Arboretum Landscape/Student Engagement Aide - IE

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Assist with general Arboretum maintenance needs including pruning, weeding, planting, mulching, etc.
• Assist Student Engagement Lead and team with preparation and debris removal after daily volunteer opportunities.
• Help train and answer questions from volunteers as needed.
• Work with newer volunteer groups to ensure projects are done correctly and completed in a timely manner.
• Help Student Lead track and maintain volunteer hour records.
• Learn to identify noxious weeds and invasives from planted material.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Ability to navigate uneven terrain and possibly lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Must 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.
• Willing and able to manage and keep a timely and consistent work week schedule.
• Maintain written and digital materials in an organized manner.

Work-based learning outcomes

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; train and work 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 prepare project sites with little to no direction, anticipating project needs. (Professionalism)
• Collaborate with Student Engagement Lead and Student Engagement Student Lead to assist student volunteers. (Teamwork)
• Assist with QR code check in and out process followed by volunteers for accurate record keeping. (Technology)

Schedule

Up to 15 hours per week between 7am–3pm, Monday through Friday.

Pay

$15.50 per hour.