Conservatory Horticulturist

Job Description

Under the direction of the Under Glass Horticulture Section Leader, the Conservatory Horticulturist is responsible for planning, coordinating, and assisting with the development, management, and daily care of the plant displays and thematic collections in the Conservatory and nearby grounds.  Individuals should have a strong understanding of horticulture, display mastery of the skills necessary to perform horticulture tasks and be familiar with the identification and cultivation of a wide variety of tropical and subtropical plants.  They will be able to design creative and aesthetically pleasing displays and be familiar with the principles of glasshouse operation and management.  The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented and have a strong eye for design.

Responsibilities

• Horticulture & Design
  • Coordinate, oversee, and assist with the daily hands-on maintenance of the Conservatory displays and plant collections in a manner consistent with the horticultural standards of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.
  • Physically work in all aspects of Conservatory maintenance and development including soil preparation, planting & transplanting, mulching, watering, weeding, fertilizing, pruning, propagating, potting, raking, sweeping & blowing.
  • Conceive and design innovative and aesthetically pleasing year-round, seasonal, and container plant displays; develop plans, select plants, and locate plant sources.
  • Monitor the Conservatory plant collections for pests and diseases; coordinate scouting and control treatments with IPM Horticulturist.
  • Apply pesticides and fertilizers in accordance with IPM protocols and maintain application records.
  • Utilize hand and power tools effectively and in accordance with LGBG safety protocols and regulatory standards.
• Collections Management
  • Serve as a leading member of the team that will create the collections and design the displays for the new Conservatory.
  • Collaborate with other public gardens, specialty nurseries, plant societies, and hobbyists to locate and acquire plants for the Conservatory expansion.
  • Report plant additions and removals to the Plant Records Curator; perform periodic plant inventories and request accession tags and display labels.
  • Develop strategies for renovating and rejuvenating the Conservatory collections.
• Supervisory
  • Prioritize horticultural tasks, develop work schedules, and coordinate their implementation with the Under Glass Section Leader.
  • Lead and supervise Assistant Horticulturists, Seasonal Gardeners, interns, and volunteers.
  • Monitor operation of Conservatory mechanical systems; regulate Conservatory environment using Argus climate control system.
• Participate in group projects with other horticulture staff and in cross-departmental projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Under Glass Horticulture Section Leader or their designee.

Skills and Abilities

• A passion for growing, exhibiting, and promoting tender plants and a commitment to conservatories as places where people may admire, study, and interact with tropical plants from around the world.
• Enthusiasm for horticulture, garden design, and plant collections, and a commitment to the “public” in public horticulture.
• A demonstrated understanding of the horticultural practices and procedures required for managing plants in a conservatory including soil preparation, planting, mulching, watering, weeding, fertilizing, and pruning.
• The ability to create innovative, engaging and aesthetically pleasing horticultural displays.
• The ability to identify a wide variety of tropical and subtropical plants by common and botanical name.
• Familiarity with conservatory mechanical and environmental control systems.
• The ability to identify and prioritize work tasks and to organize, coordinate, and supervise staff and volunteers.
• The ability to identify glasshouse pests and diseases and manage them according to IPM protocols.
• The ability to accomplish work assignments effectively and efficiently.
• A willingness to interact with the public on an informal basis by answering questions, providing directions, etc.
• The ability to conduct oneself in a manner consistent with the Garden’s Core Values; a willingness to create a harmonious and productive work environment.
• The ability to collaborate graciously with other staff and other departments; a willingness to be patient, flexible, and adaptable to change.
• The ability to use horticultural hand tools and power equipment safely and effectively to accomplish work tasks.
• The physical strength, dexterity, and coordination sufficient to perform the above functions.

 Physical Demands / Working Conditions

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds repeatedly.
• Must be able to work out-of-doors and under glass in Central Virginia seasonal extremes.
• Must be able to bend, squat, kneel, stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to work in full sun for extended periods.
• Note: Duties described above, other duties and physical demands have been identified as essential.

 Education and Experience

• An Associate’s degree in Horticulture, Botany, Plant Science, or a related field; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Two years of professional experience working with tropical plants in a conservatory or greenhouse; public garden experience beneficial.
• 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.

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to hr@lewisginter.org.

Rose Garden Horticulturist

Job Description

Under the guidance of the Horticulture Section Leaders, the Rose Garden Horticulturist is responsible for managing and maintaining the Louise Cochrane Rose Garden.  In addition, they will 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 be knowledgeable about roses and their cultivation and have a keen interest in horticulture and gardening, the ability to plan and supervise, and the skills necessary to perform horticultural tasks.

Responsibilities

• Lead the management and hands-on maintenance of the Louise Cochrane Rose Garden, a Garden centerpiece that strives to grow a wide variety of roses suitable for cultivation in central Virginia; the garden features 1,620 plants representing 137 rose taxa.
• Assist with the hands-on maintenance of annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees and container plants throughout the Garden in a manner consistent with the horticultural standards of the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.
• Design innovative and aesthetically pleasing year-round, seasonal, and container plant displays using roses, annuals, perennials, tropicals and shrubs to fulfill the objectives of the gardens and plant collections.
• 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, and tree & brush cutting and chipping.
• Utilize hand and power tools effectively and in accordance with LGBG safety protocols and regulatory standards.
• Determine quantities of plants required for horticultural displays and identify sources for plants.
• Participate in group projects with other horticulture staff and in cross-departmental projects.
• Lead and supervise Assistant Horticulturists, Seasonal Gardeners, interns, and volunteers.
• Monitor gardens and plant collections for pests and diseases; coordinate scouting and control treatments with IPM Horticulturist.
• Apply pesticides and herbicides in accordance with IPM protocols and maintain application records.
• Report changes to the accessioned collections including plant additions, removals, and deaths; perform periodic plant inventories and request accession tags and display labels.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Horticulture Section Leaders or their designee.

Skills and Abilities

• Knowledgeable about roses and their cultivation; demonstrated experience in rose care.
• A passion for horticulture, garden design, and plant collections, and a commitment to the “public” in public horticulture.
• 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 design innovative and aesthetically pleasing horticultural displays.
• The ability to identify frequently used woody, herbaceous, and annual landscape plants by botanical and common name.
• The ability to use hand and power tools safely and effectively.
• The ability to supervise subordinate staff and volunteers.
• 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.

 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 perform all duties in a manner consistent with a public garden serving multigenerational and multicultural individuals, families 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 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 be able to lift 50 pounds repeatedly.
• Must be able to work out-of-doors and under glass in Central Virginia seasonal extremes.
• Must be able to bend, squat, kneel, stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to work in full sun for extended periods.
• Note: Duties described above, other duties and physical demands have been identified as essential.

Education and Experience

• An Associate’s degree in Horticulture, Botany, Plant Science, or a related field; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Two years of professional experience cultivating and growing roses as a horticulturist, gardener or groundskeeper; public garden experience beneficial.
• 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.

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to hr@lewisginter.org.

Assistant Horticulturist  

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 projects.
• Assist with the care of our natural areas including our meadows and woodlands.
• Work with Horticulture Volunteers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Proof of COVID vaccination.

To apply, please see the full Assistant Horticulturist job description (PDF) and submit a resume to HR@lewisginter.org.

Custodial Supervisor  

Job Description

The Housekeeping Supervisor is a functional supervisory position managing the Housekeeping team while performing daily operational tasks.  The successful candidate works collaboratively with the staff they manage, appropriately delegates tasks, and provides guidance and training as needed. They coordinate all activities of the housekeeping team within the Facilities and Operations Department. The Operations Department is responsible for all custodial and housekeeping services, assisting in day-to-day functions of the Garden, and preparation and coordination for private and public events, including all seasonal exhibitions.

Responsibilities

• Sets and maintains the highest aesthetic standards for interior and exterior appearance of all buildings and public areas daily.
  • Work to include, but is not limited to, vacuuming, dusting, cleaning windows, deep cleaning, floor maintenance, sanitation of public areas, etc.
  • Clean and maintain all facilities and necessary equipment.
  • Order and inventory all supplies needed to maintain facilities.
  • Collect and remove all trash and litter from the buildings and grounds on a daily basis.
• Works directly with the Housekeeping team in scheduling, performing, tracking, and completing operational tasks.
• Exemplifies leadership qualities, assists in employee training and development, and promotes a team-oriented work environment including maintaining good morale of paid and unpaid staff.
  • Monitors staff performance and notifies Director of Facilities of any concerns or opportunities for increased efficiency.
  • Assists and trains staff in using equipment and following procedures that ensure safety and improve productivity.
• Proactively finds/anticipates operational support needs and prioritizes issues as they arise.
• Works with Director of Facilities to ensure adequate coverage of the Garden during open hours, which includes weeknights and weekends.
• Monitors upcoming event sites to evaluate needed additional operational and housekeeping attention.
• Apprises supervisor of maintenance issues, repairs, and supplies needed in a prompt manner.
• Responds to requests of all departments/staff members for Operations assistance as directed by supervisor.

Required

• Experience and knowledge of commercial housekeeping.
• Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritize ongoing lists of tasks that change day to day.
• Excellent record-keeping skills.
• Basic experience with Microsoft Office products, specifically Word, Outlook, and Excel.
• Ability to use departmental communication tools effectively and correctly including radios, clock in computers, and task list schedules.
• Ability to use heavy cleaning equipment.
• Use of personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to hazards.
• Proven leadership and supervision of a team.
• Able to work independently and with others; self-motivated, detail-oriented, able to set priorities, meet deadlines and hold team members accountable.
• Can coordinate harmoniously and professionally with all departments.
• Working knowledge of workplace safety and equipment.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule – including nights and weekends.
• Abide by the Garden’s dress code.
• Reliable transportation.
• Proof of COVID vaccination.

To apply, please see the full Housekeeping Supervisor job description (PDF) and submit a resume to HR@lewisginter.org.

Garden Shop Floor Leader  

Job Description

• Provides exemplary customer service to all guests, volunteers and staff visiting the Shop:
  • Must be friendly, outgoing and enjoy working with people of all ages, ethnic and economic backgrounds
  • Leads by example by possessing a positive, upbeat presence on the sales floor that motivates others
  • Works well in a team atmosphere alongside staff and volunteers
• Demonstrates ability to work well under pressure while multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment
• Able to problem-solve quickly and report issues to manager immediately and with accurate details
• Presents oneself with a professional, yet friendly attitude and appearance
• Assists in running the day to day operations of the Garden Shop:
  • Executes opening and closing procedures, runs registers with accurate cash handling and daily deposit tasking, cleaning and stocking
  • Providing floor coverage to assist shoppers and retrieve needed merchandise for cashiers
  • Supports shop leadership in promotions and marketing strategies, identifies sales opportunities and executing shop events
• Works closely with the volunteers:
  • Training and mentoring at the cash registers
  • Serves as point of contact for volunteer questions, concerns, and provides assistance with refunds, exchanges, etc.
  • Ensures volunteers are engaged, helpful, and providing excellent customer service
• Back office tasking:
  • Ensures timely check-in and processing of new merchandise
  • Expedites product to the sales floor quickly and efficiently
  • Maintains a well-stocked and neat sales floor on a daily basis

Required:

• Able to work weekends and evenings during regular season and special events
• 1 – 2 years of 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 is preferred

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

• Able to stand for long periods of time and walk up and down steps repeatedly
• Able to lift 15-20 pounds as needed

Education and Experience

• High School Graduate or equivalent
• A minimum of 2 year’s experience working with the public or in a customer service capacity
• Experience and demonstrated sensitivity in working with persons of various ethnic and economic backgrounds on staff and within community

To apply, please submit a resume to HR@lewisginter.org.

Seasonal Educator  

Job Description

The Seasonal Educator aids in the fulfillment of the Garden’s mission by assisting in the development and implementation of a dynamic array of programs designed specifically for youth and accompanying adults (teachers, parents, care providers) of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. The objective of all initiatives undertaken by this position is to provide experiences that are infused with a sense of discovery and joy for the beauty and diversity of plants. They will embrace and represent the diverse community and region that we serve and ensure relevance for all audiences.

The Seasonal Educator will staff the Children’s Garden during weekend public hours, support the presentation of nature-based programs to learners of all ages, and contribute to the upkeep of the Children’s Garden, including horticultural projects.

Please note that weekend availability (8:30-4:30 Saturdays and Sundays) is required for this position. Weekday hours are flexible and negotiable, not to exceed 30 hours in a given pay week.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for daily operations of the Children’s Garden on weekends
• Responsible for set up, facilitation, and cleanup of weekend programming, which may include
  • Drop-in activities for families
  • Birthday parties
  • Scout programs
• Works with YFE staff to develop and implement drop-in programming for families
• Assists YFE staff with weekday programming as needed, which may include:
  • Support for summer camp classes
  • Support for school group arrivals
  • Occasional teaching of programs for pre-K and elementary-aged students
  • Occasional teaching/support of offsite programs at partner organizations in the Richmond community

Additional Duties

• Actively participates in staff training and department meetings
• Completes American Red Cross First Aid and CPR training
• Occasional evening 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 as well as thrives 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
• Ability to pass rigorous background checks
• Basic gardening knowledge 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 description
• Must perform all duties in a manner consistent with a public garden serving multigenerational and multicultural individuals, families 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 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 carry up to 30 lbs.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Comfortable working in immediate proximity to the 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

Required

• High school diploma
• 2 years’ college, vocational training, or other work experience
• Demonstrated experience with the design and delivery of innovative, creative, high quality, and developmentally appropriate programs for all ages, backgrounds, and abilities
• COVID 19 Vaccination

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in education, recreation, horticulture, environmental sciences, botany, biology, agriculture, related fields, or content knowledge in the natural sciences
• Prior experience in botanical garden/museum setting
• Proficiency in conversational Spanish is desirable
• CPR and First Aid certification.

To apply, please see the full Seasonal Educator job description (PDF) and submit a resume to HR@lewisginter.org.

Guest Services Associate — Operations

Job Description

The Guest Services Associate – Operations 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

This position 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 duties under the supervision of the Director of Facilities. Visitation, event schedules, seasonal needs and priority tasks will determine assignments and hours divided among these support departments:

Operations:

• Provide excellent internal and external hospitality.
  • Set-up and breakdown of tents, tables, chairs, etc., for all ongoing Garden events, including rental events and in-house functions.
  • Responds to requests of all departments/staff members for Operations assistance, and as directed by supervisor.
  • Assist with all components of the operations of the Garden.

Maintenance:

• Assist with general repair and maintenance of all garden infrastructure.
  • Maintain facilities, vehicles, equipment, and utilities.
  • 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.

Housekeeping:

• 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 light custodial responsibilities.
  • Heavy custodial cleaning on occasions when vacant shifts arise within custodial department.

Security and Public Safety:

• Responsible for security and physical integrity of the property to include grounds and facilities, during and after hours.
  • Ensure the securing and alarming of property.
  • Support the management of vehicular and pedestrian traffic, particularly during public and private events.
• Responsible for ensuring the safety and quality of the guest experience (visitors, guests and students).
  • Provide a visible staff presence throughout all public spaces among buildings and grounds.
  • Able to provide assistance and helpful instructions/directions to guests.
  • Supports safe and expeditious routing of guests.
  • Able to comfortably take first action steps in case of an emergency.
• COVID 19 vaccination.

To apply, please see the full Guest Services Associate job description (PDF) and submit a resume to HR@lewisginter.org.

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 Digital Content Manager 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 editing movies.
• Write blog posts and tell stories for the Garden’s blog.

Qualifications:

• Strong writing & communication skills (experience blogging is a plus)
• 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 Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Pinterest

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

Required

• Proof of COVID vaccination.

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 who are not students. This is a paid internship. 

To apply please send the following to Ms. Jonah Holland, Digital Content Manager at hr@lewisginter.org.

• Resume
• 2 writing samples (preferably blog posts, news articles or social media posts)
• 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).
• 2 recommendations on LinkedIn

Deadlines for applications:

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