FLORAL OPERATIONS ASSISTANT

Founded in 1926, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational, historic, and cultural institution that owns and operates one of the largest and best-known museum complexes in the world. Our mission is “that the future may learn from the past” through preserving and restoring 18th-century Williamsburg, Virginia’s colonial capital. We engage, inform, and inspire people to learn about this historic capital, the events that occurred here, and the diverse peoples who helped shape a new nation.

Today, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the U.S. The Historic Area is the 301-acre restored colonial capital with 89 original buildings and 525 buildings reconstructed to how they appeared in the 18th century. The Foundation also owns and operates two world-class museums, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, the Bob and Marion Wilson Teacher Institute, and a renowned research library. Additionally, Colonial Williamsburg offers five world-class accommodations and multiple on-site restaurants and taverns.

About The Position

The Floral Operations Assistant assists the Floral Designer with conditioning, transport, installation, maintenance, removal, disposal, storage, and inventory of all floral materials, property, and arrangements required for day-to-day, annual, and seasonal events across the Foundation.

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.

This is a non-exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This position may be subject to overtime during peak times as directed and approved by the supervisor.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license with an acceptable driving record based on The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s criteria.
• Must provide a 5-year Motor Vehicle Record prior to employment.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• May not have more than 1 moving violation or at-fault accident within 12 months.
• May not have more than 2 moving violations or at-fault accidents within 36 months.
• May not have any serious motor vehicle violations including but not limited to excessive speeding, reckless driving, DUI/DWI, suspended or revoked license, etc.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Skills

• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects under deadline with limited direction.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people.
• Willingness to work in all outside weather conditions.
• Ability to establish a well-ordered work routine/schedule that ensures completion of tasks.
• Ability to drive a panel van.
• Ability to create and maintain an inventory system.

Physical And 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 a variety of 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

Range: $16 to $23 per hour. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as the selected candidate’s skills, qualifications, experience, education, certifications, internal equity, and the specific requirements of the role.