Arboretum Landscape & Horticulture Aide - IE

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.

About the role

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

Responsibilities

• General grounds maintenance which includes but isn’t limited to mowing, weed eating, blowing and weeding.
• Help with seasonal maintenance which includes but isn’t limited to: Fall garden bed clean up and mulching and trail chipping.
• Learn to identify weeds and invasives from planted material to help maintain landscape beds.
• Assist with potting plants for plant sales and from propagation/air pruning tables.
• Assist with creating tags and plant sale signs for semi-annual plant sale.
• Execute plant sale set up and assist with plant sale order pulls.
• Collaborate with office staff to assist with event set ups.
• Assist using BarTender to create and print plant sale pot stick and hang tags.
• Create plant sale signs using Adobe or Canva.
• Help to manage propagation databases and nursery inventories.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Working hours are between 7a-3p, Monday through Friday. Candidates must be able to complete their hours per week during this time.
• Be able to navigate uneven terrain, be physically active for work shifts, 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.
• Be able to learn to drive an ATV with a water tank trailer attached.
• 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.
• Students must be degree-seeking students, enrolled on at least a half-time basis (6 credits for undergraduate and 5 credits for graduate).

Qualifications

A basic working knowledge of landscape practices and VA flora is preferred but not required. In your cover letter, please share any experience you have related to landscape maintenance or horticulture (if any); classwork or volunteer activities are included.

Skills

This role is designed as a work-based learning experience and addresses at minimum the following NACE career competencies:

• Career & Self-Development: Reflect on personal strengths and areas of growth, setting goals to enhance professional development.
• Communication: Employ active listening and asking questions when necessary. Suggest guidance to Lead and Student Lead when needed.
• Critical Thinking: Anticipate project set up needs and troubleshoot issues effectively for timely results. Complete tasks and projects with minimal guidance.
• Leadership: Take initiative in task and project completion and problem solving to ensure timely results.
• Teamwork: Collaborate with Horticulture Lead, Horticulture Lead Student, and other Aides to help complete projects and tasks.
• Technology: Assist using BarTender to create and print plant sale pot stick and hang tags. Create plant sale signs using Adobe or Canva. Help manage propagation databases and nursery inventories.

Pay

$15.00 per hour

Schedule

Part-time, up to 15 hours per week between 7am-3pm Monday through Friday.