Orchid Collection Curator

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 excellence and 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
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Department	Biology:700060
Department Information
Department Email or Phone Number	[email protected]

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.’