Garden Shop Key Holder

Job Description

Lead with Purpose. Create Exceptional Guest Experiences.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is seeking an enthusiastic, customer-focused Garden Shop Key Holder to help create memorable shopping experiences for our guests while supporting the daily operations of one of Richmond’s most unique retail destinations.

As a Key Holder, you’ll do more than open and close the store – you’ll be a trusted leader who helps guide daily operations, supports staff and volunteers, and ensures every visitor receives outstanding service. Whether you’re helping a guest find the perfect botanical gift, assisting with seasonal merchandising, or leading the team during your shift, you’ll play an important role in connecting visitors to the Garden’s mission.

If you enjoy retail leadership, thrive in a collaborative environment, and love creating welcoming experiences, we’d love to hear from you.

Starting Pay: $16.00–$18.00 per hour, based on qualifications and experience.

About Us

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.

Duties & Responsibilities

Lead Daily Operations
• Open and close the Garden Shop and serve as the manager-on-duty when needed.
• Perform cash handling, daily reconciliation, and bank deposits.
• Ensure the shop is safe, organized, well-stocked, and guest-ready.
• Support merchandising, inventory, and overall store operations.

Create Exceptional Guest Experiences
• Welcome guests and provide outstanding customer service.
• Assist with purchases and share information about Garden merchandise, memberships, exhibits, and programs.
• Resolve guest concerns with professionalism and care.

Support the Team
• Provide guidance and support to staff and volunteers during assigned shifts.
• Assist with volunteer scheduling and training.
• Foster a positive, collaborative work environment and ensure compliance with Garden policies.

Merchandise & Inventory
• Maintain attractive merchandise displays.
• Receive, stock, and organize inventory.
• Monitor inventory levels and communicate product needs.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two years of retail, hospitality, museum, or customer service experience.
• Leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
• Experience with cash handling and point-of-sale systems.
• Strong customer service, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently, lead a shift, and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn retail software.
• An interest in gardening, plants, or botanical education is a plus.

Additional Information

Working Conditions

This position requires standing and walking for extended periods (4 hours), frequent bending, reaching, climbing ladders, and lifting up to 30 pounds. Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events—including GardenFest—is required.

Please note: This position is represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW), AFL-CIO. Questions regarding union representation may be directed to 804-359-4058.

Application Instructions

A complete job description is on the LGBG Career pages at https://www.lewisginter.org/visit/about/employment/.

To Apply

Please submit your cover letter and resume to hr@lewisginter.org.