extended periods of time.

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

• Preferred: A two-year Associate’s degree in Horticulture or a related field, or equivalent experience, plus one year’s experience as a professional gardener or groundskeeper.
• Also considered: Other combinations of education/experience appropriate to the job.

To apply, please send 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 through plants to improve communities. This is a paid internship; hours are flexible but require a minimum of 150 hours per semester and 10-15 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:

Fall Semester/August 15