Job Listing: Garden Shop Key Holder (Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden)

Garden Shop Key Holder - GARDENSHOP

Garden Overview

Mission

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden’s mission is connecting people to plants by inspiring communities to explore and conserve nature.

Vision

We are a Virginia garden of international significance leading in horticultural and educational excellence. We cultivate experiences that enhance each person’s relationship with the natural world.

Values

Responsibility, Innovation, Integrity, Hospitality and Inspiration

Founded in 1984, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is a nonprofit garden located in Richmond, Virginia’s Lakeside neighborhood. The Garden encompasses 82 acres, four lakes, 5,500 unique taxa of plants within 15 distinct outdoor gardens, 11 major buildings including a conservatory and greenhouse, plus an 80-acre branch site, the Lewis Ginter Nature Reserve. Annually, Lewis Ginter engages over 17,000 students in innovative and exciting educational programs. This cadre of identified learners is just a fraction of the more than 400,000 annual visitors to the Garden. In recent years, the Garden has been honored with inclusion in several top ten lists for botanical gardens in North America.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin in the hiring, retention, or promotion of employees. We support the diversity and inclusion policy adopted by The American Public Gardens Association: to create an equitable, diverse and inclusive culture where the contributions of all community members are valued, respected, and appreciated.

Job Description

The Key Holder supports the daily operations of the Garden Shop by delivering an exceptional guest experience, providing leadership during assigned shifts, and ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the store. As a trusted leader, the Key Holder serves as the manager-on-duty in the absence of the Garden Shop Manager, oversees opening and closing procedures, supports staff and volunteers, and helps create a welcoming retail environment that reflects the mission and values of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.

This position plays an important role in connecting guests with the Garden's mission through outstanding customer service, knowledge of Garden programs and exhibits, and enthusiasm for the Garden's retail offerings.

Responsibilities

Store Operations

• Open and close the store following established procedures.
• Secure the building by arming and disarming alarm systems and ensuring all doors are locked.
• Conduct opening and closing inspections to ensure the store is clean, safe, and ready for business.
• Perform cash register opening and closing procedures, including drawer counts and daily reconciliation.
• Prepare bank deposits and maintain accurate cash handling records.
• Monitor store appearance, merchandising, and inventory presentation throughout each shift.
• Assist with maintaining inventory accuracy and communicating product needs.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Garden Shop Manager or supervisor to support the operational needs and mission of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.

Customer Service

• Deliver exceptional customer service that reflects the Garden's commitment to hospitality, education, and community engagement.
• Welcome guests, answer questions, assist with purchases, and provide recommendations on merchandise, including plants, gardening supplies, botanical-themed gifts, books, home décor, children's items, seasonal products, and locally sourced merchandise.
• Resolve customer concerns professionally and escalate issues when appropriate.
• Promote Garden products, memberships, programs, or special events as applicable.
• Maintain a welcoming, friendly, and inclusive shopping environment.

Leadership and Team Support

• Serve as the shift leader and primary point of contact in the absence of management.
• Provide day-to-day directions, coaching, and support to Garden Shop associates and volunteers during assigned shifts.
• Coordinate and schedule Garden Shop volunteer shifts to ensure adequate coverage and support for daily operations, weekends, special events, and seasonal exhibits.
• Assist with training new employees and volunteers on store procedures and customer service expectations.
• Foster teamwork and maintain a positive, respectful work environment.
• Ensure staff and volunteers adhere to Garden policies, safety procedures, and operational standards.

Merchandising and Inventory

• Develop and maintain knowledge of Garden Shop merchandise, including plants, gardening supplies, botanical-themed gifts, books, home décor, children's items, seasonal products, and locally sourced merchandise.
• Stock merchandise and replenish sales floor inventory.
• Assist with receiving, pricing, and organizing merchandise.
• Monitor inventory levels and communicate replenishment needs.
• Maintain clean, organized displays that support sales goals.

Safety and Security

• Protect Garden assets by following cash handling, loss prevention, and security procedures.
• Identify and report safety concerns, maintenance issues, or security incidents promptly.
• Ensure emergency procedures are followed and assist with guest and staff safety when needed.
• Maintain confidentiality of keys, alarm codes, and other security information.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lead, coach, and support staff and volunteers during assigned shifts.
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to coordinate volunteer schedules and adapt to changing operational needs.
• Working knowledge of retail operations, including cash handling, merchandising, inventory, and point-of-sale systems.
• Ability to learn and communicate information about Garden exhibits, programs, plants, and retail merchandise.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and maintain confidentiality.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn retail and scheduling software.
• Commitment to the Garden's mission and providing exceptional guest experience.
• Must be available to work evenings, weekends, occasional holidays, and special events like GardenFest, ensuring coverage 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 conduct herself or himself and perform all duties in a manner consistent with a public garden serving multigenerational and multicultural individuals and families, and in accordance with directed practices and procedures.
• Must be aware of surroundings and vigilant to threats to the safety of visitors, volunteers, and staff or to the security of their property, ensuring that all concerns are reported promptly.
• Must report all mishaps, injuries, and incidents immediately and ultimately in writing to supervisor(s) and to Human Resources.
• Must ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations.
• Must perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time (4 hours).
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds
• Frequent bending, reaching, and climbing ladders.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events, e.g. GardenFest, as needed.

*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 or equivalent.
• 2 years of retail, hospitality, museum, or customer service experience required.
• Previous supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
• Experience handling cash and operating point-of-sale systems.
• Interest in gardening, plants, nature, or botanical education is preferred.

Please note: This position is represented by International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, AFL-CIO. To discuss the specific needs of your group, please reach out to 804-359-4058.

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