Part Time Horticulture and Grounds Assistant

Title: Part Time Horticulture and Grounds Assistant

State Role Title: Natural Resource Specialist I

Hiring Range: $19/hour

Pay Band: 2

Agency: The Science Museum of Virginia

Location: Broad Street Station

Agency Website: https://smv.org/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Science Museum of Virginia is looking for an environmentally-conscious, detail-oriented, and knowledgeable Horticulture and Grounds Assistant to join our dynamic Facilities team! If you’re passionate about the outdoors and ready to embrace all weather conditions, we want you!

In this role, you’ll have the chance to get creative while helping with garden maintenance and development, including soil preparation, planting, mulching, watering, weeding, fertilizing, pruning, propagating, potting, and more. You’ll monitor irrigation systems, maintain landscaping tools and equipment, and operate gas-powered equipment and vehicles. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to engage with the community, working with volunteers and helping interpret and educate guests about our beautiful green spaces. This position requires availability to work occasional weekends on an occasional basis.

If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and make a difference in the natural world, we’d love to hear from you!

Please note that this is a part-time position with up to 29 hours a week on average with a maximum of 1500 hours in a 12-month period. No state benefits are provided. Interested applicants must apply at http://jobs.virginia.gov/

Minimum Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have a strong blend of horticultural and ecological knowledge, hands-on experience, and the physical ability to perform the tasks required. Demonstrated proficiency in using basic horticultural tools and techniques, with the flexibility to take on various tasks and adapt to changing job conditions by upgrading skills when necessary. The candidate should be comfortable working outdoors in Central Virginia seasonal extremes and the ability to work weekends on an occasional basis. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential, along with proficiency in software applications like Google Suite and MS Office. The ability to interact effectively with the public, school groups, volunteers, staff, and collaborate with community partners is also key.

The candidate must be able to lift and carry groundskeeping supplies and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds on a frequent basis, prolonged walking or standing, and frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, and reaching on a daily basis. Possess a valid driver’s license.

Additional Considerations

Ability to Virginia Certified Horticulturist certification is a plus. Virginia Registered Pesticide Technician (or the ability to obtain one within six months of hire). Demonstrated experience with landscaping or groundskeeping. Experience leading discussions and working with community groups and volunteers.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

The Science Museum of Virginia will accept ONLY online applications for all Science Museum employment opportunities. To be considered for this position, you must submit a Commonwealth of Virginia application or resume through the on-line “Virginia Jobs” (RMS) employment site no later than 11:55 p.m. on the closing date listed. If the position is an open until filled recruitment; the position will remain open for a minimum of 5 workdays or until the position is filled. Each application is reviewed for documentation that shows the applicant meets the minimum and additional qualifications stated in the job announcement. The decision to interview an applicant is based on the information provided on the application; therefore, it is essential to provide detailed information. Submitting an application lacking in detail, may impact your interview eligibility. The RMS website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is