Job Opportunities

The University of Virginia's Blandy Experimental Farm is seeking an Arboretum Specialist to assist the Arborist with maintaining, caring for, and tracking the arboretum collection of the State Arboretum of Virginia and the grounds of Blandy Experimental Farm in Boyce, Virginia. Duties include care of the collection, arboretum maintenance, propagation, specimen mapping, and records maintenance. 

The employee in this position will:

• Maintain and improve arboretum grounds which involves mowing, weeding, mulching, leaf removal, pruning, watering, and planting and removing trees and shrubs.
• Scout for and identify disease, weed, and insect problems and apply appropriate control measures which may include use of various types of pesticides.
• Have working knowledge of, or be willing to learn, operation of mowers, gators, chainsaws, weed eaters, tractors, and hand tools.
• Foster a safe working environment ensuring all safety measures required by OSHA, federal, state, and local regulations are met.
• Propagate specimens in the Arboretum collection and maintain related records.
• Assist in maintaining Arboretum database.
• Assist in mapping Arboretum specimens using GPS technology.
• In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned.

The ideal candidate will:

• Have a Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Forestry, or a related field.
• Have a working, practical knowledge of plants and their care.
• Understand plant taxonomy.
• Have expertise in integrated pest management and arboriculture.
• Have experience in the various aspects of arboretum maintenance or a related field.
• Have a Virginia certified pesticide applicator's license. (Employees will be required to obtain a certified pesticide applicator's license within the first year of employment.)
• Know how to operate basic power equipment.

Minimum Requirements

Education: High school diploma or equivalent

Experience: Two years of relevant professional experience.

Licensure: Valid driver's license.

Application Instructions:

Apply through Workday https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UVAJobs/job/Boyce-VA/Arboretum-Specialist_R0027385. Fully complete the online application and attach the following required documents:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Contact information for three references.

Physical Demands

The employee in this position will work outdoors and in the propagation greenhouse. Outdoors they will be exposed to various weather conditions including extreme heat and cold, rain, and snow. The employee may be exposed to high noise levels from power equipment and machinery.  The employee will be walking and working outdoors on uneven grass, gravel, and rock surfaces.  This person will be exposed to pollen, poisonous plants, ticks, snakes, and stinging insects. The employee in this position must be able lift, climb ladders, bend, kneel, and use both hands to complete tasks involving repetitive motions.

This is a full-time position with University of Virginia staff benefits: 

• Health insurance
• Vision plans
• Dental plans
• Prescription drug program
• Retirement plans
• Benefit savings accounts
• Disability Insurance
• Life insurance
• Workers’ compensation
• Backup care benefit for child and elder care
• Benefits for life changes
• Holiday time off, paid and unpaid leave
• Education benefits

Learn more about the many advantages of being a UVA employee here.

The University of Virginia is seeking an hourly Grounds Worker to perform basic grounds maintenance duties such as mowing, weeding and mulching at Blandy Experimental Farm in Boyce, Virginia.

This is a seasonal position. Employment will continue through the growing season only - spring, summer and early fall.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education: High School diploma or equivalent

Experience: None, although the ideal candidate will have some grounds maintenance experience.

Licensure: Valid Driver's License is preferred

Must be 18 years of age or older

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The person in this position must be able to perform manual labor outdoors in a variety of harsh environmental conditions, using mowers, other landscape equipment, and hand tools. The use of both hands and a repetitive motion will be required while performing duties.

Position Compensation Range: $13.00 - $14.50 Hourly

To apply, go to Workday and submit an online application.

The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.  (SPAKA)

Questions about the job? Contact Chris Schmidt, [email protected]. Questions related to the application process may be directed to Brandi Shifflett, HR Specialist at (434) 243-4095 or [email protected].

This is a wage position which is not eligible for leave or other benefits and is limited to 1500 hours of work in a year. For more information, refer to the Wage Employment link: http://uvapolicy.virginia.edu/policy/HRM-029.

The University of Virginia's Blandy Experimental Farm has an opening for a full time General Services Technician.

The General Services Technician is responsible for maintaining a clean safe, and attractive environment at Blandy Experimental Farm. The employee in this position is responsible for custodial services, including routine cleaning of the entire facility and oversight of the weekend custodial service contractor. The General Services Technician is also responsible for routine building maintenance tasks and must work independently, with minimal supervision.

The employee in this position will:

• Perform custodial services at Blandy, including in offices, laboratories, meeting rooms, restrooms, kitchens, classrooms, and on the grounds.
• Oversee weekend custodial services contractor.
• Coordinate on-site trash and recycling program.
• Maintain inventory of cleaning supplies and equipment and purchase supplies as needed.
• Perform minor maintenance work using hand and power tools.
• Perform minor repairs, such as painting walls and maintaining woodwork.
• Operate small hand and power tools, as well as possibly use larger equipment such as snow and leaf blowers.
• Conduct work in adherence with department policies. Wear appropriate clothing and protection, and complete work in compliance with health and safety standards, and federal, state and local regulations. Perform routine safety inspections to ensure facilities are hazard free.
• Setup tables, chairs, and tents for events and meetings in response to programmatic and seasonal needs

In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned.

Physical Demands:

Employee will be required to crawl, kneel, squat, bend, and twist in order to perform their work. Employee must be able to work from a ladder. Employee will work with materials of different weights and perform repetitive motions. Employee must walk and drive around Blandy and be willing to work outdoors regardless of weather.

Qualifications:

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience: At least one year of experience. Previous experience in custodial services and building maintenance is preferred.
• Other: The employee must be able to execute duties with minimal supervision and exercise independent judgement in problem solving. The employee must be able to interact with the faculty, staff, students, and the public in a positive manner. Basic computer skills and a valid driver’s license are required.

The anticipated salary range for this position is $15.00 - $16.35/hour ($31,200 - $34,000/year). This is a full-time position with University Staff benefits and leave, including paid holidays.

To apply:

Apply through Workday https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UVAJobs/job/Other-Locations/General-Services-Technician_R0026880 Fully complete the online application, attaching the following required documents:

• Resume
• Contact information for three references.

Position will remain open until filled.

The University of Virginia seeks a full-time Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator to support and promote Blandy Experimental Farm and the State Arboretum of Virginia.

The Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator is responsible for a broad range of professional communications activities, demonstrating a variety of skills to support Blandy Experimental Farm and the State Arboretum of Virginia. Duties include promoting Blandy and the Arboretum – and expanding its geographic reach – through media and public relations, writing, editing, producing multimedia, arranging events, maintaining a social media presence, and generating promotional pieces. The PR and Marketing Coordinator assists with managing promotional and marketing activities, working independently, but in alignment with established goals.

Specifically, the employee in this position

• Manages a wide variety of communications activities.
• Identifies and pursues rich storylines, develops communications for diverse audiences, and applies expertise in basic communication technologies (social media, web, mass emailing systems).
• Coordinates and contributes to print publications and e-communications.
• Proactively manages media relations, handling inquiries as well as fostering ongoing relationships, strategically targeting media outreach to specific outlets.
• Advises faculty and staff on publication projects, media appearances, public presentations, marketing activities, and initiatives to raise the organization’s profile.
• Manages ongoing and special events, coordinating exhibitions, logistics, agendas, staff and volunteers, speaker arrangements, external promotions, and post-event reports.
• Supports public programming through print, broadcast, electronic, and other marketing tools.
• Coordinates with outside contractors, as necessary.
• Establishes events, publications, and marketing calendar.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s degree.

Experience: One year of relevant professional experience.

Other: Must be willing to work occasional evenings and weekends, typically for special events.

The ideal candidate

• Has five or more years of relevant professional experience.
• Is a positive proactive person who is an excellent communicator across various media and enjoys working with the public and building relationships.
• Brings an arsenal of proven communications tools, including a network of diverse and widespread current media contacts with local, regional, and national outlets; is perceptive about what makes a good story, how to develop it, and where it can be placed.
• Has led or contributed to polished marketing projects that effectively promote events or programs and can share his/her marketing portfolio.
• Knows what good design looks like and can either conceive and execute marketing materials or work with professionals to produce well-designed marketing campaigns.
• Has the ability to leverage digital marketing and social media channels to drive engagement and revenue, as well as interpret analytics for sound decision-making.
• Has a proven record of successful events management, cultivating relationships with sponsors, vendors, speakers, volunteers, and staff.
• Produces clear, polished, creative, and memorable written and verbal communications for a variety of messaging vehicles.
• Is professional, proactive, collaborative, easy to work with, and persuasive; creatively connects the dots among various projects and constituents to identify synergies that benefit Blandy Experimental Farm and the State Arboretum of Virginia.

Physical Demands
This position requires both work at a desk using computers and also frequent activity out of the office. The latter includes hosting onsite tours for media and others, monitoring literature and signage at Blandy and regionally, traveling to meetings and programs, and supporting our events logistically, such as manning a booth or gate, assisting with set-up and clean-up, and working with vendors as necessary. The ideal candidate is comfortable standing for extended periods, walking and driving onsite and remotely, and lifting and carrying 25 pounds.

Application Instructions:

Apply through Workday here https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/UVAJobs/job/Other-Locations/Public-Relations-and-Marketing-Coordinator_R0027051. Fully complete the online application, attaching the following required documents:

• Cover Letter
• Current CV/Resume
• Contact information for three professional references

Questions about this position? Contact Robin Cardillo, [email protected]

Questions about the application process? Contact Rich Haverstrom, rkh6j@virginia.edu

This is a full-time position with University of Virginia staff benefits: 

• Health insurance
• Vision plans
• Dental plans
• Prescription drug program
• Retirement plans
• Benefit savings accounts
• Disability Insurance
• Life insurance
• Workers’ compensation
• Backup care benefit for child and elder care
• Benefits for life changes
• Holiday time off, paid and unpaid leave
• Education benefits

Learn more about the many advantages of being a UVA employee here.