Working Title: Arboretum Landscape/Student Engagement Aide - IE

State Role Title: N/A

Position Type: Institutional Employment

Position Status: Part-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: Business Services

Department: 100258 - Landscape E&G

Pay Band: 

Pay Rate: Hourly

Specify Range or Amount: $15.50 

Is this a JMU only position? N/A

Is this a grant-funded position? No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No

Beginning Review Date: 

About JMU:

Situated in the heart of Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is a vibrant community with a population of approximately 52,000. Harrisonburg is conveniently located approximately 120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA.

JMU is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and supportive environment for students, faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 21,000 undergraduate and 1,800 graduate students, with over 1,000 full-time instructional faculty.

JMU offers thriving programs in the liberal arts, science and technology, and professional disciplines at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels. JMU has achieved national recognition for the high quality of its academic programs, focus on maintaining strong student/faculty interaction, and innovative faculty research.

General Information:

The Edith J. Carrier Arboretum at James Madison University is accepting applications for JMU students for the position of Student Engagement Aide. These positions will be under the supervision of the Student Engagement Lead for up to, but not exceeding, 15 hours per week between 7am-3pm Monday through Friday.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Assist with general Arboretum maintenance needs including pruning, weeding, planting, mulching, etc.

Assisting Student Engagement Lead and team with preparation and debris removal after daily volunteer opportunities.

Helping to train and answer questions from volunteers as needed.

Working with newer volunteer groups to ensure projects are done correctly and completed in a timely manner.

Helping Student Lead track and maintain volunteer hour records.

Learn to identify noxious weeds and invasives from planted material.

Other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Candidates must be enrolled at JMU.

Previous volunteer experience at the EJC Arboretum is preferred but not required.

A basic working knowledge of landscape practices is preferred but not required.

Comfortable working within large (up to 20) and small groups of students on volunteer projects.

Be able to navigate uneven terrain and possibly lift and carry up to 50 lbs.

Be at least 19 years old and have had a driver’s license for at least 2 years.

Possess basic computer skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.

Be willing and able to manage and keep a timely and consistent work week schedule.

Maintain written and digital materials in an organized manner.

Additional Posting Information:

This job is designed as a work-based learning experience, with an opportunity to progress to higher levels of responsibility on the landscape team including leadership opportunities. Developing NACE competencies are part of this role. By the end of this aide role, students will be able to:

Reflect on personal strengths and areas for growth, setting goals to enhance their professional development. (Career & Self Development)

Assist Lead Student with onboarding and training of new volunteers. Training and working with volunteers on projects. (Communication)

Anticipate set up needs during volunteer opportunities and accurately supply worksites. Assist on troubleshooting problems both at worksites and with volunteer schedules. (Critical Thinking)

Help train and lead volunteers during projects to ensure a timely and accurate completion. Take initiative to troubleshoot on worksites to create fulfilling volunteer opportunities. (Leadership)

Display accountability and dependability on projects while taking initiatives to ensure a fulfilling volunteer opportunity. Accurately prepares project sites with little to no direction, anticipating project needs. (Professionalism)

Collaborates with Student Engagement Lead and Student Engagement Student Lead to assist student volunteers. (Teamwork)

Assist with QR code check in and out process is followed by volunteers for accurate record keeping. (Technology)

Conditions of Employment:  

Students must be degree-seeking students, enrolled on at least a half-time basis (6 credits for undergraduate and 5 credits for graduate).

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. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

EEO Statement:

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.

We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.

Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.

Reasonable Accommodation:

If you are a student with a disability and need assistance please contact the Office of Disability Services at (540) 568-6705 or disability-svcs@jmu.edu. You may also visit the Office of Disability Services, located in the Student Success Center, Suite 1202 and they will be happy to assist you.