Full-Time Openings

Please check back for full-time openings.

ON HOLD: Gardener 

Position Description

Under the direction of the Horticulture Manager, assist Horticulture staff with the installation and care of the display gardens and horticultural collections, both outdoors and under glass.  Individuals in this position should have a keen interest in horticulture and gardening, a general understanding of horticultural principals, 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.
• 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.
• 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 ATV’s, 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, filling gas cans, and caring for tools and equipment.
• Participate in group projects with other horticulture staff and in cross-departmental projects.
• Work with Horticulture Volunteers.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Horticulture Manager or his/her designee.

Skills and Abilities

• 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 identify frequently used woody, herbaceous, and annual landscape plants by common name.
• 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.
• The ability to operate push mowers, riding mowers, weed-whackers, backpack blowers, push blowers, garden ATVs, pickup trucks, chainsaws and other power equipment safely and effectively.
• 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.

Education and Experience

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

Please see the full Gardener Job Description (PDF) submit a cover letter, resume, and Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden Job Application (PDF) to George Cowart, Horticulture Manager, at [email protected]

Part-Time & Seasonal Openings & Internships

ON HOLD: Horticulture Research Intern

Job Description

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden’s Horticulture Team is seeking an inquisitive, dynamic, hard-working and enthusiastic research intern, who is excited about spending the summer learning the art and craft of horticulture while implementing and completing 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 to conduct research, the intern can expect to weed, rake, groom, prune, plant, mulch and haul debris in seasonal extremes and all weather conditions on a daily basis.

Responsibilities

Research Tasks
• Work with Director and Horticulture staff to fully execute a summer research project designed to address a current challenge faced by the Horticulture Department (examples of past topics: 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)
• Translate research into a user-friendly resource to share with the department, Garden and guests
• Prepare and present a report of experience, procedures and findings to Garden staff and guests
Horticulture Tasks
• Assist horticulturists in all areas of the Garden with a wide variety of primary garden care tasks, including planting, mulching, grooming, watering, fertilizing, weeding, etc., using best horticulture practices in accordance with established Garden standards
• Participate in routine group tasks such as leaf blowing walkways and string trimming weeds
• Perform routine maintenance on Garden power tools and equipment such as filling gas cans, re-stringing trimmers, cleaning and sanitizing tools, and keeping equipment organized and tidy

Other Duties and Responsibilities
• Willingly and cheerfully integrate assigned horticulture duties with the efforts of other departments (education, operations, garden shop, facility rental, public relations, etc.)
• Comply with provisions of the current Employee Handbook, all published personnel policies and the requirements of the job description
• Perform duties in a manner consistent with a public garden serving multi-generational families, and in accordance with directed practices and procedures
• With supervisor, implement Garden’s safety and risk management program and training

Requirements
• Knowledge of landscape maintenance practices and plant care appropriate to the region
• Ability to operate required tools and equipment
• Strong work ethic, keen interest in Horticulture and enthusiasm for physical work outdoors
• Ability to work both independently and part of a team, as needed
• Strong verbal communication skills
• Working knowledge of computers including Microsoft Office programs

Education and Experience
• Student or graduate in horticulture, plant science, or related field is required

Please see the full Horticultural Research Intern job description (PDF) and submit a cover letter, resume, and Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden Job Application (PDF) to Laurel Matthew, Senior Horticulturist, at [email protected]

 

ON HOLD: Registered Youth Apprentice 

Job Description

The Horticulture Team at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is invested in inspiring the next generation of Garden professionals. The Registered Youth Apprenticeship (RYA) program is designed to recruit, support, train and employ an enthusiastic, eager-to-learn, hard-working high school student tracking towards a career in horticulture. Hours working in this program will count towards the RYA’s 6,000 apprenticeship certification. The RYA  will assist the Horticulture Team with installation, maintenance and monitoring of their assigned garden areas (to include planting, mulching, watering, fertilizing, weeding, etc.), using best horticulture practices in accordance with established Garden standards and will gain valuable on-the-job work experience and training.

Responsibilities

• Select, prepare, plant and water soil and sterile growing media; apply liquid or solid fertilizers
• Irrigate containerized plant material and in-ground plantings
• Propagate plant material via seeds, cuttings, division and other means
• Care for propagated plant material by labeling, grooming, watering, hardening off, etc.
• Prepare planting beds; participate in small and large planting projects
• Maintain plant material, established beds and other Garden areas with various hand and power tools, including: weed-whip, mower, tiller, pruners, saws, loppers, rakes, etc.
• Suppress weed growth through various methods including hand-pulling, tools, etc.
• Groom and prune plants for shape, growth, health and aesthetics
• Use, maintain, clean and sharpen hand tools
• Perform regular preventative maintenance on Garden equipment including cart, tiller, weed-whip, backpack blower and mower; mix and/or fill equipment with fuel, as needed
• Participate in horticulture group projects and in cross-departmental projects
• Assist with activities in the production greenhouse, hoop houses and growing pad, producing quality plants for the Gardens, plant sale, and Conservatory use
• Perform other duties as assigned by Manager of Horticulture or his/her designee

 Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Comply with provisions of the current Employee Handbook, all published personnel policies and the requirements of job description
• Perform duties in a manner consistent with a public garden serving multi-generational families, in accordance with directed practices and procedures
• With supervisor, monitor and document safety and risk management programs and training for assigned personnel
• Work with an awareness of surroundings, staying vigilant to any possible threat to the safety of visitors, volunteers, and staff or to their property.  Ensure all concerns are reported promptly
• Ensure all mishaps, injuries and incidents are reported immediately and ultimately in writing to supervisor and the Assistant Executive Director for Finance and Operations
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations
• Perform other duties as assigned and required by supervisor, Directors and Executive Director
• Willingly and cheerfully integrate work within assigned areas with the efforts of other departments (education, operations, volunteers, garden shop, facility rental, public relations, development and security)

Requirements

• Knowledge of landscape maintenance practices and plant care appropriate to the region
• Ability to operate required tools and equipment
• Strong work ethic, keen interest in Horticulture and enthusiasm for physical work outdoors
• Ability to work both independently and part of a team, as needed
• Strong verbal communication skills
• Working knowledge of computers including Microsoft Office programs

Education and Experience

• Current high school student in good standing enrolled in a qualifying Career and Technical Education Work-Based Learning program in Virginia
• Current or past participation in related club, organization or volunteer program is appreciated

Please see the full  Registered Youth Apprentice job description (PDF) and submit a cover letter, resume, and Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden Job Application (PDF) to Laurel Matthew, Senior Horticulturist, at [email protected]

ON HOLD: Seasonal Gardener 

Position Description

Under the direction of the Horticulture Manager, assist full-time Horticulture staff with the installation and care of the display gardens and horticultural collections, both outdoors and under glass.  Individuals in this position should have a keen interest in horticulture and gardening, a general understanding of horticultural principals, 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.
• 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.
• 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 ATV’s, 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, filling gas cans, and caring for tools and equipment.
• Participate in group projects with other horticulture staff and in cross-departmental projects.
• Work with Horticulture Volunteers.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Horticulture Manager or his/her designee.

 

Skills and Abilities

• 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 identify frequently used woody, herbaceous, and annual landscape plants by common name.
• 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.
• The ability to operate push mowers, riding mowers, weed-whackers, backpack blowers, push blowers, garden ATV’s, pickup trucks, chainsaws and other power equipment safely and effectively.
• 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.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.

Education and Experience

• A two-year Associate’s degree in Horticulture or a related field, or equivalent experience, plus one year’s experience as a professional gardener or groundskeeper.
• Other combinations of education/experience appropriate to the job will be considered.

To apply, please see the full Gardener job description (PDF) and submit a cover letter, resume, and Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden Job Application (PDF) to George Cowart, Horticulture Manager, at [email protected]

ON HOLD: Children’s Education – Internship

Responsibilities

Work closely with Educators to:

• Implement nature-based activities, crafts, story time, and games; adapt activities based on the needs of the participants, the weather, and available spaces
• Facilitate group management, especially during times of transition (snack, bathroom breaks, check-in and check-out)
• Act as a mentor that thoughtfully engages participants interests and encourages inquiry
• Model positive and respectful interactions with plants, animals, and other people in the Garden
• Set-up and break-down of indoor and outdoor education areas
• Provide a safe and respectful learning environment
• Other duties as assigned

Skills and Abilities

• Must be able to work a flexible schedule including some weekends
• Experience working with children, preferably in an informal education setting
• An interest in education, natural sciences, environmental science, science education, outdoor recreation, and/or the natural world
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to communicate effectively, especially with children and young adults
• Strong team orientation with a flexible and positive attitude
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions; able to bend, squat, kneel, run and keep up with young children
• Ability to pass a background check

Education and Experience

• Course work in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Outdoor Education, Natural Sciences, Environmental Science or related fields
• Other combinations of education/experience appropriate  to the internship will be considered

Please view the full job description (PDF) and submit a cover letter and resume to Kelly Riley, Children’s Education Manager at [email protected]

ON HOLD: 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 work on a 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, Digital Content Manager 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