Horticulture Grounds Technician I

About the role

Maymont is a 100-acre historic estate and park in Richmond, Virginia, featuring the Maymont Mansion, The Robins Nature Center, arboretum, formal gardens, and habitats for native Virginia wildlife and farm animals. The Maymont Foundation, a nonprofit, seeks a Horticulture and Grounds Technician I to assist in maintaining the estate’s gardens and grounds. This position reports to the Senior Manager of Horticulture and Grounds.

Responsibilities

• Provide ongoing care of Maymont’s gardens and grounds through landscape maintenance such as planting, grass cutting, leaf and debris removal, tree trimming, and brush removal.
• Support the park operations department's year-round schedule of tasks.
• Operate Maymont vehicles on and off-site, as well as landscaping equipment and tools including zero-turn mowers, brush cutters, two-cycle engine equipment (e.g., weed-eaters, blowers, line trimmers, hedge clippers, and chainsaws).
• Care for and provide routine maintenance to equipment and tools.
• Lead garden volunteers and groups assisting with projects and routine work.
• Maintain clean and organized work areas and storage spaces.
• Support the ongoing work of other departments, including occasional weekend and evening work as needed (e.g., storm preparations and clean-up).
• Participate in Maymont community events, which may be outside of the regular work schedule.
• Assist with other duties and tasks as assigned.

Requirements

• A minimum of 1-year varied experience in the landscape or horticulture industry.
• GED or equivalent.
• Willing to obtain a registered pesticide applicator license.
• Experience with zero-turn mowers and two-cycle engine equipment (e.g., weed-eaters, blowers, hedge clippers, and chainsaws) preferred.
• Experience operating tractors and similar equipment preferred.

Qualifications

• Ability to work in inclement weather throughout the year.
• Ability to pass scheduled, employer-provided training in Basic First Aid and CPR.
• Ability to perform manual work as required.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate within and across teams.
• Ability to work flexible shifts including nights, weekends, special events, and holidays.
• Ability to pass a background check.
• Valid driver’s license required with reliable transportation to/from Maymont.

Physical Demands

• Frequent sitting, standing, walking, and talking for extended periods.
• Frequent climbing, bending, carrying, stooping, and lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work inside and outside in all weather conditions.
• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, including paid-time-off and health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.

FLSA Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt