LEAD EXHIBITIONS LIGHTING ASSISTANT

The Lead Exhibitions Assistant proactively supports the installation and de-installation of seasonal exhibitions and provides lighting support for events with a primary focus on the Garden’s holiday light show.  This includes leading volunteers and staff assigned to support the installation and de-installation of the light show. It also includes providing any logistical or personnel support needed during run of show.   This position requires a flexible schedule and the availability to work outdoors, in all weather conditions, on evenings, and weekends.

Responsibilities:

·         Support Director of Operations with conception, planning, installation, maintenance, and de-installation of lighting needs for Garden special events focusing on annual holiday light show.

·         Oversee successful engineering, construction, installation, operation and strike of various lighting and A/V components, displays, form placement, and electrical testing.

·         Maintain inventories of lighting and A/V materials and equipment; identify and assess inventory requirements, and make and/or recommend purchases, as appropriate.

·         Performs or coordinates the troubleshooting and repair of technical equipment, including electrical infrastructure and hardware ensuring safe working conditions.

·         Create detailed documentation and maintain records of lighting equipment, plan designs, and all special event exhibition information.

·         Assist with coordination and installation of decorative items, including hallway garlands, large wreaths, and other interior and exterior display elements.

·         Assist with supervising, leading, and coordinating staff and volunteers supporting fabrication, installation, and de-installation of light show.

·         Ensure all materials are inventoried, organized, and properly stored or disposed of as required.

·         Rigs and operates necessary lighting equipment.

·         Participate in implementation of special events goals, planning, and production meetings

·         Handle load-in and load-out procedures

·         Ensure compliance with Garden policies, safety protocols and electrical codes

·         Assist in training and supervising junior technicians, volunteers and other employees during installation of lighting equipment

·         Ensures communication between various disciplines and departments about special event lighting plans and needs.

·         Provide a wide variety of tasks needed to support the run of show of the annual light show, including providing support for operational and custodial needs during setup and run of show

·         Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Physical Demands / Working Conditions:

• Must be able to lift objects up to 50 lbs. repeatedly

·         Must be able to move throughout the 82-acre Garden property, as needed. 

·         Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions including heat, cold, wind, and

  humidity. 

·         Must be able to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crawl, reach, push, pull, lift, grasp, feel, and utilize repetitive motions for prolonged periods of time. 

• Must be able to climb stairs and stand for continuous periods of time with or without reasonable accommodation.

·         Must be comfortable working in immediate proximity to the general public in a safe and friendly manner.  

• Must be available to work evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays, ensuring coverage for special events at the Garden, including GardenFest, outside the traditional work week/day.

Note: Duties described above, other duties, and physical demands have been identified as essential functions as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

Education and Experience:

• Associates degree or High school diploma; technical school training is preferred; a combination of experience and education will be considered.
• Experience in managing and installing light displays, exhibitions, or events preferred.
• Experience with electrical infrastructure is preferred.
• Familiarity with standard worksite safety practices.
• Prior experience in a botanical garden, museum, or cultural non-profit preferred.

Please note: This position is represented by International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, AFL-CIO.

Founded in 1984, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is a nonprofit garden located in Richmond, Virginia’s Lakeside neighborhood. The Garden encompasses 82 acres, four lakes, 5,500 unique taxa of plants within 15 distinct outdoor gardens, 11 major buildings including a conservatory and greenhouse, plus an 80-acre branch site, the Lewis Ginter Nature Reserve. Annually, Lewis Ginter engages over 17,000 students in innovative and exciting educational programs. This cadre of identified learners is just a fraction of the more than 400,000 annual visitors to the Garden. In recent years, the Garden has been honored with inclusion in several top ten lists for botanical gardens in North America.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin in the hiring, retention, or promotion of employees. We support the diversity and inclusion policy adopted by The American Public Gardens Association: to create an equitable, diverse and inclusive culture where the contributions of all community members are valued, respected, and appreciated.