Director of Social Responsibility

Salary Range

$24-29/hr

Schedule

Full-time; 37.5 hours per week

Job Description

The Director of Social Responsibility is responsible for broadening the accessibility and relevance of
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden through intentional relationship building with communities that have not
been robustly represented at the Garden. They will develop strategies for connecting with and engaging
diverse communities, provide leadership and daily oversight of community partnership programs both
on-site and off-site, and implement systems to build capacity and collaborations. Based on the Garden’s
core values of hospitality, responsibility, integrity, inspiration, and innovation, they will work closely with
our partners, staff, volunteers and Board to build a more inclusive, welcoming, and accessible Garden.

We are committed to elevating diverse backgrounds and experiences that are not well represented on our
team. We value the opportunity to work with individuals from different cultures and understand that like
diverse ecosystems, diverse workplaces are needed for success. We have a strong desire for our Director
of Social Responsibility to represent the diverse community we serve. We encourage candidates from
underrepresented identities and experiences to apply.

Job Responsibilities:

• Develop priorities, establish expectations, and set goals for community partnerships,
  implementing systems to build capacity and collaboration.
  o Actively participate in community networks and gatherings, listening to community needs
  and facilitating conversations in order to develop meaningful partnership programs.
  o Compile and maintain an inventory of partners.
  o Develop best management practices for partnerships, including an approval framework
  for introducing new programs and partnerships.
  o Collaborate with staff and volunteers to manage and grow partnerships on and off-site.
  • Collaborate with partners, staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, and Board of Associates to grow a
  more inclusive, diverse, and accessible Garden.
  o Collaborate with Human Resources and leadership staff to provide training for working
  with and welcoming individuals from diverse communities.
  o Identify and break down barriers that keep people from accessing the Garden; manage
  and build upon Garden access programs such as Museums for All and Share the Garden.
  o Collaborate with community partners in order to effectively welcome individuals of all
  backgrounds and abilities.
  o Lead the Garden’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion cross-departmental team.
  • Provide daily oversight for social responsibility initiatives.
  o Develop and implement an evaluation framework in order to measure and communicate
  impact and outcomes.
  o Establish, track, and maintain program budget.
  o Work closely with the Marketing department to share social responsibility and
  engagement initiatives on print, social media, website and other platforms.
  o Collaborate with the Advancement department to pursue funding opportunities, compile
  information for reports, and manage special project budgets.

Skills and Abilities
• Strong leadership skills, including the demonstrated ability to bring together various stakeholders
toward a common goal.
• Innovative thinker, with a track record for translating strategic thinking into action plans and
results.
• Adaptability and a demonstrated positive approach to problem solving and collaborating with
others.
• The ability to foster empathy amongst colleagues and guests while working effectively and
respectfully with people of diverse cultures, ages, and economic backgrounds.
Page 3 of 3
• Excellent organizational skills; ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines while juggling
multiple tasks and projects, planning months in advance while responding to day-to-day
demands.
• A strong commitment to and experience with DEI practices and training.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate difficult conversations.
• Excellent writing, verbal, presentation, and public speaking skills.
• Technical proficiency with computers, databases, Microsoft software programs, and social media
platforms.
• Flexibility to work weekend, evening and holiday hours, as needed

Required:

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

See a pdf with full job description.

Please submit a cover letter, resume, to Human Resources at HR@lewisginter.org

Director of Library and Archives

Salary Range

$24-29/hr

Job Description

The Director of Library and Archives is responsible for fostering an inspiring, inclusive, experiential
space to engage and educate guests. They oversee a team of part time staff, volunteers, and workforce
development students who support collections management and daily operations. They ensure the
development and implementation of programming for all ages, including story time, temporary exhibits,
outreach programs, and Garden-wide special events.

The Director of Library and Archives is responsible for the oversight of the Lora M. Robins Library,
institutional archives, herbarium, and the Garden’s art and artifact collection. They collaborate crossdepartmentally to align library services with strategic objectives as well as to improve the use and
understanding of learning resources in the library’s collection. This position provides intellectual control
and administrative support for the Library’s collections and information resources.

We are committed to elevating diverse backgrounds and experiences that aren’t currently represented on
our team. We value the opportunity to work with individuals from different cultures and understand that
like diverse ecosystems, diverse workplaces are needed for success. We encourage candidates from
underrepresented identities and experiences to apply.

See a pdf with full job description.

Please submit a cover letter, resume, to Human Resources at HR@lewisginter.org

Guest Services Coordinator

Salary Range

$17/hr

Job Description

The Guest Services Coordinator is a working supervisory position and a critical part of our forward facing on-site welcoming committee for the organization. This position directly supports the Garden’s mission by exemplifying our core value of hospitality, providing excellent customer service and achieved by genuinely welcoming each visitor with knowledge of the Garden, and an intuitive ability to be helpful, empathetic and eager to be of service. Our Guest Services team members primarily work in the Atrium of the Robins Visitors Center which serves as our formal entry point for our members, guests, visitors, volunteers and vendors.

Responsibilities and Requirements

Under the direction of and in coordination with Guest Services Manager (GSM):

• Ensures all guests have an exceptional first and last impression of the Garden.
• Ensures staff promote the mission of bringing people and plants together to improve communities.
• Embraces the Garden’s commitment to excellence in all departments, willingly and cheerfully integrating work with the efforts of all other departments.
• Stays informed of all Garden events, classes and programs and effectively communicates this information to guests with enthusiasm.
• Oversees admissions processing, membership sales and communications, and all Visitors Center activity, while seeking opportunities to improve efficiency and effectiveness of processes and procedures.
• Ensures guest, volunteer and vendor interactions, and all modes of communications with staff in person, by phone, emails or radio are handled courteously and professionally.

Supervisory:

• Oversees and ensures GS Associates are well trained in processing guest entry efficiently and accurately, and are provided with side tasks during slow periods of the day
• Works with GSM in determining conservative staffing schedules to ensure adequate coverage of the front line staff in balance with the ebb and flow of visitation.
• Works alongside GS Associates as part of efficiently managing periods of high visitation throughout each day in addition to completing back office administrative tasks
• Acts as a contact person in case of emergencies and reports situation to appropriate parties, using required reporting procedures, and alerting emergency personnel when necessary.
• Keeps all Visitors Center monitors, messaging and signage accurate, and up to date

Financial:

• Responsible for accurate cash and credit card transactions in exchange for admission fees, membership sales and renewals, event tickets and classes; following established procedures including opening and closing of all workstations.
• Managing and performing compilation of daily and monthly finance reports required for reconciliations, audits and special event reports.

Administrative:

• Oversees the coordination of self-guided bus and group tours including communications, sales, scheduling and greeting.
• Assists with daily mail processing and revenue report
• Managing Share The Garden and Day Pass requests/processing/tracking
• Assists with the compilation and dissemination of daily attendance numbers.
• Compiles and maintains the Gardens Admissions Report that tracks daily, yearly, ongoing attendance information
• Keeps Admissions e-handbook updated with current events, policies and practices.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

See a pdf with full job description.

Please submit a cover letter, resume, to Human Resources at HR@lewisginter.org

Public Safety Manager

Salary Range

$25-30/hr

Schedule

Full-time; 37.5 hours per week; weekends/nights required (schedule based on visitation and events)

Job Description

The Public Safety Manager supports all aspects of the Garden’s operational safety and security functions to ensure the health and safety of guests, staff, and volunteers. This position works collaboratively with the Garden’s Leadership Team and the Manager on Duty (MOD) to establish, review and maintain safety procedures to mitigate hazards and provide emergency support when necessary. The Public Safety Manager is a working supervisory position responsible for the development of safety procedures, training, recruitment and direction of support staff that ensure a culture of safety and security of all Garden areas and assets during daily programs, events and exhibitions.

This position exemplifies our core value of hospitality and responsibility to ensure a world-class guest experience to all and ensures all tasks are performed in alignment with Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens core values and strategic plan.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develops and leads Gardens Safety protocols, procedures and trainings.
  • Plans, updates and provides ongoing Garden Safety Protocol training for staff to include lost children/adults, weather emergencies, power outages and community safety concerns.
  • Co-leads Garden Safety Committee to identify, assess and report maintenance, operational or safety concerns and issues.
  • Serves as the liaison to local and state agencies to provide current safety communications, trainings, and facilitate tabletop exercises for staff, including CPR/First Aid/AED certifications.
  • Works with VP of Facilities to update, test, and maintain Fire Alarms, Campus Wide Security Monitoring Systems, etc.
  • Supervises emergencies in coordination with appropriate staff; reports to location of incident, dispatches staff to assist in directing emergency vehicles, etc. and ensures all reports/documents of incidents are complete and communicated to the proper departments.
• Supervises Public Safety Associates/Safety Contractors.
  • Oversees all activities of the Public Safety Department, ensures work aligns with organizational goals, and team members are demonstrating the Garden core values at all times.
  • Cultivates and expands a sense of purpose and connection of Public Safety team to Garden mission and activities.
  • Responsible for efficient scheduling of support staff for daily/nightly activities to ensure public safety presence whenever we have guests at the Garden including weekends, heavy visitation periods, and special exhibitions.
  • Successfully manages all department team members including interviewing, hiring, training, supervising and performance assessment, with the ability to, coach, counsel, and if necessary, terminate staff.
  • Responsible for appropriate procurement/purchasing responsibilities and managing departmental budget.
  • Attends meetings to ensure thorough understanding of events, visitation and hours of planned activity on campus and transition needs from day operations to evening events.
  • Ensures proper safety/security coverage of PS team, through communications with Garden staff/contracted service providers.
• Communicates openly and has a visible presence for all staff and guests during all Garden activities.
  • Maintains a comprehensive understanding of all daily activities, seasonal and annual programs and events.
  • Carries a dedicated security cell phone and two-way radio at all times during work hours.
  • Walks the Garden campus, engages with guests, staff, students, volunteers, food service contractor, staying in close proximity to activities, ensuring safety measures are in place, and teams are prepared for emergencies.
  • Monitors/reports inclement weather conditions that may affect the safety of guests, staff and v0lunteers and participates with VPOF/VPOH/MOD for any preparation needs or post event safety assessment and clean up needs.
  • Stays knowledgeable of and coordinates with Garden Leadership in the execution of the Gardens Disaster Preparedness Plan.
• Manages Garden parking, security and closure.
  • Monitors parking demands during highly attended events, manages traffic and directs vehicles to available parking areas and coordinating outsourced HPD support as needed.
  • Sweeps Garden of all guests at closing time in a friendly and courteous manner.
  • Secures Garden entry and exit gates for closure.
  • Ensures security of facilities and activation of alarms at end of business.
  • Turns off campus lighting breakers as needed.

See a pdf with full job description.

Please submit a cover letter, resume, to Human Resources at HR@lewisginter.org

Manager on Duty: Guest Services

Salary Range

$30-35/hr

Schedule

Full-time; Wednesday-Sunday

Job Description

The Manager on Duty (MOD) supports daily operational functions to ensure the health and safety of our guests, staff and volunteers, and the delivery of exceptional guest service at all times. This position works collaboratively with the Gardens Leadership Team and the Guest Services Departments by providing support and ensuring tasking, messaging, signage, and all forms of communications are consistent, informative and guest-centric. The MOD serves as a Point of Contact for emergencies, questions and concerns from guests, staff and volunteers and provides feedback and recommendations for improved guest service needs. This position embodies our core value of hospitality by supporting the development and implementation of efficient and effective operating procedures and staff training needs to ensure a warm, welcoming environment and world-class guest experience to all.

Responsibilities

• Ensures all tasks are performed in alignment with Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens’ core values and in support of the achievement of the Garden’s strategic plan.

• Contributes to the ongoing improvement of the guest experience.
  • Checks in with all forward-facing departments throughout each day to assess daily activity, and provides support as needed to ensure a warm welcome and expeditious processing of our guests.
  • Ensures volunteers are in place and able to answer questions related to scheduled activities and events.
  • Responds to or assists with guest complaints or feedback, and relays to appropriate staff as needed.
  • Walks the outdoor Garden areas regularly to engage with guests, staff and volunteers, to assist with questions and concerns.
• Maintains a comprehensive understanding of all daily activities, seasonal and annual programs and events.
  • Adjusts schedule to ensure appropriate MOD coverage during hours of operation, including on weekends, during heavy visitation periods, and special events, including the GardenFest of Lights event.
  • Troubleshoots arrival/departure logistics for guests, program, class and rental attendees, group tours, donor and patron visits.
  • Ensures a smooth transition from day operations to evening events by coordinating with public safety, Facility Events Team and food service provider.
  • Develops and provides monthly MOD reports.
• Supports the Gardens Safety Team.
  • Follows and updates Garden Safety Protocol, identifies and provides ongoing safety training.
  • Troubleshoots emergencies in coordination with reporting staff, reports to location of incident, dispatches staff to assist in directing emergency vehicles, help in locating lost children, etc., as needed.
  • Identifies, assesses and reports all maintenance, operational or safety concerns and issues to the appropriate supervisor.
  • Participation in Security trainings; CPR/First Aid/AED, Fire Alarms, Garden Safety Protocol, etc.
• Supports the oversight of Guest Services Department
  • Ensures consistent, correct messaging, signage and communications among staff.
  • Develops and participates in ongoing guest services training.
  • Provides POS assistance in Admissions and Garden Shop to help process guests, direct guest traffic or troubleshoot during busy periods.
  • Motivates and increases staff morale.
• Supports and embraces our diversity and inclusion policy to create an equitable, diverse and inclusive culture where the contributions of all community members are valued, respected and appreciated.

See a pdf with full job description.

Please submit a cover letter, resume, to Human Resources at HR@lewisginter.org

Custodial Assistant: Operations

Job Description

Salary Range

$14/hr

The Custodial Assistant is responsible for assisting in day-to-day functions of the Garden with a primary focus on custodial and cleaning duties necessary to create an exceptional guest experience.  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, collecting recycling, emptying trash cans, floor cleaning and maintenance, and deep cleaning as requested
• Clean facilities, rental spaces, classrooms and equipment between programs and event
• Police outdoor areas for litter and general cleanliness
• Keep all storage areas clean, organized and stocked
• Respond to requests of all departments/staff members for custodial 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

See a pdf with full job description.

Please submit a cover letter, resume, to Human Resources at HR@lewisginter.org

Guest Services Associate

Salary Range

$14/hr

Position Type

Part-Time Seasonal
Estimated 10-15 hours/week
with opportunities for more
based on events
Weekend hours required

Job Description

The Guest Services Associate handles payment in exchange for admission fees and membership dues, event tickets and classes. This position efficiently uses TAM database to perform ticket sales, register guests for classes, run reports, check daily schedule of events, look up events for guests needing information. Our Guest Services team members primarily work in the Atrium of the Robins Visitors Center which serves as our formal entry point for our members, guests, visitors, volunteers and vendors.

Responsibilities

• Provides excellent customer service to guests, visitors, members, volunteers, event and program attendees coming through the Visitors Center
• Acts as the “face of the Garden” by genuinely welcoming each visitor with knowledge of the Garden, helpfulness, empathy and eagerness to be of service
• Stays informed of all Garden events, classes and activities and is able to provide information to visitors regarding special events, Garden Shop hours, Café and Tea House hours and menus, by efficiently and quickly being able to use all available electronic and printed means including ActiveNet and the Garden’s Website.
• Is proactive in assessing visitor’s needs quickly, 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 and expedites calls to appropriate departments or staff members, as well as returns calls appropriately and in a timely fashion
• Efficiently and correctly handles deliveries made to the Admissions desk
• Is able to handle difficult situations with tact and respect and reports issues to supervisor in a timely manner with accurate details
• Is readily able to identify a situation that requires the attention of a supervisor or Director Acts
• Acts 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
  • Presents oneself with a professional and friendly attitude and appearance
  • Other duties as assigned by supervisor

Required Skills

• Willing and able to work weekends and evenings
• Prior cashier, money handling experience
• Prior experience working with the public
• Experience using MS Windows
• Knowledge of TAM or similar POS/ticketing software
• Knowledge of Raiser’s Edge database or similar software
• Familiar with Nortel or other mainstream telephone platforms
• Efficient and accurate data base entry skills
• Detail oriented and is able to multi-task in a fast-paced potentially noisy environment
• Proven ability to problem solve during real-time events
• Ability to work in a supervised environment
• Works well with others
• Able to work independently while providing excellent customer service to admissions andmembership needs
• Takes direction from supervisor in a positive and constructive manner
• Is proactive and provides suggestions and ideas on streamlining procedures

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 descrip
• 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 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.
• Must have proof of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

• Must be able to work for extended periods in one location, then move periodically and quickly between select points within the Robins Visitors Center adjacent to the Atrium as well as the immediate outside locations.
• Must be able to lift 20 pounds.
• Periodically, must be able to move around the Garden to understand and so better explain it to Guests.

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

Education and Experience

• High School Graduate or equivalent
• Associates Degree preferred but not required

Please submit a cover letter and resume to hr@lewisginter.org.

Facility Events Staff Assistant

Salary Range

$13/hr

Position Type

Part Time – 10 hours month/min.
Evenings, early mornings and/or weekends required
Hours based on event schedule

Job Summary

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 forem0st. 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.

Please submit a cover letter and resume to hr@lewisginter.org.

Part Time Educator

Salary Range

$15/hr

Position Type

Part-time

Job Description

Part-Time Educators are a vital part of the Youth and Family Engagement team. Educators facilitate educational programming for PK – 12 students, lead weekend and weekday drop-in programming for families, and provide support in horticultural tasks within the Children’s Garden. The typical work schedule for this position is Sunday – Wednesday, 8:00am – 2:00pm, but may shift slightly in the winter.

Responsibilities

• As part of the YFE teaching team, facilitates nature-based learning programming for preK-12 school groups.
• Performs opening procedures in the Children’s Garden as scheduled.
• 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.
• Maintains physical spaces within the Children’s Garden:
  • Ensures tidiness of activity spaces.
  • Performs basic horticultural tasks (watering, weeding, planting, harvesting).
  • Participates in staff workdays to support larger projects.
• Assists YFE staff with additional programming, which may include:
  • Support for summer camp classes.
  • Support for school group arrivals.
  • 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 and 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.
• Basic gardening knowledge is a plus.
• Proficiency in conversational Spanish is 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 descrip
• 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 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.
• Must have proof of a COVID-19 vaccine.

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 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

• 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.
• Experience in a garden or other nature-based learning setting is a plus.
• CPR and First Aid certification are a plus.

Please submit a cover letter and resume to hr@lewisginter.org.

Seasonal Gardener

Salary Range

$14.50/ hour

Position Type

FT/Seasonal (March – October)
37.5 hours/week

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.

As an integral member of the Horticulture team, Seasonal Gardeners are responsible for assisting and supporting 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 principles, and the skills necessary to perform basic horticultural tasks.

Job Responsibilities

• 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 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.
• 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.o  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 Senior Horticulturists, Director of Horticulture 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.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.

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

• Preferred: 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.
• Also considered: Other combinations of education/experience appropriate to the job.

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

Marketing Intern 

The Marketing Department strives to build the Lewis Ginter Botanical brand and support the mission to connect people through plants to improve communities. This is a paid internship; hours are flexible but require a minimum of 150 hours per semester and 10-15 hours per week.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in supporting the Garden’s social media efforts. This involves monitoring (including some weekends) and creating content.
• Write for the Garden’s blog.
• Help make updates to the Garden’s website.
• Post Garden info to websites such as tourism sites and media calendars.
• Take and upload digital photos and video of the Garden.
• Assist with events as needed.
• Provide general office and project support for the Marketing Department.
• Work with the Chief Marketing Officer and Digital Content Strategist to help meet the needs of reporters and photographers.

Qualifications:

• Experience using social media; experience using for a business or brand is a plus. (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest and TikTok.)
• Strong writing and 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 and WordPress.
• Should be prepared to work in a business environment, including meeting deadlines, working alone and as part of a team, and multitasking.

Internship training includes:

• Social media use in a business setting.
• Writing blog posts and optimizing content for SEO.
• Building photography, videography and graphic skills.
• Marketing and public relations experience in a non-profit setting

To apply:

Candidates are asked to submit the following to willn@lewisginter.org:

• Resume
• a writing sample (preferably a blog post, news article or social media post)
• 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)
• Optional: links to social media account/s
• In addition, we ask candidates to have at least one recommendation on LinkedIn

Deadlines for applications:

Spring/currently accepting applicants
Summer/March 15
Fall Semester/August 15