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.

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 responsible for creating and maintaining displays that uphold 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, container 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 controls. Coordinate scouting and control treatments with the IPM Horticulturist.
• Partner with Marketing for the promotion of horticulture by supporting the development of blog posts, social media, etc.
• Interact with the public on an informal basis by answering questions, providing directions, etc.
• Lead and supervise Assistant Horticulturists, Seasonal Gardeners, interns, volunteers, and corporate groups. Collaborate with the Manager of Volunteers.
• 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, 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 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.
• Support plant records work to advance our botanical collections.
• Work a flexible work schedule; must be available to weekends; must be available to assist with evening coverage during special events; required to work nights during Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Horticulture Section Leaders or their designee.

Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of and experience with edible landscapes and/or agricultural crop maintenance practices and plant care appropriate to the region.
• Strong work ethic, keen interest in sustainable agriculture and organic food production, and 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.
• 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 effectively.
• The ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Must be available to work evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays, ensuring coverage for Horticulture and for special events at the Garden, including GardenFest, outside the traditional work week/day. 

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

• The physical strength, dexterity, and coordination are 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 in Horticulture, Botany, Plant Science, or a related field.
• Three years of experience working in public gardens, parks or arboreta.
• 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 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 regulations.
• Must perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

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 send a cover letter and resume to hr@lewisginter.org.