Floral Operations Assistant

About Us

The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational, historic, and cultural institution founded in 1926. We own and operate one of the largest and best-known museum complexes in the world, dedicated to preserving and restoring 18th-century Williamsburg, Virginia’s colonial capital. Our mission is to engage, inform, and inspire people about this historic capital, the events that occurred here, and the diverse peoples who helped shape a new nation. Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the U.S., featuring a 301-acre restored Historic Area with 89 original buildings and 525 reconstructions. We also operate two world-class museums, a renowned research library, the Bob and Marion Wilson Teacher Institute, five world-class accommodations, and multiple dining venues. Each year, over 5 million people visit Williamsburg, and another 20 million engage with us digitally.

About the Role

The Floral Operations Assistant supports the Floral Designer in conditioning, transporting, installing, maintaining, removing, disposing, storing, and inventorying all floral materials, property, and arrangements for day-to-day, annual, and seasonal events across the Foundation. This is a non-exempt position eligible for overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Responsibilities

• Assists designers with preparation and conditioning of floral materials; prepares basic floral arrangements as directed.
• Prepares completed arrangements for delivery; delivers, installs, and maintains arrangements on-site.
• Monitors installations and advises staff of required maintenance or reinstallation.
• Transports, protects, and returns items borrowed for special events and seasonal displays.
• Assists with seasonal installations in collaboration with carpenters, electricians, and temporary staff.
• Maintains control of floral studio inventory, including props, flowers, and custom containers; tracks prop locations to ensure accessibility.
• Maintains cleanliness and organization of the floral studio and cooler.
• Performs routine maintenance checks of the delivery van (e.g., fuel and oil levels).
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license with an acceptable driving record based on the Foundation’s criteria.
• Must provide a 5-year Motor Vehicle Record prior to employment.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• No more than 1 moving violation or at-fault accident within 12 months.
• No more than 2 moving violations or at-fault accidents within 36 months.
• No serious motor vehicle violations (e.g., excessive speeding, reckless driving, DUI/DWI, suspended or revoked license).

Preferred Qualifications

• 3-6 months of experience with a floral, nursery, or landscaping operation.
• Interest or knowledge of floral and plant materials.

Skills & Competencies

• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects under deadline with limited direction.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people.
• Willingness to work in all outdoor weather conditions.
• Ability to establish a well-ordered work routine to ensure task completion.
• Ability to drive a panel van.
• Ability to create and maintain an inventory system.

Physical & Environmental Demands

• Ability to bend, stoop, walk, and transport up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and lift for extended periods (typically up to 40 pounds).
• Work is performed in various environments, including indoor workspaces, event areas, public spaces, and occasional outdoor settings.
• Exposure to water, floral materials, fragrances, and temperature variations may occur.
• Requires manual dexterity, attention to detail, and the ability to work safely in a fast-paced, time-sensitive environment.

Schedule

This position typically operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Flexibility is required to support business needs, including occasional weekends, holidays, and extended hours during peak periods such as major events, seasonal demand, and special programming. Schedule adjustments will be communicated in advance whenever possible.

Pay

Compensation range: $16 to $23 per hour. Actual pay will be determined based on factors such as skills, qualifications, experience, education, certifications, internal equity, and the specific requirements of the role.