Working Title: Madison Community Scholars, Environment & Sustainability Support - FWS

State Role Title: Institutional Employment/Federal Work Study

Position Type: Federal Work Study

Position Status: Part-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: Student Life and Involvement

Department: 100597 - Community Engagement and Volunteer Center

Pay Band: N/A

Pay Rate: Hourly

Specify Range or Amount: $14.50 

Is this a JMU only position? N/A

Is this a grant-funded position? No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? N/A

Beginning Review Date: 07/01/2026

About JMU:

Located in the heart of Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is approximately 120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA. With a population of just over 53,000, Harrisonburg is one of the most diverse communities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. JMU is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and inclusive environment for students, faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 20,000 undergraduate and 1,900 graduate students, with over 1,000 full-time instructional faculty.

General Information:

Hey you! Yes, you. Looking for a paid position that offers stellar real-world experience and creates a positive social impact? Well, you’ve found it! We’ve got meaningful off-campus opportunities that build your resume, cater to your passion(s), AND contribute positively to the community.

NOTE: YOU MUST BE A CURRENT FULL-TIME JMU STUDENT AND ELIGIBLE FOR FEDERAL WORK STUDY TO PARTICIPATE AS A MADISON COMMUNITY SCHOLAR (MCS). WE PRIORITIZE STUDENTS WITH A CUMULATIVE GPA OF 2.0 OR HIGHER.


The Community Engagement & Volunteer Center (CEVC) builds mutually beneficial partnerships between JMU and the community—one primary way is with MCS.

MCS students have the unique opportunity of working consistently (6 – 8 hours/week) with a local, off-campus community organization throughout the school year. You are matched with non-profit, school, or government agencies based on your academic interests, experience, passions, and availability. Through your partnership, you will gain exceptional real-world experience while enhancing the capacity of local community organizations.


CEVC also provides ongoing workshops, programs, and one-on-one mentorship, helping you grow professionally and personally—all while getting PAID!

Opportunities fall into these categories:
• Education & Childcare Support
• Environment & Sustainability Support
• Marketing & Social Media Support
• Operations & Event Support

You are welcome to apply to any and all categories! A foundational part of the interview process is getting to know YOU a little bit better to ensure we pair you with a community. organization and in a community-facing role that complements your experience, interests, and availability.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Do you like being part of the “big picture”? Do you find fulfillment in seeing the direct impact of your work? Are you a team player and enjoy opportunities to collaborate with different folks to push a project forward? If so, a community relations & event support role is for you!


While each community organization will define the responsibilities of their SPECIFIC role, duties within this category typically include:
• Engaging in outdoor work (i.e. planting, pruning, mulching, weeding, harvesting, etc.)
• Supporting new sustainability initiatives (i.e. passive solar greenhouse, carbon farming, renewable energy, etc.)
• Managing trails (i.e. invasive plant removal, weed eating, weatherization, etc.)
• Organizing tools and storage (i.e. shed management, labeling, inventory, etc.)
• Providing outdoor learning spaces for children and other community members
• Assisting with associated events (sustainability summits, farmer’s markets, CSAs, etc.)


In addition to responsibilities through your designated community organization, you will be responsible for:
• Regularly managing timesheets (time is captured through an online platform – TimeClock Plus – and submitted twice a month)
• Consistently participating in on-campus, in-person workshops:
◦ Fall Semester 2026 weekly workshops for NEW MCS students: Fridays from 11:30 AM- 12:30 PM OR 12:45- 1:45 PM
◦ Spring Semester 2027 bi-weekly workshops for all MCS students: (Tentatively Tuesdays 4-5 PM, Wednesdays 4:15-5:15 PM, Fridays 11:30 AM- 12:30 PM, and 2-3 PM, but they will be finalized by the end of the Fall semester)
• Attending one semesterly one-on-one meeting with your CEVC MCS advisor, to be scheduled midway through each semester
• Participating in one semesterly MCS Community Day (typically mid-semester on Fridays at midday for approximately 2.5 hours)
• Engaging in two semesterly campus or community educational programs (list of options to choose from provided on Canvas)
• Committing to work consistently scheduled 6 or more hours per week for the full academic year (excluding academic breaks)

Qualifications:

• Be a current JMU student (must be enrolled in at least 6 credits)
• Eligible for Federal Work Study via the ’26 – ’27 financial aid package

Additional Posting Information:

Ready to apply? Please copy and paste the link below to complete the online application form – do NOT hit “apply” on this page. Your application is NOT considered submitted if you apply via PageUp – it will only be submitted by completing the form at the link below.

Applications submitted by July 1, 2026, will be given priority. Invitations to a 30-minute online interview will be sent on a rolling basis. All applications must be submitted by August 1, 2026, to be considered for a 2026 - 2027 MCS position. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team at MCS@JMU.EDU.

LINK TO APPLY: https://tinyurl.com/JMUMCS

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.