Ground & Garden Maintenance Technician
The Richmond Behavioral Health Authority is seeking a 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 FunctionsPerform routine grounds maintenance, including weeding, vine removal, pruning, mulching, watering, and general upkeepMaintain landscaped areas, garden beds, walking trails, and hard-to-reach areas (e.g., fence lines, stairwells, and building perimeters)Develop and carry out seasonal maintenance plans for all outdoor spacesPrepare and maintain soil in garden beds and planting areasMonitor plant health and address issues such as pests, disease, or overgrowthMaintain and safely operate garden tools and equipmentKeep outdoor areas clean, safe, and free of overgrowth or debrisTrack maintenance activities through routine logsProgram Support (Secondary Responsibility)Facilitate three structured, one-hour gardening groups per week with residents at North CampusSupport basic planting, harvesting, and garden-related activities tied to programmingWork collaboratively with staff to support program goals (this is not a clinical or therapy role)Additional ResponsibilitiesSupport composting and sustainable land practicesAssist with volunteer events and grant-funded projects as neededFollow all safety procedures related to equipment use and chemical applicationsCoordinate with RBHA General Services on larger landscaping needs