Ground & Garden Maintenance Technician

Title Ground & Garden Maintenance Technician Description

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 Functions

• Perform routine grounds maintenance, including weeding, vine removal, pruning, mulching, watering, and general upkeep
• Maintain 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 spaces
• Prepare and maintain soil in garden beds and planting areas
• Monitor plant health and address issues such as pests, disease, or overgrowth
• Maintain and safely operate garden tools and equipment
• Keep outdoor areas clean, safe, and free of overgrowth or debris
• Track maintenance activities through routine logs

Program Support (Secondary Responsibility)

• Facilitate three structured, one-hour gardening groups per week with residents at North Campus
• Support basic planting, harvesting, and garden-related activities tied to programming
• Work collaboratively with staff to support program goals (this is not a clinical or therapy role)

Additional Responsibilities

• Support composting and sustainable land practices
• Assist with volunteer events and grant-funded projects as needed
• Follow all safety procedures related to equipment use and chemical applications
• Coordinate with RBHA General Services on larger landscaping needs

Position Requirements

Required Qualifications

• 23 years of experience in landscaping, groundskeeping, or gardening
• Strong working knowledge of plant care and general grounds maintenance practices
• Willingness to perform routine, physically demanding outdoor work, including weeding, clearing overgrowth, and maintaining neglected areas
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Physical ability to lift up to 30 lbs and perform repetitive movements (bending, kneeling, standing, walking)
• Ability to work independently and stay on task without close supervision
• Reliable, detail-oriented, and comfortable with hands-on labor

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with vegetable gardening or raised bed systems
• Familiarity with safe use of fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides
• Experience working in a team or community-based environment

Important Note for Applicants

This position is not a horticultural therapy role. While it includes limited interaction with residents, the primary responsibility is maintaining the grounds and garden spaces. Candidates should be comfortable with routine maintenance tasks such as weeding, clearing overgrowth, and general landscaping work.

Why This Role Matters

Well-maintained outdoor spaces contribute to a safe, welcoming, and functional environment for both residents and staff. This role ensures those spaces remain clean, usable, and supportive of daily operations.

Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time Open Date 4/24/2026 Close Date About the Organization Join the Fearless!

Richmond Behavioral Health Authority (RBHA) is licensed by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and is the statutorily established public entity responsible for providing mental health, intellectual disabilities, substance abuse and prevention services to the citizens of the City of Richmond.

Our Mission:
RBHA promotes health, wellness, and recovery for the people and communities we serve.

Our Vision:
An inclusive, healthy community where individuals are inspired to reach their highest potential.

Our Values:
Equity / Innovation / Quality / Inclusion / Accessibility / Transparency / Compassion / Integrity

Creating Healthy Communities - One Person, One Family, One Community at a time.

RBHA is committed to providing behavioral health services to all Richmond residents regardless of race, color, gender, age, religion, disability, or national origin.

Services are provided directly by RBHA staff and through contracts with private providers in the community. Funding is received through fees from consumers, the Commonwealth of Virginia, the City of Richmond, and local and state grants. Starting Salary Range $ 24.24 EOE Statement Richmond Behavioral Health Authority provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This position is currently accepting applications.

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