Working Title: Arboretum Student Writer - 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? No

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 curates and cares for a living laboratory of forest, naturalized areas, and gardens to promote:
• Healthy landscapes and watersheds
• Research and education
• Outdoor connection for all ages

The Arboretum is hiring a student writer position, designed as a work-based learning experience with opportunity to progress in responsibility and leadership over time. This student will work under the Arboretum Community Engagement Specialist. This position offers up to 15 hours per week.

Duties and Responsibilities:

-Research and write about a wide variety of topics related to the Arboretum for the purpose of informing and inspiring stakeholders and general audiences;

-Focus specifically on Faculty and Student research happening in the Arboretum, student and alumni stories, and nature/science-based content pertaining to work in the Arboretum or at JMU;

-Edit a variety of written content produced by the Arboretum;

-Take assignments and do the research and interviews necessary to produce compelling, accurate stories;

-Adhere to strict deadlines, understanding how to build research, interviews and editing into the timeline;

-Learn and adhere to JMU and Arboretum written and visual style guidelines;

-Conceptualize topics and tell stories via social media using compelling photography, video and written content;

-Write at least one story per season for the Arboretum's quarterly newsletter;

-Get to know the Arboretum and its rhythms and pitch ideas for stories;

-Produce copy for ads and flyers;

-Complete reflections of the job experience as part of a work-based learning experience; and

-Complete all other assignments as needed.

Qualifications:

Current JMU student with career interest in environmental or nature writing and community engagement. Successful candidates will be able to provide a writing sample upon request.

Additional Posting Information:

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.