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.

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.

– Maintain annuals, perennials, topicals, woody plants, and edible crops through planting, pruning, weeding, watering, fertilizing, and mulching.
– Monitor plant health and support sustainable Integrated Pest Management practices.
– Maintain demonstration gardens, raised beds, containers, and other growing systems.
– Safely operate hand tools, power equipment, vehicles, and other horticultural equipment.
– Lead and supervise seasonal staff, interns, volunteers, and groups.
– Answer visitor questions and share information about plants and the Garden.
– Support plant records, horticulture projects, and cross-departmental initiatives.
– Work evenings, weekends, occasional holidays, and GardenFest evenings.
– Perform other duties as assigned.

– Degree in Horticulture, Botany, Plant Science, or related field preferred.
– Three years of relevant horticulture experience preferred.
– Knowledge of plant care, edible landscapes, and sustainable horticulture.
– Ability to safely use hand tools and operate power equipment.
– Virginia Pesticide Applicator’s License or ability to obtain within six months.
– Valid driver’s license.
– Strong work ethic and enthusiasm for outdoor work.
– Conversational Spanish preferred.
– Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to bend, squat, kneel, stand, and walk for extended periods, work outdoors in varying weather conditions, and lift up to 50 pounds.

Union Position: 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: Submit a cover letter and resume to HR@lewisginter.org.