Full-Time Openings

Housekeeping Assistant

Job Description

The Housekeeping Assistant is responsible for assisting in day-to-day functions of the Garden with a primary focus on custodial and housekeeping duties.  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, emptying trash cans, floor cleaning and maintenance, and deep cleaning as requested
• Clean facilities, rental spaces, classrooms and equipment between functions
• Keep all storage areas clean, organized and stocked
• Respond to requests of all departments/staff members for housekeeping 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

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 reported promptly.
• Must report all injuries and incidents immediately and ultimately in writing to supervisor(s) and to the
• 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 walk the Garden’s campus in most weather conditions daily
• Bending, stooping, climbing stairs, transporting supplies by hand or by cart
• Must be able to lift objects up to 50 lbs. repeatedly
• Must be comfortable working in elevated situations using ladders and lifts

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

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

Membership Services Coordinator

Job Description

The Membership Services Coordinator’s primary function is to provide operational support for the Membership office. Duties include but are not limited to membership processing, preparing member mailings, managing technology for the Membership team, customer service and maintaining database accuracy. Strong technical skills are a must.

Responsibilities

·       Accurate and efficient processing of memberships.

• Strong capacity to use and troubleshoot POS and donor software systems.
•  Enter, update and maintain constituent and gift data in donor database.
• Execute and monitor established data transfers between POS and donor software and promptly report any exceptions or issues.
• Process membership purchases, receipts, cards and donor acknowledgment letters using POS and donor databases in a timely manner with close attention to detail.
•  Accurately pull mailing and email lists monthly for membership renewals.
• Maintain accuracy of biographic and demographic data for members, donors, organizations and other constituencies in accordance with data entry policies and procedures.
• Periodic data auditing and/or cleanup projects.
• Conduct research to update contact information, identify deceased constituents and locate other pertinent information using web-based resources.

·       Work collaboratively within Advancement and across organizational departments.

• Cross-train with Advancement Services to gain knowledge of reporting and financial reconciliation processes with the Garden’s Finance Department.
• Embrace the Garden’s commitment to excellence, willingly and cheerfully integrating work with the efforts of all other departments.

·       Deliver a positive guest experience for all members, donors and constituents.

• Ensure guests have a positive impression of the Garden and staff.
• Provide outstanding customer service to potential and current members of the Garden.

Skills and Abilities

·       Must be a well-organized, proactive, seasoned, 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 adhere to the highest standards of confidentiality and best practice for development professionals.

·       Must actively participate in the creation of long-range plans.

·       Must be goal-oriented, yet flexible and adaptable to the ever-changing requirements of our guests.

·       Must possess a commitment to the Garden’s mission and its core values, particularly honesty and integrity.

·       Must be a positive and motivating presence who embraces change and challenge.

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

Part-Time & Seasonal Openings & Internships

Horticulture Research Intern

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.

The work of the Horticulture department is supported by an inquisitive, dynamic, hard-working and enthusiastic research intern, who is excited about spending the summer learning the art and craft of horticulture while supporting a plant-based research project. The intern will work in all Garden areas, assisting staff and volunteers with the challenging hands-on tasks of managing and curating a wide variety of seasonal displays, garden areas, plant collections and departmental initiatives. When not scheduled for research, the intern can expect to weed, rake, groom, prune, plant, mulch and haul debris in seasonal extremes and all weather conditions. See “Responsibilities” for more information.

Responsibilities

• Work with Director of Horticulture and supervising Horticulturists to design and execute a research project designed to address a research topic currently of interest to the Horticulture staff and of possible value to the landscape design and nursery communities.
• This internship will last 15 37.5-hour weeks, with time divided into approximately 25% research tasks and 75% horticulture tasks.
  • Research Tasks:
    • Plan and carry out a qualitative or quantitative research project, working in collaboration with senior Horticulture staff and other Garden stakeholders.
    • Draft a presentation on internship experience and research results for staff and guests.
    • Create research-related deliverables (graphics, social media content, etc.) as requested.
    • Of note, past research topics have included invasive plant identification and removal, planting strategies for habitat value, pollinator and benthic macroinvertebrate population surveys, southern blight pathology and management, water quality monitoring, food crop production and medicinal plants.
  • Horticulture Tasks
    • 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 horticultural standards of 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.
  • 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 the Senior Horticulturists, Director of Horticulture or his/her designee.

To apply, see the full Horticulture Research Intern (PDF) and submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected]

Garden Shop Floor Leader (Part-Time)

Job Description

The Garden Shop is 5,000 square feet of retail space and generates revenue from the sale of books, unique gifts, pots, statuary, jewelry, clothing and holiday ornaments.  Proceeds from Garden Shop directly support the Garden’s mission as being a primary resource for learning about the botanical world.

This position demonstrates our core value of hospitality by ensuring that customer service is first and foremost. We achieve this by providing a welcoming and helpful experience to all guests and demonstrating a positive and supportive environment for staff and volunteers.

Responsibilities and Requirements

·       Delivers excellent customer service

o   Ensures welcoming environment for all guests, visitors and volunteers in the Shop.

·       Provides floor leadership and cashier assistance.

o   Responsible for opening and closing store using established procedures including creating daily deposit.

o   Responsible for all monetary transactions according to established procedures.

o   Interact with daily shop volunteers and assign tasking as needed.

·       Maintains stock and inventory.

o   Efficiently processes new product arrivals.

o   Retrieves merchandise from designated storage areas as needed.

o   Restocks bags, boxes, tissue and basic supplies at all register areas.

·       Ensures the visual aesthetic standard of the shop.

o   Keeps register areas organized and tidy.

o   Ensures a well-stocked and neat sales floor.

o   Utilizes slower time to fill in product, straighten and tidy merchandise, creating new product displays and maintaining an attractive shop appearance.

·       Required to have flexible work schedule.

o   Must be available at least 1 weekend day every week.

o   Able to adjust schedule as appropriate to support busy seasonal traffic.

o   Some nights required during special events.

o   Required to work nights during Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights.

o   Required to work 12-21.5 hours per week.

Skills and Abilities

·       Excellent customer service and communication skills.

·       Fluent in conversational Spanish.

·       Comfortable working face to face with guests.

·       Presents oneself with a professional, -yet friendly attitude and appearance.

·       Ability and experience to use and troubleshoot a POS system.

·       Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.

·       Ability to work in a supervised and unsupervised environment.

·       Works well in a diverse team.

·       Works well under pressure while multi-tasking.

·       Able to problem-solve quickly and report issues to manager immediately and with accurate details

To apply, please see the full Garden Shop Floor Leader Job description (PDF) and submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected]. 

Visitors Center Associate (Admissions; Part-Time)

Job Description

The Robins Visitors Center is the gateway to the Garden and our formal entry point for our members, guests, visitors, volunteers and vendors. Our Admissions team members work in the Atrium of the Visitors Center and directly support the Garden’s mission by exemplifying our core value of hospitality. Excellent customer service is first and foremost and achieved by genuinely welcoming each visitor with knowledge of the Garden, helpfulness, empathy and eagerness to be of service.

Responsibilities and Requirements

• Delivers excellent customer service.
  • Ensures a welcoming environment to all guests, visitors, members, volunteers, event and program attendees coming through the Visitors Center.
  • Promotes and sells and renews memberships, appropriately recommends upgrades and provides special membership services.
  • Proactively assesses visitor’s needs, ie: offering assistance or directions, locating wheelchairs or strollers, offering assistance if visitor appears in need of help.
  • Answers the Garden’s main phone line, expedites calls to appropriate departments or staff members, and appropriately returns calls in a timely fashion.
  • Acts as a contact person in case of emergencies and reports situation to appropriate parties, using required reporting procedures, as well as contacting 911 for assistance when needed.
  • Handles difficult situations with tact and respect and reports issues to supervisor in a timely manner with accurate details.
  • Identifies a situation that requires the attention of a supervisor or Director.
• Stays informed of all Garden events, classes and activities and is able to provide information to visitors regarding special events, Garden Shop, Café and Tea House hours and menus.
  • Uses all available resources (Website/ActiveNet) to ensure information provided to our guests is up to date and relayed correctly.
  • Ensures messaging on monitors, and all interior and exterior signage is accurate with each day’s events.
  • Keeps working area organized, is ready to conduct business and keeps area tidy for following day’s shift.
  • Efficiently and correctly handles deliveries made to the Admissions desk.
  • Able to create and print new signage as needed to alert guests of time sensitive issues (closings, limited access, safety alerts, special event information, etc.).
• Responsible for all cash and credit card transactions.
  • Follows established procedures for opening and closing assigned register.
  • Handles payment in exchange for admission fees and membership dues, event tickets and classes.
  • Performs ticket sales, register guests for classes, run reports, check daily schedule of events, look up events for guests needing information (date and location confirmation, etc.).
• Provides departmental support to handle exceptionally busy processing seasons.
  • Makes use of slow periods by performing administrative duties like assembling member packets, restocking Garden materials and seasonal rack cards, etc.
  • Takes direction from supervisor in a positive and constructive manner.
  • Is proactive and provides suggestions and ideas on streamlining procedures.
• Required to have a flexible work schedule.
  • Willing and able to work weekends and as needed in evenings for special events.
  • Presents oneself with a professional and friendly attitude and appearance.

Skills and Abilities

• Possesses excellent communication skills.
• Bilingual with a preference for conversational fluency in Spanish.
• Proficiency or ability to quickly learn POS/ticketing database.
• Ability to efficiently and accurately use membership database.
• Efficient use and navigation of Calendar database.
• Ability to efficiently navigate the Garden’s website.
• Detail-oriented and able to multi-task in a fast-paced potentially noisy environment.
• Proven ability to problem solve in real-time.
• Able to work independently while providing excellent customer service to admissions and membership needs.

To apply, see the full Visitors Center Associate Admissions job description (PDF) and submit a cover letter and resume to [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 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 (via LinkedIn is strongly preferred, otherwise, a letter of recommendation will do)

Deadlines for applications:

Fall Semester/August 25
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 Ms. Claudine Reyes, Visual Media Specialist 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).   
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