ASSISTANT HORTICULTURIST

$ 16-$ 17/hr

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 initiatives as needed (i.e. marketing, education, facilities, etc.). 
• Assist with the care of our natural areas including our meadows and woodlands. 
• Regularly work with Horticulture Volunteers. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

 Skills and Abilities

• A passion for horticulture and plant collections, and a commitment to the “public” in public horticulture 
• A thorough understanding of horticultural practices and procedures and the ability to identify frequently used woody, herbaceous, and annual landscape plants. 
• The ability to use hand and power tools effectively and safely. 
• Strong work ethic and an enthusiasm for physical work outdoors. 
• A willingness to interact with the public on an informal basis by answering questions, providing directions, etc. 
• The ability to work with a diverse staff and group of volunteers. 
• Able to work independently and collaboratively. 
• The ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Willing to work weekends, evenings, and holidays, when needed. 

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 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 have the physical strength, dexterity, and coordination sufficient to perform the above functions. 
• Must be able to bend, squat, kneel, stand and walk long distances for extended periods of time. 
• Must be able to work out-of-doors and under glass in Central Virginia seasonal extremes. 
• Have the ability to push, pull and/or lift 50 pounds repeatedly  

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

Education and Experience

• Required
  • One year of experience as a professional gardener or groundskeeper. 
  • 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. 

• Preferred

• • An Associate’s degree in Horticulture, Botany, Plant Science, or a related field. 

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected]. 

SECTION HORTICULTURIST

$ 22-$ 25/hr

Job Description
The Horticulture Section Leader reports to the Vice President (VP) of Horticulture as part of a team of
three to four horticulture section leaders who support departmental administration, finance, and
planning. Under the VP’s guidance, they develop all implementation measures and schedules and execute
horticultural aspirations, goals, and objectives for the Garden and the Lewis Ginter Nature Reserve. They
develop a strong team of horticultural professionals by investing in the training, support and
development of their staff and volunteers while acknowledging the integrity of the gardens presented is
directly connected to the passion of the team maintaining them. This specific Horticulture Section Leader
position includes leadership of the Garden’s irrigation system.

Responsibilities

Administrative

• Oversees designated Horticulture Section and its assigned staff and volunteers, while ensuring work
  aligns with organizational goals and core values.
• Supports daily work in Garden section by leading a diverse team. This includes interviewing, hiring,
  training, supervising, and performance assessment, with the ability to, coach, counsel, and transition
  staff.
• Promote, celebrate, and model professional development for Department members.
• Serve as a member of the Horticulture Departmental Leadership Team.
• Collaborates with the Director of Volunteers for volunteer engagement and collaboration with
  corporate volunteer groups.
• Schedules, plans, and implements strategies for the short-term and long-term evolution of Garden
  section to reflect dynamic programming within the Garden, advancement of collections, and aesthetic
  beauty.
• Collaborate across departments within the Garden and serves on relevant committees.
• Assists VP of Horticulture with planning, budgeting, coordinating, and purchasing for staffing and
  resources for respective Garden Section.

Horticulture, Collections, Design and Display

• Works 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.
• Diligently lead in sustainable Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies including biological,
  mechanical, and cultural controls. Coordinate scouting and control treatments with IPM
  Horticulturist.
• Interact with the public on an informal basis by answering questions, providing directions, etc.
• 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.
• Serves as the point of contact and responsible party for Garden’s current and future irrigation system.
• Leads communication with Garden contracted resources for irrigation design, installation,
  maintenance and repair.
• Serves as liaison for Horticulture department for irrigation troubleshooting.
  o Works collaboratively across organizational departments to communicate irrigation in
  relation to programming.
•  Must be available to work evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays, ensuring coverage for
  Horticulture outside the traditional work week/day.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the VP of Horticulture or their designee.

Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of and experience with landscape practices and plant care appropriate to the region.
• Strong work ethic, keen interest in Horticulture, 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.
• Demonstrated experience working with and managing irrigation technologies.
• 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 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

• A degree in Horticulture, Botany, Plant Science, or a related field.
• Five years of experience working in public gardens, parks or arboreta.
• 1 year of experience working with a large-scale irrigation system
•  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.

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, 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
  Human Resources.
• Must ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations.
• Must perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

To apply, please send cover letter and resume to [email protected].

GUEST SERVICES ASSOCIATE – OPERATIONS

Salary Range

$14/hr

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 and housekeeping duties under the supervision of the Operations Manager. 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.

Custodial:

• 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 housekeeping
    responsibilities.

Security and Public Safety:

• Assist in ensuring the safety and quality of the guest experience (visitors, guests, volunteers
  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.

Required

• Good organizational, interpersonal, and communications skills.
• Ability to work nights and weekends.
• Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions
• A self-motivated performer.
• Reliable mode of transportation.
• Familiarity with safe use of common hand tools.

Desirable

• Related work experience.
• Basic mechanical understanding and knowledge or ability to learn.
•  Basic Microsoft Office product experience.

Responsibilities

•  Delivers excellent customer service in all facets of work.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Able to move from task to task and remain flexible to changing assignments as needed.
• Works well in a diverse team and in a supervised and unsupervised environment.
• Required to have a flexible work schedule and willing and able to work weekends and as
  needed in evenings for special events.
• 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 leadership team member.

Skills and Abilities

• Detail oriented and able to multi-task in a fast-paced potentially noisy environment.
• Proven ability to problem solve in real time.
•  Bilingual with a preference for conversational fluency in Spanish helpful.

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

• Must be able to work for extended periods in one location, standing, bending and lifting.
• Must be able and willing to move periodically and quickly between buildings and outside
  areas.
•  Must be able to lift 40 pounds.
• Must be willing to work outside in all sorts of weather based on given assignment.
• Must be able to move around the Garden serving as a visible presence, to be familiar with
  exhibit and event locations in order to report to work locations.

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

Education and Experience

• High school education or GED required
• 1 year prior experience working with the public in the hospitality or customer-service is
  preferred
• Proficient in Outlook and Microsoft Office Products preferred

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 all individuals
  and families in accordance with the organizations strategic plan and directives of inclusion,
  diversity, equity and accessibility
• 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 Human Resources
• Must ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations.
• Must perform other duties as assigned by supervisor

Please submit cover letter and resume to [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]

FACILITY EVENT STAFF ASSISTANT

$13/hr

Job Description

The Facility Events office coordinates over 300 events a year at the Garden in 12 different venues and gardens,
which includes corporate/nonprofit clients as well as private events and weddings. Proceeds from facility rentals
directly support the Garden’s mission as being a primary resource for learning about the botanical world. This
position serves as a representative of the Garden to all event clients and guests for questions and coordination
needs during events and 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, guests and volunteers.

Responsibilities

Day of Event –

• Posts temporary event signage based on booked events/venues.
• Inspects event venue(s) to ensure the physical event setup is complete and accurate and venue is ready for
  guests.
• Supports the Food and Beverage provider for event setups and needs.
• Works closely with client to ensure room or site setup is correct and assist with any AV setup.
• Supports operations and custodial teams with last minute adjustments or needs.
• Directs guests to appropriate parking areas and event entrances.
• Greets and checks-in guests and provide event and/or basic Garden information as needed.
• Assists late guests to venue and monitor venue for possible noise conflicts due to multiple events in the
  Garden.

Additional Responsibilities for Wedding Events –

•  Directs vendors to appropriate venue(s) based on vendor information form(s) and in compliance with rental
  contract terms and conditions.
• Serves as liaison to bridal party or wedding planner upon arrival and during their set up, direct musicians as
  appropriate to ceremony or reception site location. Direct guests to appropriate parking areas and event
  entrances.
•  Ensures other FESA’s are in place as needed, if needed.
• Monitors ceremony venue(s) for compliance with mandatory ceremony start time and rental term requiring
  acoustical ceremony music.
• Direct guests from ceremony to reception venue and be accessible for guest questions.
• Monitor reception music at Bloemendaal House to ensure compliance with rental term related to reception
  music start time and Henrico County noise ordinance.

Skills and Abilities

•  Excellent customer service and effective communications skills with people at all levels and in various
  settings via multiple communication tools.
• Comfortable working face to face with guests.
• Presents oneself with a professional, yet friendly attitude and appearance.
• Proven ability to work with others in a cooperative and collaborative manner.
• Ability to understand and differentiate priority of job responsibilities and customer requests.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Works well under pressure, is able to problem solve quickly, and can respond to difficult situations and a
  kind and courteous manner.
• Knowledgeable about facility rental terms and conditions, especially key terms that may affect multiple
  events.
• Willingly integrates work of department with the efforts of other departments (particularly guest/visitor
  services, operations, and catering).
• Make recommendations for facility rental event logistics.

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

•  Must be able to lift 20 pounds intermittently.
•  Must be able to work outdoors in all seasonal extremes.
•  Must be able to walk quickly between all garden venues.

Education and Experience

• 2 years post high school education preferred.
• 1-2 years customer service experience in food service or hospitality field.
• General understanding of event coordination.

Each Employee of Lewis Ginter

• 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 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 mishaps, 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.
• Have proof of a COVID-19 vaccine.

To apply, please send cover letter and resume to [email protected].

LEAD EXHIBITIONS ASSISTANT

Salary Range

$16/ hour

Position Type

PT/Seasonal
up to 25 hours/week

Job Description

The Lead Exhibitions Assistant proactively supports the de-installation and installation of seasonal
exhibitions, with a primary focus on the Garden’s holiday light show. This includes leading volunteers
and staff assigned to support the installation and de-installation of the light show. In addition, this
position will work as the Assistant Manager on Duty, supporting the nightly operations throughout the
run of show. This position requires a flexible schedule and the availability to work outdoors, in all
weather conditions, on evenings, and weekends.

Responsibilities

•  Supports and assists with installation and de-installation of seasonal exhibits
  •  Assists with de-installing, storing, and organizing exhibit components in the Butterflies LIVE!
    exhibit including signage, lighting components, and exhibit structures (i.e. vestibule,
    pedestals, and other display materials).
  •  Supports de-installation of Incanto exhibit, including moving sculpture elements, deinstalling and storing signage and lighting components.
  •  Ensures concurrent exhibit installation and de-installation timelines do not conflict.
•  Support installation, maintenance, and de-installation of Light Show
  •  Installs various lighting and A/V components, display set up, form placement, construction
    for securing displays, electrical testing, running extension cords, etc. Removal and storage of
    same following run of show.
  • Troubleshoot electrical infrastructure and conducts necessary repairs during setup and run of
    show.
  • Assists with coordination and installation of decorative items, including hallway garlands,
    large wreaths, and other interior and exterior display elements.
  • Assists with installation of Garden-wide signage needed to support guest experience,
    interpretation, and wayfinding.
  • Assist with supervising, leading, and coordinating staff and volunteer supporting fabrication,
    installation, and de-installation of light show.
  • Ensures all materials are inventoried, organized, and properly stored or disposed of as
    required.
• Provide a wide variety of tasks needed to support run of show
  • Works as Assistant Manager on Duty, which may include scanning tickets, routine check-ins
    with staff and volunteers, and supporting guest experience and engagement activities (i.e. fire
    pit operations).
  • Troubleshoot electrical infrastructure and conducts necessary repairs during setup and run of
    show.
  • Assist Public Safety department with directing guest traffic and pedestrian flow during high
    attendance period of eight week show.
  • Communicates effectively with Garden staff on issues, needs and emergencies.

Skills and Abilities

•  Prior knowledge of and experience with elementary electrical functions
•  Experience working with and/or installing AV and tech components preferred
•  Stamina necessary to complete physically active work outdoors on a regular basis
•  Excellent volunteer management and group facilitation skills
• Familiarity with safe use of common hand tools
•  Technical proficiency with computers including Microsoft Office and Excel
• Able to work safely from an elevated level on ladders, roofs and in trees
• Ability to productively switch between multiple tasks/types of work within a single day
• Good interpersonal, and communications skills
• Well-organized and detail-oriented
• Solution-oriented and able to work independently as well as in a team environment
• Reliable mode of transportation
• Ability to work nights and weekends

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 themselves and 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 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 objects up to 50 lbs. repeatedly
• 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 able to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crawl, reach, push, pull, lift, grasp, feel, and utilize
  repetitive motions for prolonged periods of time.
• Must be able to climb stairs and stand for continuous periods of time with or without reasonable
  accommodation.
• Must be comfortable working in immediate proximity to the general public in a safe and friendly
  manner.

Note: Duties described above, other duties, and physical demands have been identified as essential
functions as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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

• Associates degree or High school diploma; technical school training is preferred; a combination
  of experience and education will be considered.
•  Experience with electrical infrastructure preferred.
•  Familiarity with standard worksite safety practices.
• Experience in managing light displays, exhibitions, or events preferred.
• Prior experience in a botanical garden, museum, or cultural non-profit preferred.

To apply, please send cover letter and resume to [email protected].