Assistant Horticulture Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Arboretum Landscape & Horticulture Aide - IE
Job no: 20002232
Work type: Institutional Employment
Location: Harrisonburg
Categories: Student Employment
Working Title: Arboretum Landscape & Horticulture Aide - 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: 1
Pay Rate: Hourly
Specify Range or Amount: $15.00
Is this a JMU only position? N/A
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 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.
Duties and 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.
Other related duties as assigned
Qualifications:
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.
Additional Posting Information:
In your cover letter, please share any experience you have related to landscape maintenance or horticulture (if any); classwork or volunteer activities are included.
A basic working knowledge of landscape practices and VA flora is preferred but not required.
This role is designed as a work-based learning experience and addresses at minimum the following NACE career competencies:
By the end of this role, students will be able to:
Reflect on personal strengths and areas of growth, setting goals to enhance their professional development. (Career & Self-Development)
Employ active listening and asking questions when necessary. Suggesting guidance to Lead and Student Lead when needed. (Communication)
Anticipate project set up needs and troubleshoot issues effectively for timely results. Complete tasks and projects with minimal guidance. (Critical Thinking)
Take initiative task and project completion and problem solving to ensure timely results. (Leadership)
Collaborate with Horticulture Lead,Horticulture Lead Student and other Aides to help complete projects and tasks. (Teamwork)
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 (Technology)
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.
Advertised: 24 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:
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