Full-Time Openings

PLANT RECORDS CURATOR

Job Description

The Plant Records Curator is responsible for maintaining all plant-related records including the plant records database, files of plants received, accession tags and display labels, and electronic maps.  This position works under the general supervision of the Director of Horticulture and reports to the Horticulture Manager for the coordination of daily activities, attendance, and other operational procedures.

Responsibilities

• Accession all woody and herbaceous plants at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden and the Lewis Ginter Nature Reserve in accordance with accessioning protocols.
• Maintain IrisBG plant records database files including plant accessions, names, locations, and sources.  Update files on a regular basis to accurately reflect the composition of the living collections including plant-outs and removals.
• Maintain electronic maps of woody and herbaceous collections using IrisBG Garden Explorer and GPS transmitter.  Update maps on a regular basis.
• Serve as primary institutional contact with IrisBG technical staff.  Troubleshoot database problems and coordinate periodic software upgrades.
•  Identify plants using botanical references and by comparison with other named specimens.
•  Verify plant names using botanical references.  Update the plant record database to reflect nomenclatural changes.
• Maintain accurate labeling; coordinate and produce embossed aluminum plant accession tags and engraved plastic display labels and affix them to plant specimens in the field.  Oversee tag embosser and label engraver operation by staff and volunteers.

Additional Responsibilities

• Coordinate periodic inventories of the plant collections.
• Review collections for proper identification using taxonomic keys, herbaria, and other references.
•  Track plant specimens that are part of the garden’s Memorial Tribute Program, including plant name and location, recipient and donor name, contact information, memorial wording, etc.
• Supervise the plant records activities of seasonal staff, interns, and volunteers.
• Maintain plant records supplies including accession tag blanks, display label engraving stock, and mounting stakes and wire.  Submit requisitions for purchases.
•  Provide information on LGBG plant collections to staff, board members, donors, horticultural professionals, and the public in the form of plant lists and maps for the production of reports, newsletters, blog posts, brochures, press releases, etc.
• Assist with preparation of yearly Index Seminum international seed exchange.
• Participate in garden-wide events, exhibitions, and group projects, when required.
• Assist with preparation of Plant Records budget.
• Work collaboratively with other divisions to fulfill the Garden’s mission and accomplish its goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Horticulture or his/her designee.

Skills and Abilities

•  An understanding of standard plant collections curatorial practices and procedures.
•  Familiar with IrisBG collections management software and IrisBG Garden Explorer GIS software.
• Ability to identify a wide variety of trees, shrubs, vines, herbaceous perennials, and annuals suitable for cultivation in central Virginia.  Familiarity with tropicals helpful.
• Familiar with horticultural taxonomy.
• An understanding of the principals of horticultural nomenclature.
• Willingness to work with staff and volunteers of all ages and from all backgrounds.

Education and Experience

• A Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Botany, Plant Science, or a related field.
•  Two years of professional experience managing and maintaining botanical garden records.
• Proficiency in the use of IrisBG Collections Management Software and Microsoft Office applications is required.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Other combinations of education/experience appropriate to the job will be considered.

To apply, please see the full Plant Records Curator job description (PDF) and submit a cover letter, resume, and Lewis Ginter Employment Application (PDF) to John Morse, Director of Horticulture at [email protected].

Part-Time & Seasonal Openings & Internships

GardenFest Facility Events Staff Assistant (Part Time)

Job Description

The Facility Events Staff Assistant(s) reports to the Wedding and Private Events Coordinator and is responsible for assisting with the logistics of rental events including corporate, nonprofit and private events, as well as GardenFest events, to ensure a quality experience for the rental client and their guests. This position will work closely with the Facility Sales & Events Manager, Facility Events Coordinators, Meriwether Godsey event managers, Operations Team Members, and in cooperation with the Garden’s Security Coordinator to ensure events run smoothly and in accordance with facility rental terms and conditions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Post temporary event signage based on booked events/venues.
• Direct guests to appropriate parking areas and event entrances.
• Inspect event venue to ensure the physical event setup is complete and accurate and venue is ready for guests.
• Direct vendors to appropriate venue(s) based on vendor information form(s) and in compliance with rental contract terms and conditions.
• Greet guests and provide event and/or basic Garden information as needed.

To apply, please see the full GardenFest Facility Events Staff Assistant (PDF) and submit a cover letter, resume and Lewis Ginter Employment Application (PDF) to Jaclyn Wilkins at [email protected] 

SECURITY ASSOCIATE

Responsibilities

• Responsible for security of the 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 (visitors, guests and students); 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 events.
• In conjunction with supervisor, directs the arrivals/departures of clients and guests at the service road access point, parking lots and at Garden entrance as required.
• Ensure that energy conservation measures are taken during nightly process of securing, locking and alarming LGBG structures.
• Ensure the safety and security of guests, volunteers, vendors and staff through presence, integrity of building, keys, alarms and communication.
• At the direction of supervisor, coordinate with other departments to ensure adequate security for scheduled LGBG events. Outsourced food contractor is considered to be a department of LGBG, with all the same rights and responsibilities.
• Works in coordination with supervisor, coworkers, Facility Events Coordinators and Facility Event Staff (FESA’s) at evening events where conditions require additional support, including last minute changes to venue set ups, tasks caused by inclement weather conditions or emergencies, and additional guest entry assistance.
• Ensure escort or presence is provided after 5:00 pm to groups or individuals.
• Responds to alarms, emergencies and security related incidents while on duty; decides what actions to take based on the situation, facts known, and position limitations.
• Investigates and reports on accidents, incidents, suspicious activities, safety and fire hazards and other security related situations to supervisor for correction or follow-up actions.

To apply, please see the full Security Associate job description (PDF) and submit a cover letter, resume, and Lewis Ginter Employment Application (PDF) to Kim Dove at [email protected].

GARDENFEST TRAFFIC/CLOSING ATTENDANT

Responsibilities

• Works with security team managing and directing traffic for the organizations seasonal GardenFest of Lights event that runs November 22, 2019 – January 6, 2020.
• Understands basic traffic pattern routing for GardenFest visitors, volunteers, class attendees, holiday party attendees, etc.
• Controls traffic at entrances and exits as needed.
• Monitors parking lots on an ongoing basis to assess parking availability.
• Able to clearly and efficiently communicate parking needs and routing instructions to team members, guests, staff and volunteers.
• Understands logistics of event sites, guest entry and exit routes and how different areas of the Garden may or may not be used after 5pm to ensure safe and expeditious routing of guests.
• Uses appropriate communication means when handling difficult situations and know when to contact a supervisor, Manager on Duty or Chief Operating Officer for assistance.
• Able to take first action steps in case of an emergency.
• Ensures the physical integrity of property during public and private events.
• In conjunction with supervisor or Facility Events team, directs the arrivals/departure of clients and guests at the service road access point and parking lots.
• Walks the interior and exterior perimeter of Garden to ensure safety and security of guest and employees, through presence, integrity of buildings, keys, alarms and communication.
• Works in coordination with Supervisor, Manager on Duty, Assistant Manager on Duty and Facility Events team during evening events where conditions require additional support, including last minute changes to venue set ups, tasks caused by inclement weather conditions or emergencies, and additional guest entry assistance.
• Ensures escort or presence is provided after 5:00 pm to groups or individuals that request it.
• Assists with end of night Garden sweep, lockup and arming of all buildings and in coordination with other security team members.

To apply, please see the full GardenFest Traffic/Closing Attendant job description (PDF) and submit a cover letter, resume, and Lewis Ginter Employment Application (PDF) to Kim Dove at [email protected].

Public Relations & Marketing Intern (Social Media)

The PR department strives to build the Lewis Ginter Botanical brand through all communication and concentrates efforts on publicity or “free” exposure for the Garden.  By supporting all areas of the Garden, public relations and marketing works 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 director of public relations and public relations coordinator to help meet needs of reporters and photographers.
• Help update calendar events on the Garden’s website
• Post Garden info to websites such as tourism sites and media calendars
• Research and write basic news releases
• Take and upload digital photos of the Garden
• Assist with events as needed
• Provide general office and project support for the PR & Marketing Dept.
• Assist in supporting the Garden’s social media efforts as needed, including filming and edit movies.
• Write blog posts and tell stories for the Garden’s blog.

Qualifications:

• Strong writing & communication skills
• Ability to work on computers and use a digital camera
• Some simple graphic design skills and the ability to use or to learn PhotoShop & WordPress
• Should be prepared to work in a business environment
• Ability to work on deadline
• Should be able to work alone and as part of a team
• Experience using Flickr, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Tumblr, Instagram, Pinterest, Google+, blogging is helpful

Internship training includes:

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

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

To apply please send the following to Ms. Jonah Holland, PR & Marketing Coordinator at [email protected].

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

Deadlines for applications (somewhat flexible):

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