Description The Richmond Behavioral Health Authority is seeking a part-time Ground and Garden Maintenance Technician for RBHA's North Campus and Chelsea Hill locations. RBHA North Campus is a 13-acre, 6-building residential substance use treatment facility located in the Highland Park neighborhood of the City of Richmond. Chelsea Hill is an outpatient services facility located at 2000 Mecklenburg Street.The North Campus Greenspace consists of open spaces, a walking trail, raised beds (vegetable and flowers), a Kitchen Garden (including vegetables, herbs, and berries), a small fruit tree orchard, several rain gardens and pollinator gardens, and general landscaping. The Greenspace is continually developing to provide a therapeutic and purposeful space for both residents and staff. Much of the development of the Greenspace is done through community volunteers and events and grant funding. Through our development of the Greenspace, we make every effort to be good stewards of the land and use organic practices whenever possible.The ideal candidate for this position has a love of horticulture and gardening; an understanding of horticulture best practices and is open to learning; and possesses the skills and abilities to perform the tasks required to make this space beautiful, therapeutic, and productive.Essential Functions
- Develop and execute a seasonal plan for planting & transplanting, weed control, watering, fertilization, trimming, pruning, and mulching all areas of the Greenspace
- Prepare soil for planting in the Kitchen Garden raised beds
- Develop a planting plan for the Kitchen Garden; execute plan with residents
- Work with staff and residents to plant, cultivate, and harvest gardens for use in Culinary Arts programs and menu planning
- Seed starting
- Document maintenance and plantings via a weekly/monthly log
- Maintain walking trail perimeter, inside and outside, to avoid overgrowth on the trail
- Maintaining garden tools and equipment
- Follow all health and safety regulations as related to gardening, fertilizing, and applying chemicals
- Collaborate with staff and RBHF Director of Development for volunteer events and grant-funded projects
- Monitor the health of all plants and suggest remedies as needed
- Composting
Position Requirements Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- A solid knowledge of horticulture and best/organic gardening practices
- A solid knowledge of plant care for a variety of trees, shrubs, plants - or the ability to research and execute such care
- Ability to work outside in all types of weather
- Must be able to lift up to 30lbs routinely
- Ability to stand, squat, bend, kneel and walk for extended periods of time
- Ability to work effectively with others to share plant and garden knowledge, execute projects, and inspire individuals to develop new skills
- Attention to detail
- Ability to calculate fertilizer and pesticide application rates and chemical dilutions
- A self-starter who is able to work independently
Education & Experience
- 2-3 years gardening and landscaping experience
- Knowledge and experience working with manual and gas-powered equipment (i.e., snips, hedge trimmers, weed eaters, wheelbarrows, etc.)
- Problem-solving and decision-making skills to address garden issues
- High school diploma or GED
- On the job training while working for a landscaping company, nursery, or related transferrable gardening and horticulture skills and knowledge
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge and experience with raised bed gardening, trellising and vertical planting
- Degree in horticulture or related field - associates degree or higher
Full-Time/Part-Time Part-Time Open Date 11/13/2024 Close DateAbout the Organization Join the Fearless! Richmond Behavioral Health Authority (RBHA) is licensed by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and is the statutorily established public entity responsible for providing mental health, intellectual disabilities, substance abuse and prevention services to the citizens of the City of Richmond.Our Mission:RBHA promotes health, wellness, and recovery for the people and communities we serve.Our Vision: An inclusive, healthy community where individuals are inspired to reach their highest potential.Our Values:Equity / Innovation / Quality / Inclusion / Accessibility / Transparency / Compassion / IntegrityCreating Healthy Communities - One Person, One Family, One Community at a time.RBHA is committed to providing behavioral health services to all Richmond residents regardless of race, color, gender, age, religion, disability, or national origin.Services are provided directly by RBHA staff and through contracts with private providers in the community. Funding is received through fees from consumers, the Commonwealth of Virginia, the City of Richmond, and local and state grants. Starting Salary Range 23.31 EOE Statement Richmond Behavioral Health Authority provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.This position is currently accepting applications.