Volunteer Horticultural Writing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Who We Are
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 people 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 88 original buildings and 525 buildings reconstructed to how they appeared in the 18th century through extensive archaeological, architectural, and documentary research.

The Historic Area is staffed by highly trained, historically dressed interpreters and expert tradespeople who bring the 18th century to life. The Foundation also owns and operates two world-class museums, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, and a renowned research library, the John D Rockefeller Jr Library.

Additionally, Colonial Williamsburg is home to five world class accommodations at the Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg Lodge Autograph Collection, the Griffin Hotel, the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotels and Suites and the unique Colonial Houses in the Historical Area.

Visitors may also indulge in food and drink at our many on-site restaurants and taverns that blend a historically inspired dining experience with today’s evolved tastes. Each year over 5 million people visit Williamsburg and another 20 million engage with us digitally.

About this role:

Leads maintenance crew for the care and management of historic gardens and landscapes to the highest horticultural standards. This is a working lead responsible for the direction of all assigned employees for maintenance and management of all specified areas to include the proper cultural practices for all plants, including heirloom and modern varieties and includes fine gardening, plant conservation, landscape restoration, soil management, and hardscape maintenance. Assists the Landscape Manager with plant selections, the preparation of the annual budget and written performance management reports. This position is classified as essential, and the incumbent must participate in all emergencies, ice and snow removal and special events.

 Essential Duties:

1. Lead assigned employees, volunteers, and interns. Assign work, oversee the daily operations to meet operational goals efficiently, train and evaluate employees to ensure safety protocols and quality standards are followed. May participate in the hiring and performance feedback process for assigned team members.

2. Lead daily team meetings to establish goals and provide directions to ensure efficient completion of projects and garden-related activities and provide process improvements as necessary to enhance productivity.

3. Interact positively and professionally with fellow employees and Colonial Williamsburg visitors. Establishes and maintains a working environment with open communication for all employees, ensuring an efficient flow of information to and from appropriate parties.

4. Responsible for following the best management practices for the cultivation of trees, shrubs, ground covers, vines, turf grasses, perennials, annuals and herbs. This includes planting, watering, fertilizing, grooming, pruning and soil management. Remains informed of current techniques and practices in the horticultural field.

5. Responsible for the identification, control and treatment of weeds, diseases, and pests. Coordinate with IPM Specialist to ensure the safe and proper use of insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides.

6. Assure OSHA guidelines are being followed in the workplace and specified areas are safe for employees and visitors. Assure assigned employees have the proper tools and equipment and the proper training to use and maintain tools and equipment safely.

7. Operate large equipment such as, but not limited to, tractors, loaders, dump trucks, snowplows and similar machinery in safe and proper manner.

8. Maintain project documentation including daily work logs, material usage. Communicates requested reports including production goals and progress to the landscape managers.

9. Effectively monitor use of materials, tools, and equipment efficiently. Performs inventory checks and schedules maintenance to stay within the approved budgetary framework.

10. Perform research on Colonial Williamsburg’s properties, and 18th-century gardens and gardening methods.

11. Work with other departments requesting horticultural or landscape support or schedule modification for special events, programs and photo shoots.

12. Interact positively with visitors, answering questions, and giving directions. Assists with giving talks and tours to garden clubs, garden programs and special guests.

13. Conduct work in accordance with Colonial Williamsburg policies and procedures and in accordance with Virginia state regulations. Perform other related duties as requested by immediate supervisor and execute or direct the completion of special assignments.

14. Perform other related duties as requested by immediate supervisor and carry out the completion of special assignments.

15. This position is deemed essential personnel (24/7) and is required to report to work whether the Foundation is open or closed. Respond to emergencies or other non-routine situations, such as the removal of snow, ice, or storm damage.

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 high peak times, etc. as directed and approved by the supervisor.

This job description reflects the general responsibilities of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Duties and responsibilities may evolve over time based on operational needs.

Required Education and Experience:

· High school diploma/G.E.D., plus eight years’ experience with direct garden and landscape maintenance or a degree in a horticultural-related field and four years’ experience with direct garden and landscape maintenance.

· Experience at foreman level in landscape and garden maintenance at comparable large institutions where the fine art of gardening is practiced.

· Strong knowledge of landscaping tools, equipment, and horticultural practices

· Must possess or obtain within 90 days of employment a Virginia Department of Consumer Services Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s Certificate.

· Requires valid Virginia driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.

Must possess a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record based on The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s criteria.

       · Must be able to 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:

· In-depth knowledge of landscape maintenance and advanced skills in ornamental gardening practices.

· Familiarity with Microsoft Word -computer skills.

· Possess CPR and AED Certification.

Typical Work Schedule:

40 hrs. per week, Monday through Friday 6:00am-2:30pm

Compensation Disclaimer: The compensation listed below for this position represents the anticipated hiring range and is provided in accordance with Virginia pay transparency requirements. 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. 

Range:  $19- $29/ hr