Grounds Services Associate

Title: Grounds Services Associate

State Role Title: Trades Technician I

Hiring Range: $16.50 an hour

Pay Band: 1

Agency: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

Location: MAIN MUSEUM

Agency Website: https://www.vmfa.museum/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

About Virginia Museum of Fine Arts:

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) in Richmond, Virginia, is one of the largest comprehensive art museums in the United States. VMFA, which opened in 1936, is a state agency and privately endowed educational institution. Its purpose is to collect, preserve, exhibit and interpret art, and to encourage the study of the arts.

VMFA is the only art museum in the United States open 365 days a year with free general admission. 

About Buildings & Grounds Department:

The mission of the Grounds team within the Buildings and Grounds department is to ensure that the museum presents an inviting appearance and maintains a superior standard of cleanliness and aesthetic in support of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the VMFA’s strategic plan, tourism goals, and educational/cultural enrichment goals.

General Information:

We are currently seeking applications for reliable and detail-oriented individuals to join our Buildings and Grounds Department as a Grounds Services Associate.

The Grounds Services Associate will support this mission by beautifying and sanitizing the exterior grounds of the museum, including the parking deck, the E. Claiborne and Lora Robins Sculpture Garden, the Studio School, 201 Building, and other adjacent satellite properties and surrounding grounds as assigned.

• Routine patrols of the parking deck, campus, and grounds to check on the ongoing presentation of the grounds and swiftly correct any issues big or small with cleanliness or appearance.
• Debris collection and disposal from parking deck, walkways, lawns, etc. 
• Operating a sweeper in the parking deck to remove standing water and typical dirt/dust from vehicle traffic.
• Assist the horticultural team with disposing of yard waste including discarded weeds and clippings, tidying walkways of any dirt or debris from landscaping, or other minor cosmetic corrections needed following landscaping work.
• Assist the Buildings and Grounds and horticultural teams with responding to inclement weather impacts on the grounds, including de-icing, snow removal, storm debris removal, and other activities to restore the appearance of the grounds.
• Update the Horticultural Manager or appointee on the daily status of the grounds, including reporting any recurring issues that may need to be addressed, or suggesting improvements
• Tidy the outdoor furniture in seating areas and check that any outdoor signage is in the correct location and in good condition
• Complete any necessary paperwork and records punctually and accurately as assigned by the Horticulture Manager or appointee, including timesheets, work orders, inspection sheets, patrol logs, checklists, mandatory training, etc.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Working knowledge of cleaning methods and the use of cleaning chemicals, tools, and supplies. Some knowledge of safety practices in using chemicals and cleaning equipment.
• Ability to lift and move heavy objects and spend long periods of time standing, walking, and engaging in repetitive motions.
• Ability to safely operate light machinery including riding street sweeper, power washer, and other power-cleaning equipment.
• Willingness to wear an issued uniform and comply with dress code.
• Must possess a current valid driver’s license.
• Ability to be responsible for keys to restricted-access areas, and ability to properly secure museum property in storage.
• Embraces and understands diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
• Knowledge of, experience with, or interest in learning best practices for grounds care and sanitation.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including mornings, days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to report to work following inclement weather to restore the grounds.
• Ability to read, write and comprehend directions and instructions; good verbal and written communication skills; basic computer literacy.
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor and appearance.

Additional Considerations:

Consistent with the Commonwealth of Virginia’s skills-based employment model, VMFA recognizes multiple pathways to demonstrate competency for this role. Equivalent combinations of educational attainment, applicable training, relevant work experience, and job-related credentials may be considered to meet the requirements of the position. 

Special Instructions:

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

All applicants must submit an online application. This position will close at 11:55 pm on the designated closing date at the top of the posting listed in PageUp.

Please contact the HR office at recruitment@vmfa.museum if you need assistance.

VMFA is a Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Certified Employer. Diverse and inclusive hiring practices are at the heart of what we do at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources Services

Phone: For the most up-to-date status of your application, please refer to your Jobs.Virginia.Gov account. We do not provide application status updates via phone.

Email: recruitment@vmfa.museum for recruitment related questions.

Emailed applications, resumes, or cover letters will not be accepted. For the most up-to-date status of your application, please refer to your Jobs.Virginia.Gov account. 

Conditions of Employment:  

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.

E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.