A Farm, Nursery, or Greenhouse Worker propagates, cultivates and harvests plants, primarily flowers, trees, shrubs and sod, and other crops such as mushrooms that are grown in greenhouses, or grows and harvests farm crops such as grain, fruit or vegetables. Operates and maintains equipment used to grow and harvest plants and crops. Cares for animals including dairy cows or chickens, pigs or other animals raised for meat.
Assistant Horticulturist Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden - 3.9 Richmond, VA Job Details Full-time $15 - $17 an hour 7 hours ago Qualifications Outdoor work experience Driver's License Driving Full Job Description The Garden celebrates the diversity of all people, just as we honor the diversity of plants and ecosystems in our world, with a focus on Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility. 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.
Assistant Horticulturist Pay Range:
$15 - $17/hr
Exempt/Non-exempt:
Non-Exempt Position Type:
Full Time Location:
Richmond, VA 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. R e sponsibilities 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 Reserve. 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 regulations. Maintains the grounds and exterior areas to ensure a clean, safe, and aesthetically pleasing environment, including routine landscaping, debris removal, walkway upkeep, and general property appearance. Ensures all building access points, walkways, and parking areas remain safe and accessible year‑round, including performing snow and ice removal, salting, and seasonal maintenance activities. Responds to weather events, emergencies, and unexpected conditions by performing prompt cleanup, hazard removal, and support for disaster‑related recovery efforts to restore safe operations. 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 Volunteers. 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, occasional holidays and special events like GardenFest, ensuring coverage for Horticulture outside the traditional work week/day. Em pl o y ee s 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 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. P h y s i c a l 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.
Note:
Duties described above, other duties, and physical demands have been identified as essential functions as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. E ducation and Experience R eq u i r e d 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. P referred An Associate's degree in Horticulture, Botany, Plant Science, or a related field.
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 h .
