Grounds Services Associate

Hiring Range: $15.00 an hour

Agency: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

Location: MAIN MUSEUM

Agency Website: https://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.

Job Duties

The Grounds Services Associate is responsible for the beautification and sanitization of the exterior grounds of the museum campus.

Responsibilities Include:

• 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.

• Waste collection and disposal from parking deck, walkways, lawns, etc.

• Comprehensive cleaning of campus structures and fixtures on a regular schedule, to include operating a sweeper in the parking deck.

• 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.

• Report any maintenance, safety, or security issues observed to the Facilities Services Manager or appointee immediately.

• Complete any necessary paperwork and records punctually and accurately as assigned by the Facilities Services Manager or appointee, including timesheets, work orders, inspection sheets, patrol logs, checklists, mandatory training, etc.

• Other scope-relevant duties as assigned.
  

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 perceive when things are soiled, unorganized, out of order/place, etc. and correct it to showroom-standard quality with minimal supervision or direction.

• 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.

• Ability to be responsible for keys to restricted-access areas, and ability to properly secure museum property in storage.

• 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

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies typically obtained through the completion of a high school diploma or equivalent level of practical experience.

Must possess a valid drivers license.

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 complete an online application. This posting will close at 11:55 p.m. on August 25, 2025.

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.

Contact Information

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

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. 

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.