Orchid Collection Curator

Ball State   Muncie, IN   Full-time     Education
Posted on April 18, 2024
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Posting Details

Position Information

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Position Title

Orchid Collection Curator

About this Opportunity

Seeking full-time greenhouse curator at Ball State University. The Dr. Joe and Alice Rinard Orchid Greenhouse is home to the largest collegiate collection of living orchids and has over 10,000 visitors a year. The curator must be able to maintain the orchid collection and associated environments including the greenhouse operation systems. Additionally, the curator will work collaboratively with colleagues to provide environmental education opportunities for both university students and a large public audience through a variety of events that may include some weekends or holidays. This position will manage volunteers and student workers to maintain and expand all aspects of this living collection. This position is a critical component of the larger Field Station and Environmental Education Center at Ball State University.

Our Statement on Inclusiveness

At Ball State University, inclusiveness is one of the enduring values and informs all of our work. We define ‘inclusiveness' as a commitment ‘to respect and embrace equity, inclusion, and diversity in people, ideas, and opinions.' As such, this value incorporates a commitment to inclusive excellenceand freedom of expression.

Salary Grade

11

Wages Begin At

18.25

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Hrs/Week

40

Pre-Employment Screening

Requires successful completion of a background check.

Position Function

Maintain the living orchid collection and associated environments in the Dr. Joe and Alice Rinard Orchid Greenhouse in which visitors may experience learning opportunities; serve as curator of the Orchid Collection and Species Bank; maintain and expand all aspects of this living collection for education and conservation; support the mission of and assist staff with Field Station and Environmental Education Center.

Minimum Education

Earned Baccalaureate or equivalent in Botany, Biology or related field from an accredited college or university.

Minimum Experience

At least one year of orchid or greenhouse experience and knowledge of operation and maintenance of greenhouse and greenhouse equipment.

Minimum Other

Authorization to work in the US

Candidates for searches must have current authorization to be employed in the U.S. without employer sponsorship.

Preferred Education

Master's degree in Botany, Biology or related field from an accredited college or university.

Preferred Experience

Over 3 years of experience with orchid propagation and care; experience in greenhouse management or plant care. Experience with environmental education or interpretation. Experience with fund raising and grant writing. Experience with public communication and outreach. Experience supervising volunteers and employees. Experience conducting or facilitating research.

Preferred Other

Position Title(s) Supervised

Students and Volunteers.

EEO Statement

Ball State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that is strongly and actively committed to diversity within its community. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other legally protected status.

About Ball State University

Ball State University is located in Muncie, Indiana, on an attractive campus 45 miles northeast of Indianapolis. Approximately 20,000 graduate and undergraduate students enroll in one of eight academic colleges that offer 270+ undergraduate and graduate programs. Many of our master's, doctoral, certificate, and specialist degrees rank among the best in the nation. We engage students in educational, research, and creative endeavors that empower our graduates to have fulfilling careers and meaningful lives enriched by lifelong learning and service, while we enhance the economic, environmental, and social vitality of our community, our state, and our world.

Live Near Your Work - If you are considering living near the Ball State area, please visit the following link to learn more about relocation and living in east central Indiana:

https://www.bsu.edu/about/live-near-your-work

There's more to discover IN Indiana! Visit the following link to learn more:

IN Indiana

Department

Biology:700060

Department Information

Department Email or Phone Number

tccarter@bsu.edu

Duties & Responsibilities

Ranking

1

Job Duty

Maintain living orchid collection, the Wheeler-Thanhauser Orchid Collection and Species Bank (WOCSB). Maintain orchid database. Provide orchid collection diversity through purchases, trading, propagation and CITES Rescue Program.

Ranking

2

Job Duty

Maintain greenhouse environmental systems in the Dr. Joe and Alice Rinard Orchid Greenhouse; maintain cleanliness of the collection, the greenhouse, and display animals.

Ranking

3

Job Duty

Interview, hire, train, coordinate and supervise students and volunteers including a docent program. Coordinate and advise non-profit Friends groups.

Ranking

4

Job Duty

Maintain public visitation hours and record visitation. Provide information to the public; be available to public to answer questions.

Ranking

5

Job Duty

Create and maintain educational displays in the orchid display areas as related to support of orchid conservation, research and education.

Ranking

6

Job Duty

Provide educational support for university classes and individual student learning projects; support research efforts of faculty and students.

Ranking

7

Job Duty

Assist with and promote scheduled public educational experiences both on and off campus. Coordinate fund raising events.

Ranking

8

Job Duty

Assist Field Station and Environmental Education Center staff as needed to cover management of Christy Woods.

Ranking

9

Job Duty

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Ranking

10

Job Duty

Maintain regular and predictable attendance as required by this position. Occasional weekends and Holiday work may be required.

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number

202401455SF

Number of Vacancies

1

Desired Start Date

03/15/2024

Position End Date (if temporary)

Open Date

04/17/2024

Close Date

05/17/2024

Open Until Filled

No

Special Instructions Summary

Information for Applications Requiring a Cover Letter

In support of your application for this position, please prepare and submit a cover letter that describes how your qualifications and experiences align with the elements of the position description (or leadership profile). In your cover letter, please also describe how you have demonstrated a commitment to our University's enduring values, including inclusiveness, which we define as a commitment ‘to respect and embrace equity, inclusion, and diversity in people, ideas, and opinions.'

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
    Applicant Documents
    Required Documents
    1. Resume
    2. Cover Letter
    Optional Documents
    1. Undergraduate Transcripts