Garden Overview

Mission

We connect 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 non-profit 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 education programs. This cadre of identified learners is just a fraction of the more than 400,000 annual visitors to the garden.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the ground 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 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

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 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 the
• 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 be able to walk the Garden’s campus in most weather conditions daily
• Bending, stooping, climbing stairs, transporting supplies by hand or by cart
• Must be able to lift objects up to 50 lbs. repeatedly
• Must be comfortable working in elevated situations using step ladders and lifts

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

Education and Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent

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