Grounds Services Associate

Post closes on Monday, October 5, 2026 at 11:55 PM EST.

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.

The mission of the Grounds team within the Buildings and Grounds department is to ensure that the museum presents an inviting appearance and maintains a superior standard of cleanliness and aesthetic in support of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the VMFA’s strategic plan, tourism goals, and educational/cultural enrichment goals.

We are currently seeking applications for reliable and detail-oriented individuals to join our Buildings and Grounds Department as a Grounds Services Associate.

The Grounds Services Associate will support this mission by beautifying and sanitizing the exterior grounds of the museum, including the parking deck, the

E. Claiborne and Lora Robins Sculpture Garden, the Studio School, 201 Building, and other adjacent satellite properties and surrounding grounds as assigned.

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.

Debris collection and disposal from parking deck, walkways, lawns, etc.

Operating a sweeper in the parking deck to remove standing water and typical dirt/dust from vehicle traffic.

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

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

• 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 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.
• Must possess a current valid driver’s license.
• Ability to be responsible for keys to restricted-access areas, and ability to properly secure museum property in storage.
• Embraces and understands diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
• 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…