Botanical Garden Assistant #T00983

Positions Available: 2

Compensation: $13.00/hr., 40 hours per week, with on-site housing free of charge Duration: Beginning mid-May through August, specific dates are negotiable

Overview:

Highlands Biological Station ( HBS) is a scientific research station focused on the research and education of the natural heritage of the Highlands Plateau while preserving the biological richness of the southern Appalachian Mountains. HBS is a multi-campus center of Western Carolina University and is comprised of the Highlands Nature Center, Highlands Botanical Garden, William Chambers Coker Laboratory, and the Richard C. Bruce Biodiversity Laboratory. HBS also holds several on-site housing options for visiting researchers, students, and interns.

The Botanical Garden Assistant(s) will report to the Highlands Biological Station Horticultural Specialist and will be an integral member of the HBS staff.The selected applicants will help to maintain the grounds and gardens, trails, boardwalks, and bridges throughout the 24-acre campus. In addition, they willassist in identification, record-keeping, and maintenance of more than 450 native plant species.This position will include working with volunteer groups and the general public to interpret the natural history of the local ecology and identify native plant species within the garden. This is an exceptional learning opportunity aimed at gaining valuable career experience caring for gardens and natural areas, planning and executing projects, and working with volunteers.

Botanical Garden Assistants have the option of staying in on-site shared housing for the duration of the summer, free of charge.

The successful applicant will assist in all aspects of botanic garden operations including the use of proper horticultural practices and power equipment. Tasks will include: planting, pruning, raking, weed management, trail maintenance, curation, and plant record keeping. They will gain hands-on experience identifying and cultivating native plants in a natural and cultivated setting.

- Must be able to move, rotate, or stoop on uneven terrain

- Must be comfortable working from a ladder, lift, and other high places
- Must be comfortable and properly use using heavy equipment, i.e. backhoe
tractor, chainsaw, canycom, woodchipper, etc.

- Must be prepared to work outdoors under all conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and with occasional exposure to biting and stinging insects

- Must be comfortable engaging with the volunteers and other diverse audiences

- Responsible, reliable, and dependable

- Occasional evening and weekend support may be required

The Botanical Garden Assistant helps to identify, label, and maintain native plant species; and maintain grounds and gardens, trails, boardwalks, and bridges throughout the Station. This position may include working with the public to interpret the natural history of local plants and assisting with identification of native plant species. This job may involve heavy lifting (no more than 50 lbs.) and will sometimes involve working alone and in rainy weather. Occasionally, the individual will be asked to assist other Station employees in the office, library, or Nature Center.

The ideal candidate should possess a strong passion for horticulture and have a specific interest in native plants. Valid Driver's License required.

Priority will be given to students pursuing a degree in biology, botany, horticulture, environmental science, or a related subject. Strong ornamental plant identification skills, familiarity with Southeastern plant species, and prior public horticulture experience is desirable. Recent graduates and early career individuals are also invited to apply.

Applicants must apply online.

PLEASE COMPLETE ALL AREAS OF THE APPLICATION. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS MAY NOT BE GIVEN CONSIDERATION IN THE REVIEW PROCESS.

Qualified applicants will be contacted by the department directly if selected for interview.

Please Note: Temporary employees are paid bi-weekly on an hourly basis and do not receive benefits.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.

Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.

All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.

The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.