Arboretum Education Coordinator

Working Title: Arboretum Education Coordinator

State Role Title: Education Support Specialist II

Position Type: Full-time Staff (Classified)

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: Business Services

Department: 100119 - Arboretum

Pay Rate: Pay Range

Specify Range or Amount: $40,000-$42,905

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: 06/25/2025

About JMU:

James Madison University is a publicly funded university with a beautiful campus and a supportive community that is committed to preparing students for the future. The university offers excellent comprehensive benefits which include paid vacation, sick, parental, and community service leave in addition to 19 paid holidays a year; affordable health insurance; retirement through the Virginia Retirement System. We also offer a work-life balance and integration program, Balanced Dukes, that is designed to support the overall wellbeing of our employees and a Tuition Waiver Program that allows employees to have tuition waived for undergraduate and graduate level courses taken at JMU.

Visit our Prospective Employee site to learn more about what makes JMU a great place to work: bit.ly/JMUEmployment

General Information:

The purpose of this role is to be the primary educator responsible for implementing the educational programming initiatives of the Arboretum. The Edith J. Carrier Arboretum at JMU offers environmental education programs to a wide variety of audiences, including prek-12 children and families, college students, and community members in pursuit of our mission. This active role has 4 areas of emphasis: our field trip programs aligned with Virginia Standards of Learning for prek-12 students, watershed education, other educational programming including annual events and other programs, and collaborating with community and university partners to develop our programs long-term.

We are looking for a passionate educator with enthusiasm for the natural world, for students of all ages, and for collaboration.

Exact starting and ending hours for this full-time position can be negotiated, but working hours will generally be Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Occasional (5 per year) Saturdays are required for pre-scheduled annual events, and occasional evening programs at your discretion.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The education coordinator is responsible for organizing, managing, and implementing an annual calendar of educational events including creating and updating workshops, lectures, field trips, and student events.

PreK-12 education:

Facilitate school field trip Arboretum tours including booking field trip dates, timely correspondence with teachers and administrators requesting tours, scheduling volunteers, and ensuring a high-quality educational experience.

Assess and revise field trip offerings to maintain relevance and ensure alignment with Virginia Standards of Learning.

Plan and increase educational offerings in watershed education including maintaining and improving annual district-wide watershed education programs serving Harrisonburg City Public Schools and other partners.

Team Management:

Recruit, train, and supervise a team of college student education interns and community education volunteers.

Provide training and orientations for docents and interns to assist with leading educational tours and other programs and update program content and materials.

Collaborate with a variety of community partners to provide programs and pursue the Arboretum's mission.

Develop Arboretum program portfolio by building relationships and forging partnership with local public and private education groups including schools, local organizations such as Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists, homeschool groups, clubs, etc.

Build partnerships with faculty and JMU staff to support student learning and use of the Arboretum.

Liaise with the Arboretum Advisory Board on matters related to youth education in particular.

Annual Educational Events and Seasonal Workshops:

Plan from beginning to end and present programs, workshops, and tours for a variety of audiences responsive to the needs of the commonwealth and local interest. Areas of particular concern include watershed education and ecological citizenship.

Coordinate with the marketing staff to promote educational programs to the public and ensure smooth registration and communications.

Plan and direct a ½ day community educational festival on a Saturday in October (Harvest Festival).

Plan and direct summer youth programming (which has traditionally included 2 weeks of day camp but other formats can be explored) to increase visitor engagement and community outreach.

Assist with planning and hosting the annual (February) Litten lecture.

Visitor Relations and Communications:

Maintain accurate and complete records about programs and participation and assist with reporting.

Compile and organize resources and educational materials including the Arboretum’s small library and program supplies.

The Education Coordinator is also part of the Arboretum office staff, so will perform front office duties as needed, including answering the phone, greeting visitors, and assisting with sales transactions over the phone and in-person as well as assisting with the Arboretum plant sale in spring and fall.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

Experience in environmental education or related fields; other related experience in community outreach would also be beneficial.

Basic familiarity with environmental systems and the botanical world.

Ability to navigate uneven terrain, be outside standing and/or walking for several hours, and carry materials across the arboretum.

Innovative, energetic, curious, creative professional collaborator who shows initiative and a strong work ethic with a positive attitude.

Work well independently and also in a team setting.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to handle money, follow procedures, and maintain clear and accurate records.

Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.

Computer skills: ability to navigate Microsoft office and Microsoft teams suite of products.

Additional Posting Information:

If you wish, you may choose to submit a portfolio representing your work as an educator.

Conditions of Employment:  

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.

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 an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at (540) 568-3597 or jobs@jmu.edu. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.