Salary: $15.00 - $17.00 per hour

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 Reser
• 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 regulation
• Report plant additions and removals for the plants records manager, perform periodic plant inventories, and assist with accession and display labeling.
• 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 Volunteer
• 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.
• Must be available to work evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays, ensuring coverage for Horticulture outside the traditional work week/day

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 procedure
• 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 licence.
  • 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 h[email protected].

Salary: $22.00 - $27.00 per hour

Job Description

The Horticulture Section Leader reports to the Vice President (VP) of Horticulture as part of a team who supports departmental administration, finance, and planning. Under the VP’s guidance, the leadership team develops all implementation measures and schedules and executes 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 position provides leadership for dynamic spaces within the Garden including the historic Grace Arent’s Garden, Children’s Garden, Cherry Tree Walk, and Margaret Johana Streb Conifer Garden. Future garden areas will be within this position’s oversight upon completion of the THRIVE campaign.

Responsibilities

Administrative (40% of time)

• Oversees designated Horticulture Section and its assigned staff, volunteers, and workforce development participants while ensuring work aligns with organizational goals and core values.
• Supports daily work in the 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.
• Supports and coordinates horticulture initiatives for capital projects.
• Promotes, celebrates, and models professional development for Department members.
• Serves as a member of the Horticulture Departmental Leadership Team.
• Collaborates with the Director of Volunteers for volunteer engagement and organizing corporate volunteer groups.
• Schedules, plans, and implements strategies for the short-term and long-term evolution of the Garden section to reflect dynamic programming within the Garden, advancement of collections, and aesthetic beauty.
• Collaborates with external partners and internally across departments within the Garden and serves on relevant organizational committees.
• Communicates with the facilities and events department to support and ensure scheduled horticulture work has a limited impact on Garden rentals.
• Assists VP of Horticulture with planning, budgeting, coordinating, and purchasing for staffing and resources for respective Garden Section.

Horticulture, Collections, Design and Display (60% of time)

• 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.
• Develops and maintains core collections of the Garden, focusing on conifers and allied ancient plants, native plants, camellias, azaleas and rhododendrons.
• Collaborates with Plant Records and GIS Manager to maintain accurate plant records and advance our botanical collections.
  • Label installation and maintenance
  • Participating in bed code inventories
  • Reporting removals, additions, divisions, transplants etc. to the Plant Records and GIS Manager in a timely manner
• Collaborates with the design and maintenance of the children’s garden to support our learning and engagement programs.
• Diligently leads in sustainable Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies including biological, mechanical, and cultural controls. Coordinates scouting and control treatments with Arboriculture and IPM Manager.
• Represents Garden interest with green industry partners by participating in shows, meetings, conferences, symposia etc.
• Interacts with the public on an informal basis by answering questions, providing directions, etc.
• Models 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, pallet jacks, bucket lifts, tractors, pickup trucks, and other power equipment in accordance with LGBG safety protocols and regulatory standards (training will be provided).
• Works 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 cross-departmental projects.
• Must be available to work evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays, ensuring coverage for Horticulture outside the traditional work week/day.
• Performs 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 scissor and articulating lifts, 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 or professional certification in Horticulture, Botany, Plant Science, or a related field.
• Five years of experience working in public gardens, parks or arboreta with increasingly responsible horticulture management and leadership experience.
• 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 the security of their property, ensuring that all concerns are reported promp
• 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 regulation
• Must perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

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

Salary: $17.00 - $22.00 per hour

Job Description

Under the guidance of the Horticulture Section Leaders, Horticulturists implement 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

• Work 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.
• Maintain various established demonstration-quality growing strategies including in-ground plantings, raised beds, containers gardening, various vertical-growing models, companion planting, etc., plus contribute new ideas and techniques.
• Diligently tend to plant health by applying organic, ecosystem-based, sustainable Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies including biological, mechanical, and cultural Coordinate and participate in scouting and control methods (including pesticide application) with IPM & Arboriculture Manager.
• Interact with the public on an informal basis by answering questions, providing directions,
• LeadandsuperviseAssistantHorticulturists,SeasonalGardeners,interns,volunteers,andcorporate groups.
• Collaborate with Manager of Volunteers to develop and maintain relationships with core group of volunteers that work with the horticulture team to maintain the gardens.
• Safe and correct use of Garden tools and
  • 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.
• Work collaboratively with a dynamic team to achieve horticultural standards of
  • 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.
• Must be available to work evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays, ensuring coverage for Horticulture outside the traditional work week/day.
• Work with Section Lead and Plant Records and GIS Manager to maintain accurate plant records and advance our botanical collections.
  • Label installation and maintenance
  • Participating in bed code inventories
  • Reporting removals, additions, divisions, transplants etc. to the Plant Records and GIS Manager in a timely manner
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Horticulture Section Leaders or their supervisor

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 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, string trimmers, backpack blowers, push blowers, garden UTVs, pickup trucks, chainsaws, and other power equipment safely and
• The ability to follow written and verbal

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

• The physical strength, dexterity, and coordination are sufficient to perform the above
• 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
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds

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
• Three years of experience working in public gardens, parks or
• Virginia Pesticide Applicator’s License (or the ability to obtain one within six months of hire).
• Possession of a valid driver's
• Other combinations of education/experience appropriate to the job will be
• Proficiency in conversational Spanish

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 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 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
• Must perform other duties as assigned by

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

MARKETING INTERN 

The Marketing Department strives to build the Lewis Ginter Botanical brand and support the mission to connect people to plants by inspiring communities to explore and conserve nature. 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 [email protected]:

• 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 Semester/December 15th
Summer/March 15th