The Norfolk Botanical Garden gladly accepts applications for any open job posting. All open jobs are posted here. If you cannot find a job match at this time, please consider a volunteer position.
Full Time Positions
Position: Gardener
Position type: Full time hourly employee, 40 hours per week.
Description: Performs all aspects of display bed maintenance in the assigned area to set a standard of horticulture excellence for the Hampton Roads area.
Essential Functions: Maintains Bicentennial Rose Garden and surrounding areas. The Bicentennial Rose Garden was installed in 1976 and has matured to over 3000 plants garden wide. This garden requires the highest of horticulture standards and will be maintained in this manner. Other responsibilities include maintaining all horticulture beds and collections through weeding, watering, pruning, deadheading, mulching, edging, raking, fertilization and pesticide application. Supervises assigned Gardener's assistants and volunteers. Works closely with children and the education department. Writes articles for the newsletter, assists in teaching classes and supports special events as requested. Has the ability to work outside for 8 hours in heat, cold or light rain and can continuously walk, stand, bend and/or stoop. Has the ability to push, pull and/or lift a 50 pound bag of fertilizer during working hours.
Education and Experience: Requires an Associates degree in Horticulture or a related field and 3 years of hands on experience or a Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture or related field and 1 year of hands on experience. Requires good communication and organizational skills. Must have or obtain a Virginia Registered Technician pesticide license within 6 months of hiring. Must have a valid Virginia driver's license.
Specific Job Responsibilities:
- Maintains major woody collections.
- Prepares and submits label requests and plant removal requests to the Curator of Woody Plants.
- Maintains display beds through weeding, watering, pruning, deadheading, mulching, edging raking and fertilization.
- Must monitor assigned area for insect, disease and weed problems, find the appropriate solutions and carry out the treatment.
- Performs the appropriate soil preparation and planting of annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees.
- Operates small engine equipment safely. (golf cart, weed-eater, blower, edger, etc.)
- Cleans, and uses hand tools and equipment responsibly.
- Operates large motorized equipment safely. (truck, tractor, trailer, etc.)
- Gives clear instructions and trains their assigned Gardener's Assistant to perform the basic necessary tasks in assigned area when ill, on vacation or attending staff meetings.
- Writes 1 article for the newsletter per year.
- Assists with special events and other duties as assigned.
Reports to: Curator of Woody Plants
Submit Resume to: brian.oneil@nbgs.org or fax to 757-855-5158, attn Brian O’neil.
Part-Time Positions
There are no part-time positions available at this time.
Seasonal
Position: Garden Guide
Description: This is a term position that performs front line visitor services functions. Term lasts March-October
Essential Functions: Conduct garden tours and programs for the general public, sell tour tickets and relay general visitor information
Education and Experience: Requires excellent oral, written and customer service skills. Must be creative and able to work independently. Must enjoy working with people and ability to speak to large groups essential. Weekend and evening work required.
Other Requirements: Must be 18 or older with valid drivers license. Must be able to lift 50lbs.
Specific Job Responsibilities:
- Conduct tram and boat tours
- Sell boat tickets (and tram, as required)
- Implement daily visitor programs (walking tours, smart carts, etc.) in conjunction with public program coordinator
- Greet visitors, help orient visitors and answer questions
- Provide information to visitors in informal situations in the garden
- Assist with special event tour related activities.
- Will work evenings for Garden of Lights as assigned
- Other duties as assigned.
Reports to: Public Program Coordinator
Submit application to: Public Program coordinator or Visitor Center front desk
Position: Garden Teacher
Description: SeasonalTerm position. School Term: September-May; Summer Term: June-August. Number of hours vary throughout the year, with the Spring and Summer Terms averaging 20-35 hours per week.
Essential Function:
School Term: Learn and guide school tours and scout programs.
Summer Term: Teach summer camp programming for children ranging in ages 4-13 years old.
Year Round: Present “Discovery Cart” programs to visitors and help to ensure overall safety and customer satisfaction in World of Wonders: A Children’s Adventure Garden. Must enjoy working outdoors, be enthusiastic, and promote an understanding of and appreciation for nature. Lead birthday parties, family programs and special events.
Education and Experience: Some college experience preferred. Excellent communication skills are a must as is enjoyment for being outdoors. Requires teaching experience at the elementary or pre-school level and/or experience in the field of horticulture, biology, gardening, natural science, or a like subject. Requires pre-screening drug test, state background check and valid driver’s license. Also requires TB test completed within the last 12 months.
Specific Job Responsibilities:
- Conducts school programs both on-site and for outreaches in area schools.
- Leads a birthday parties, scout programs, and family programs.
- Conducts classes for full day and half day summer camps.
- Presents scheduled daily educational programs.
- Maintains daily health requirements of campers, both physically and emotionally.
- Facilitates group games and activities.
- Attends pre-summer camp training session and weekly program meetings.
- Assists in maintaining clean and healthy environment for campers and staff.
- Provides on-site supervision for volunteer camp counselors.
- Works in WOW to provide programming and ensure safety and customer satisfaction.
- Educates the public using various props, WOW plants and natural materials.
- Orients visitors to WOW map, guidelines and activities. Enforces guidelines.
- Encourages families to have positives interactions with WOW materials, plants and properties.
- Helps Senior Garden Teachers keep inventory of education supply closet by informing them of needed items.
- Works weekends and evenings when programs and special events are scheduled.
- Gives feedback to supervisors regarding existing programs and input to help develop new ones.
- Educates visitors about current special exhibits.
- Performs additional duties and responsibilities as requested.
Reports to: Children’s Garden Program Manager
Send resumes to jen.buskirk@nbgs.org
Position: Gardener's Assistant
Position type: Term employee from April through November, 40 hours per week.
Description: Performs all aspects of display bed maintenance in the assigned area to set a standard of horticulture excellence under the direct supervision of a Gardener or Curator.
Essential Functions: Assists Gardeners in the maintenance of horticulture beds and collections through weeding, watering, pruning, deadheading, mulching, edging, raking, fertilization and pesticide application. Has the ability to work outside for 8 hours in heat, cold or light rain and can continuously walk, stand, bend and/or stoop. Must be willing to work alongside Gardeners using fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides and herbicides with the label stated safety precautions.
Requirements:
- Must have an interest and the ability to learn and perform horticultural practices.
- Some experience in landscaping or horticulture a plus.
- Has the ability to push, pull and/or lift a 50 pound bag of fertilizer during working hours.
- Must pass a drug screen.
Specific Job Responsibilities:
- Maintains display beds through weeding, watering, pruning, deadheading, mulching, edging, raking, and fertilization.
- Performs the appropriate soil preparation and planting procedures.
- Operates small engine equipment safely. (golf cart, weed-eater, blower, edger, etc.)
- Cleans, and uses hand tools and equipment responsibly.
- Assists their designated Gardener in performing the basic tasks in their area when the Gardener is not present.
- Assists with special events and other duties as assigned.
Reports to: Curator
Send resumes to melissa.butler@nbgs.org
Position: Visitor Services Assistant
This is a term position that pays minimum wage and offers part time hours. The shifts are 5-8 hours 3-4 days a week. Weekends are required.
Description: The Visitor Services Assistant is responsible for managing the information desk and lobby area in Baker Hall Visitor Center and the Toll Booth.
Essential Functions: Primary responsibility is to greet all visitors, collect admission fees, and give directions. Visitor Services Assistants help the visitor structure their visit by knowing pertinent information such as tram and boat tour times, what areas are in bloom, where specific gardens and amenities are located. The Visitor Services Assistant will work with all other departments to ensure all visitors have a positive experience at the Garden.
Education and Experience: High School Diploma or equivalent is required. Should enjoy working with people and have customer service experience. Should also be comfortable interacting with all age groups. A solid basic understanding of computers is required. Smile!
Submit application to: trish.doherty@nbgs.org or Visitor Center front desk