Full-Time Openings

Director of Facilities

Department Overview – The Director of Facilities has overarching responsibility for buildings, infrastructure, equipment, and related operating systems, as well as the operations, maintenance and security teams at the Garden and Reserve.  She or he supports and coordinates with the horticulture department on the maintenance, repair, and renovation of landscaped grounds. The Director of Facilities oversees the following departments:

·         Oversees the Operations Department – which includes custodial and housekeeping services. This team prepares for each day’s business/visitation along with all public and private events. This includes event setups and breakdowns, operational repairs and replacement tasks, collection and removal of all trash and litter from the buildings and grounds, and the cleaning and maintenance of the grounds and interior of all buildings on a daily basis.

·         Oversees the Maintenance Department – which is responsible for the maintenance and repairs of facilities, vehicles and equipment, interior and exterior infrastructure, while ensuring these tasks are performed safely, quickly, competently, and at the highest finishing level, including required documentation. The team implements preventative and ongoing maintenance work for HVAC systems, emergency generators, grease trap cleaning, conservatory mist and controls systems, irrigation and fountain maintenance and repair and telephone systems, pumps, lights, etc.

·         Oversees the Security Department – which implements security measures for lockdown and alarming of facilities, equipment, property and grounds each night. This team provides for the safe, secure and expeditious routing of guests, staff, volunteers, students and vendors leaving the event sites, facilities, and property each evening in addition to the safe routing of vehicular traffic in and out of the parking lots during highly attended events.

Responsibilities

·         Manages and oversees the teams responsible for the care, maintenance and repair of all facilities to ensure that the Garden’s facilities and property are maintained in a clean, operationally sound, welcoming, and aesthetically pleasing manner and that satisfies the requirements for daily operations

·         Manages the development and implementation of plans, policies, procedures and guidelines to oversee construction, renovation, operation (including custodial), maintenance, preventative maintenance, and repair of the Garden’s buildings, systems, equipment, and related technologies to ensure welcoming, high-quality environments for visitors and employees

·         Develops and recommends policies and guidelines to protect, enhance, and preserve the Garden’s physical assets and resources, including furniture and equipment, space usage, maintenance, and energy maintenance

·         Acts as the liaison between Garden and outsourced contractors, utility providers, consultants, and applicable county entities

·         Ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to facilities and operations, including safety data sheets and required reports for hazardous materials oversight, ADA compliance, OSHA, etc.

·         Manages a purchasing and inventory control program as well as cost estimates and annual maintenance contracts

·         Acts as a good steward of the Garden’s limited resources

·         Works in coordination with the Exhibitions Manager to provide operational staffing support and the professional expertise needed for installations, inventory, safety requirements and de-installation of indoor and outdoor exhibits, including GardenFest of Lights, Butterflies Live! and seasonal art/educational exhibits

Supervisory Responsibilities 

• Manages a staff of approximately 15 full-time employees, 5 part-time/seasonal employees and temporary help as needed
• Enjoys working with people, possesses a positive and outgoing personality that is effortlessly conveyed to staff, clients, coworkers, guests and volunteers
• Interviews, assesses, hires, trains, schedules, supervises, nurtures, encourages, counsels, and if necessary, terminates paid staff with the goal of building and retaining strong team members
• Manages and schedules the operations, maintenance and security staff responsible for providing needed support for the Gardens daily operations including supporting special events [extended hours (Flowers after 5, Holiday Light Show), sponsored free days, etc.]
• Proactively addresses all personnel matters and violations of Employee Handbook in accordance with established verbal and written disciplinary procedures and fosters teamwork and mentors staff by modeling best practices alongside them
• Optimizes staffing decisions to improve productivity and develop, recommend, and allocate staff resources appropriately
• Prioritizes, reviews, revises, monitors and implements processes to efficiently complete all departmental tasks and duties and make the most efficient use of the Garden’s resources
• Embraces the Garden’s commitment to excellence in all departments, willingly and cheerfully integrating work with the efforts of all other departments
• Serves as the facilities representative on garden leadership team overseeing and accomplishing construction projects
• Responds promptly to facility and operational emergencies, providing coverage during the Garden’s operating schedule and develops a comprehensive plan for coverage during off-hours
• Communicates effectively and diplomatically in verbal and written form to explain policies and procedures to LGBG staff and others
• Leads and motivates multifunctional teams, manages multiple conflicting priorities; and build relationships and partnerships across departments and works harmoniously with others
• Works independently with a high degree of reliability, accuracy, productivity and able to exercise independent judgment effectively in decision-making processes

Please see the full Director of Facilities job description (PDF) and submit a cover letter, resume, and Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden Job Application (PDF) to [email protected].

Part-Time & Seasonal Openings & Internships

Children’s Education – Internship

Responsibilities

Work closely with Educators to:

• Implement nature-based activities, crafts, story time, and games; adapt activities based on the needs of the participants, the weather, and available spaces
• Facilitate group management, especially during times of transition (snack, bathroom breaks, check-in and check-out)
• Act as a mentor that thoughtfully engages participants interests and encourages inquiry
• Model positive and respectful interactions with plants, animals, and other people in the Garden
• Set-up and break-down of indoor and outdoor education areas
• Provide a safe and respectful learning environment
• Other duties as assigned

Skills and Abilities

• Must be able to work a flexible schedule including some weekends
• Experience working with children, preferably in an informal education setting
• An interest in education, natural sciences, environmental science, science education, outdoor recreation, and/or the natural world
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to communicate effectively, especially with children and young adults
• Strong team orientation with a flexible and positive attitude
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions; able to bend, squat, kneel, run and keep up with young children
• Ability to pass a background check

Education and Experience

• Course work in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Outdoor Education, Natural Sciences, Environmental Science or related fields
• Other combinations of education/experience appropriate  to the internship will be considered

Please view the full job description PDF and submit a cover letter and resume to Kelly Riley, Children’s Education Manager at [email protected]

Public Relations & Marketing Intern (Social Media)

The PR department strives to build the Lewis Ginter Botanical brand through all communication and concentrates efforts on publicity or “free” exposure for the Garden.  By supporting all areas of the Garden, public relations and marketing work to entice people to visit and to engage them in a relationship with the Garden.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden connects people through plants to improve communities.

General job duties of Public Relations Interns:

• Work with the director of public relations and public relations coordinator to help meet the needs of reporters and photographers.
• Help update calendar events on the Garden’s website
• Post Garden info to websites such as tourism sites and media calendars
• Research and write basic news releases
• Take and upload digital photos of the Garden
• Assist with events as needed
• Provide general office and project support for the PR & Marketing Dept.
• Assist in supporting the Garden’s social media efforts as needed, including filming and edit movies.
• Write blog posts and tell stories for the Garden’s blog.

Qualifications:

• Strong writing & 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 & WordPress
• Should be prepared to work in a business environment
• Ability to work on a deadline
• Should be able to work alone and as part of a team
• Experience using Flickr, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Tumblr, Instagram, Pinterest, Google+, blogging is helpful

Internship training includes:

• Press release formats and AP style
• How to write to encourage news coverage and create public interest
• The opportunity to learn more about social media and using it to connect with the community & to pitch stories

This internship is offered year-round. Hours are flexible but require a minimum of 150 hours per semester and 10-15 hours per week. We also welcome interns and volunteers who are not students. This is an unpaid internship. As an intern, you will be eligible to earn volunteer benefits.

To apply please send the following to Ms. Jonah Holland, Digital Content Manager at [email protected].

• Resume
• 2 writing samples
• Cover letter detailing your interest in the specific internship and how this experience will help you reach your educational and career goals, and your scheduling availability (start/end dates, day/times available).
• 2 recommendations (preferably on LinkedIn)

Deadlines for applications (somewhat flexible):

Fall Semester/August 25
Spring Semester/November 30
Summer/March 15