Full-Time Openings

Human Resources Manager  

Job Description

As a leader in the Administration Department, the Human Resources Manager will advance the Garden’s culture of leadership while providing an employee-oriented atmosphere prioritizing quality performance, professional advancement, diversity, equity and inclusion. The Manager will develop and manage talent recruitment and retention as well as evolve organizational personnel policies for compliance and in alignment with the mission, vision and values. The Manager will administer all employee benefit programs while ensuring integrity and compliance of reports and audits.

Responsibilities
• Talent Recruitment and Retention.
o Develops and implements organizational strategy for inclusive hiring of diverse staff to ensure we reflect the community we serve.
o Works collaboratively with garden leadership to anticipate current and future talent needs relevant to strategic and master plans.
o Leads strategy for succession planning of talent.
• Manages new staff onboarding, orientation to welcome, educate and celebrate new team members.
• Coordinates training and organization-wide learning sessions.
o Oversees workforce development strategy and supervisor coaching for employee relations ensuring a culture of leadership at all levels.
o Advises teams on HR best practices, training resources, conflict resolution, supervisory coaching and solution-based problem-solving.
o Provides leadership when sensitive issues arise and gives guidance on delicate circumstances.
• Directs the garden’s performance appraisal process including communication, training, goal-setting and merit review based on core values and the strategic plan.
• Administers bi-weekly payroll processing for accuracy, deductions, levies and garnishments, accruals, changes and reporting.
• Leads employee benefit administration programs, review, reporting, and compliance.
o Acts as a liaison between the Garden and external benefits providers and vendors (health, disability, retirement, etc.).
o Performs periodic audits of HR files and records internally and with external providers.
• Evaluate, evolve and communicate employee and volunteer handbooks to ensure clear policies and policy awareness.
• Assure State and Federal legal compliances with the highest industry standards and meet Federal and State reporting requirements with audits.
• Maintains accurate and current human resource files, records and documentation.
• Stay apprised of current trends in HR field including current legislation and development.
o Conduct periodic wage and salary reviews against industry peers.
o Analyze trends in compensation and benefits and make recommendations for improvement.
o Ensure the fair and equitable administration of policies.

Additional Duties

• Maintain professional privacy and confidentiality.
• Actively participates in staff training and department meetings.
• Stay current with other regional non-profit HR Managers.
• Weekend, evening and holiday hours as needed.

Skills and Abilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and group facilitation.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Expertise and experience with employment laws and regulations.
• Well-organized and detail-oriented, able to work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Technical proficiency with computers, databases, Microsoft software programs (including Microsoft Excel), HRIS and payroll software.

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 the security of their property, ensuring that all concerns are reported promptly.
• Must report all incidents immediately and ultimately in writing to supervisor(s) and to the President.
• Must ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations.
• Must perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Physical Demands / Working Conditions
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and computer work.
• 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
Preferred: SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP or HRCI certification.
Required: Bachelors degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or related field.
Minimum of five years in human resource management and knowledge of non-profits.

To apply, please see the full HR Manager job description (PDF) and submit a resume to [email protected].

Integrated Pest Management Horticulturist

Job Description

Under the leadership of the Director of Horticulture, the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Horticulturist coordinates management of horticultural and landscape pests in alignment with the Garden’s sustainable strategy.  This position works collaboratively across a dynamic department to ensure plant collections are protected and conserved within the formal and natural landscapes of both Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden and the Lewis Ginter Nature Reserve.  In addition, the IPM Horticulturist is an essential team member for the design, installation, and maintenance of permanent and seasonal displays that represent the highest aesthetic standards.

Individuals in this position should have a thorough understanding of the principles of IPM, excellent knowledge of the pests, diseases, and abiotic disorders that afflict temperate and tropical plants, plus good diagnostic and research skills.  They should have a keen interest in horticulture and the natural world, be familiar with a wide variety of woody and herbaceous plants, possess a thorough understanding of horticultural principles and practices, and have the ability to plan and supervise.

Responsibilities

• Integrated Pest Management
  • Work collaboratively with gardeners and horticulturists to develop an active scouting program for pests and diseases.
  • Develop pest and disease damage thresholds for the gardens and plant collections.
  • Coordinate strategy for the sustainable integrated pest management in greenhouses, conservatory, outdoor displays, aquatic gardens, and natural areas at both institutional campuses.
  • Apply pesticides and herbicides in accordance with IPM protocols and in accordance with all federal, state, and local regulations.
  • Coordinate the maintenance and vegetation control of the Garden’s lakes, streams and ponds.
  • Maintain pesticide and fertilizer inventories in accordance with state safety compliance for storage and disposal.
  • Record, file and maintain all pesticide application records while keeping current with state regulations.
  • Coordinate pesticide application training and recertification for Horticulture department members.
  • Partner across departments for IPM education, training and awareness.

• Horticulture
  • Lead the hands-on maintenance of annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees and container plants in a manner consistent with the horticultural 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 and blowing.
  • Utilize hand and power tools effectively and in accordance with LGBG safety protocols and regulatory standards.
  • Participate in group projects with other horticulture staff and in cross-departmental projects.
  • Lead and supervise Gardeners, seasonal staff, and volunteers.

To apply, please see the full Integrated Pest Management Horticulturist job description (PDF) and submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected].

Part-Time & Seasonal Openings & Internships

Guest Services Associate (Part-time)

Job Description

The Guest Services Associate position 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 focuses on elevating the guest experience and exemplifies the Garden’s core value of hospitality.

Responsibilities and Requirements
Collaboration by department managers in coordination with the Manager on Duty, based on visitation, event schedules, seasonal needs and priority tasks will determine opportunities in and hours divided among these support departments:
Admissions: The Visitors Center is the gateway to the Garden and our formal entry point for all members, guests, visitors, volunteers, donors and vendors. This department is responsible for an expeditious yet informative and engaging connection with each visitor, achieved by providing a genuine welcome, by being helpful, empathetic and eager to be of service and providing knowledge of the Garden.

• Face-to-face interaction with guests, members, volunteers, donors, deliveries, vendors.
• Working at Point of Sales stations to sell and process admissions, special event tickets states, promote and sell Memberships.
• Responsible for all cash and credit card transactions.
• Stays informed of all Garden events, classes and activities and are able to provide information to visitors regarding special events, Garden Shop, Café and Tea House hoursband menus both in person and on the phone.
• Provides departmental support to handle exceptionally busy processing seasons.

To apply, please see the full Guest Services Associate (PDF) and submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected].

Security Associate (Part-time)

Job Description

The Security Associate is responsible for security of the property, safety of guests, daily closure of campus facilities, and responding to incidents involving employees, guests, or other occupants on property.

Responsibilities:

• Secure property to include grounds and facilities, safe and expeditious routing of guests and able to take first action steps in case of an emergency.
• Supports essential functions of garden operation to include ensuring the quality of the guest experience; ensuring the securing and alarming of property; ensuring the physical integrity of property after hours, supporting management of vehicular and pedestrian traffic, particularly during public and private special events.
• Direct the arrival/departure of clients and guests at service road access point, parking lots and at public Garden entrance.
• Nightly lockup of facilities and arming security alarm systems.   Securing grounds for end of day, working both independently and as part of a team.
• Ensure that energy conservation measures are taken during nightly process of security, locking and alarming structures.
• Provide a visible presence to ensure the safety and security of guests, volunteers, vendors, and staff during operating hours and evening/weekend/holiday events.
• Work in coordination with other staff on hand at evening events where conditions require additional support, including changes to venue setups, adjustments necessary as a result of inclement weather conditions or emergencies, and additional guest entry assistance.
• Provide escort or guidance to arriving groups and individuals.
• Respond to alarms, emergencies, and security related incidents while on duty; decides what actions to take based on the situation.  Serve as point of contact for responding Fire, Police or EMS personnel.
• Investigates and reports on accidents, incidents, suspicious activities, safety and fire hazards and other security related items to supervisor for corrective action or follow-up.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal, and communications skills
• Ability to work nights and weekends
• Ability to present ideas to a diverse audience, mediate disputes, negotiate with vendors, and listen effectively.
• Valid VA driver’s license
• Strong judgement and ability to reprioritize duties to accommodate events and conditions in progress.
• Ensure nightly closeout form, checklists, and reports are completed.

To apply, please see the full Security Associate (PDF) and submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected].

Operations Assistant (Part-time)

Job Description

The Operations Assistant is responsible for assisting in day-to-day functions throughout the Garden campus, preparation and coordination for private and public events and exhibits, as well as light custodial and housekeeping duties under the supervision of the Director of Facilities.  A successful candidate must have the ability to communicate effectively with staff at 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

• Assist in maintaining the highest aesthetic standard for the Garden
  • Collection and removal of litter from facilities and grounds daily
  • Clean and maintain facilities and grounds daily including housekeeping responsibilities
  • Organize and maintain clean and safe equipment and storage areas
• Provide excellent internal and external hospitality
  • Set-up of tents, tables, chairs, etc., for all ongoing Garden events, including rental events and in-house functions
  • Respond to requests of all departments/staff members for Operations assistance, as directed by supervisor
  • Assist with all components of the operations of the Garden
  • Provide information and directions to visitors and guests of the Garden or appropriately direct them to the Robins Visitors Center for assistance
  • Use departmental communication tools effectively and correctly including event setup diagrams, scheduling task lists, clock-in computers and radios
• Assist with general repair and maintenance of all garden infrastructure
  • Maintain facilities, vehicles, equipment, and utilities
  • Maintain accurate maintenance records
  • Help with special construction and maintenance projects
• Installation and deinstallation of garden exhibits including: light installation, display set up, construction for securing displays, electrical testing, running extension cords, etc.

To apply, please see the full Operations Assistant (PDF) and submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected]. 

Social Media & Public Relations Intern 

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 meet deadlines
• Should be able to work alone and as part of a team
• Should be able to multitask
• Experience using Flickr, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Tumblr, Instagram, Pinterest, Google+, blogging is helpful

Internship training includes:

• Social media training & using social media to connect with the community & to pitch stories
• Press release formats and AP style
• How to write to encourage news coverage and create public interest

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
• An informal cover letter (can be an email) 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).
• 2 recommendations on LinkedIn

Deadlines for applications:

Fall Semester/August 31
Spring Semester/November 30
Summer/March 15

Graphics and Visual Media Intern 

The PR & Marketing 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, marketing and graphic design 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:

• Work with the Visual Media Specialist to produce print and digital materials
• Preserve the Garden’s brand 
• Assist in digital file organization
• Share images with media contacts 
• Take photos and videos of the Garden 
• Provide general office and project support for the PR & Marketing Department 
• Support the Garden’s social media through content creation and visual media 
• The Graphics and Visual Media Intern will be responsible for one large project throughout the duration of the internship
  

Qualifications:

• Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud 
• Ability to work on computers 
• Ability to keep files organized 
• Should be able to work alone and as part of a team 
• Should be prepared to work in a business environment 
• Ability to meet deadlines 
• Should be able to multitask 

Internship Training Includes:

• Adhering to and creatively supporting a brand, in-house design work 
• Consistent design critique 

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 Beth Monroe, Director of Public Relations at [email protected]

• Resume
• Portfolio 
• An informal cover letter (can be an email) 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).   
• 2 recommendations