Groundskeeper

Who We Are


Founded in 1926, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational, historic, and cultural institution that owns and operates one of the largest and best-known museum complexes in the world. Our mission is “that the future may learn from the past” through preserving and restoring 18th-century Williamsburg, Virginia’s colonial capital. We engage, inform, and inspire people to learn about this historic capital, the events that occurred here, and the diverse peoples who helped shape a new nation.


Today, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the U.S. The Historic Area is the 301-acre restored colonial capital with 89 original buildings and 525 buildings reconstructed to how they appeared in the 18th century through extensive archaeological, architectural, and documentary research. The Historic Area is staffed by highly trained, historically dressed interpreters and expert tradespeople who bring the 18th century to life. The Foundation also owns and operates two world-class museums, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, The Bob and Marion Wilson Teacher Institute, and a renowned research library, the John D Rockefeller Jr Library.


Additionally, Colonial Williamsburg is home to five world class accommodations at the Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg Lodge Autograph Collection, the Griffin Hotel, the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotels and Suites and the unique Colonial Houses in the Historical Area. Visitors may also indulge in food and drink at our many on site restaurants and taverns that blend a historically inspired dining experience with today’s evolved tastes. Each year over five million people visit Williamsburg and another 20 million engage with us digitally.


About the Position:

This position is a key member of a crew within the Landscape Department responsible for maintaining historic gardens and landscapes to the highest horticultural standards. Performs basic landscaping maintenance tasks including, but not limited to mowing and other turf maintenance, leaf removal, hardscape maintenance and picking up trash and yard debris, and other seasonal landscape tasks. This position is classified as essential, and the incumbent must participate in all emergencies, ice and snow removal and special events.

Responsibilities :

1. Perform mowing, watering, weeding in gardens and landscape beds. Assist with the installation and maintenance of a variety of hardscapes materials (shell, gravel, bank-run, etc.) and a variety of plants (trees, shrubs, herbs, vegetables, perennials, and seasonal flowers).


2. Keep assigned areas free of trash including paper, cigarettes, bottles and cans and assisting with the overall health and appearance of the gardens and landscape in specified areas keeping them pristine and safe.

3. Attend daily briefing meetings to receive work assignments. Perform all work in a timely and efficient manner to ensure projects and garden-related activities are completed on time and in accordance with expectations. Work under direction of Lead Horticulturist and Horticulturist.

4. Interact positively and professionally with fellow staff members and Colonial Williamsburg guests and visitors; answer questions and provide directions to guests and team members as required.

5. Operate power and handheld landscape equipment such as, but not limited to, push mowers, various riding mowers, string trimmers, edgers, leaf blowers, tillers, power shears, and conventional hand tools.

6. Clean storm drains, swales and catch basins as directed by Lead Horticulturist and Horticulturist.

7. Follow prescribe safety standards, policies and procedures. Observe OSHA guidelines to assure specified areas are safe for employees, guests and visitors. Practice and maintain safety standards.

8. Will operate large equipment such as, but not limited to, tractors, loaders, dump trucks, snowplows and similar machinery. Use appropriate personal protective equipment.

9. Responsible for maintaining tool inventory, maintenance, and upkeep and the proper use and safety of assigned equipment.

10. Conduct work in accordance with department and Colonial Williamsburg policies, procedures instructions and protocols as well as in accordance with Virginia state regulations.

11. Perform other duties as assigned to include special projects.

12. This position is deemed essential personnel (24/7) and will be required to report to work whether the Foundation is open or closed. Will be required to respond to emergencies or other non-routine situations You may be required to report outside your normal schedule to handle unexpected issues such as the removal of snow, ice, or storm damage.

This is a non-exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This position may be subject to overtime during high peak times, etc. as directed and approved by the supervisor.


This job description reflects the general responsibilities of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Duties and responsibilities may evolve over time based on operational needs.

Required Education and Experience:


· High school diploma/G.E.D., plus experience with direct garden and landscape maintenance.

· Knowledge of landscaping tools, and equipment.

· Requires a valid Virginia driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.

Must possess a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record based on The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s criteria.

· Must be able to provide a 5-year Motor Vehicle Record prior to employment

· Must be at least 21 years of age

· May not have more than 1 moving violation or at fault accident within 12 months

· May not have more than 2 moving violations or at fault accidents within 36 months

· May not have any serious motor vehicle violations including but not limited to excessive speeding, reckless driving, DUI/DWI, suspended or revoked license, etc.

Preferred Qualifications:


· Experience with landscape maintenance operations.

· Possess a Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Registered Technician’s Certificate

Key Skills / Competencies:


· Good communication (verbal and written) and public speaking skills.

· Ability to read directions and complete reports accurately and in accordance with deadlines.

· Must be familiar with Microsoft Office; proficiency in Microsoft Word preferred.

· Willing and able to work outside in all weather conditions, work flexible schedule including weekends, evenings, and holidays, must be available for work on emergency basis seven days a week, 24 hours a day

· Must be a fast learner who is ability to demonstrate proficiency with new equipment/tasks.

Typical Work Schedule:


40 hrs/week; Monday through Friday 6:00am-2:30pm. Overtime may be required.

Compensation Disclaimer: The compensation listed below for this position represents the anticipated hiring range and is provided in accordance with Virginia pay transparency requirements. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as the selected candidate’s skills, qualifications, experience, education, certifications, internal equity, and the specific requirements of the role.

Range: $16 - $23

Equal Opportunity Employer


This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.