FACILITIES ASSISTANT

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.

Job Description

The Facilities Assistant supports multiple departments to ensure an extraordinary guest experience during fluctuating visitation, seasonal work needs, rental event preparations and special event support and execution. This position assists in day-to-day functions throughout the Garden campus, including custodial cleaning duties, preparation, and coordination for private and public events and exhibits under the supervision of the Director of Operations. Visitation, event schedules, seasonal needs, and priority tasks will determine assignments and hours divided among these support departments.

Responsibilities and Requirements

• Assist in maintaining the highest aesthetic standard for the Garden by cleaning and

• Collect and remove litter, trash, and recycling from facilities and grounds.
• Clean and disinfect restroom facilities, public spaces, and staff work areas.
• Dust and clean furniture, windows, and other surfaces.
• Performs deep cleaning tasks, such as carpet and floor cleaning, window washing, or

• Maintain cleaning and consumable supplies in facilities, working areas, storage areas, and equipment.
• Report any issues, safety hazards, or areas in need of major repairs or attention to

• Assist in setting up and cleaning for events, meetings, or special functions, including set-up and breakdown of tents, tables, chairs, etc., for all ongoing events.
• Move and transport supplies and delivery items between campus facilities
• Install and disassemble garden exhibits, including: Light installation, display setup, construction for securing displays, running extension cords, etc.
• Provide information and directions to visitors and guests of the Garden or appropriately direct them to the Robins Visitors Center for assistance
• General repair and maintenance of all structures, vehicles, equipment, and utilities
• Maintain accurate maintenance records
• Assist with special construction and maintenance projects
• Use departmental communication tools effectively and correctly, including set-up sheets, scheduling task lists, clock-in computers, and radios
• Respond to requests of all departments/staff members for Operations assistance, as directed by the supervisor.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

General Responsibilities

• Delivers excellent customer service in all facets of work.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment with attention to detail.
• Able to move from task to task and remain flexible to changing assignments as needed.
• Required to have a flexible work schedule and willing and able to work weekends and

• Acts as a contact person in case of emergencies and reports situation to appropriate parties, using required reporting procedures, as well as contacting 911 for assistance when needed.
• Handles difficult situations with tact and respect and reports issues to supervisor in a timely manner with accurate details.

Skills and Abilities / Core Competencies

• Familiarity with safe use of common hand tools.
• Ability to use common digital and electronic communication systems.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse others in a team environment.
• Ability to read and interpret product labels, operating manuals, and equipment instructions.

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

• Must be able to work for extended periods in one location, standing, bending, stooping, climbing stairs, lifting and transporting supplies by hand or by cart.
• Must be able and willing to walk the Garden grounds and move readily between buildings and outside areas.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds repeatedly.
• Must be willing to work in all weather conditions based on given assignment.
• Must be comfortable working using ladders, lifts, scaffolding, and similar equipment

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

Education and Experience

• High school education or GED required
• Familiarity with standard commercial cleaning practices
• 1 year prior experience working with the public in a hospitality setting preferred
• Bilingual with a preference for conversational fluency in Spanish helpful.

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.