Orchid Collection Curator

Ball State University

Muncie, IN

ID: 7236724 (Ref.No. BSU42511)
Posted: April 17, 2024
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Job Description

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.

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.

Job Function:

Minimum Education:

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

Preferred Education:

Master’s degree 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.

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.

Duties and Responsibilities:

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.
Maintain greenhouse environmental systems in the Dr. Joe and Alice Rinard Orchid Greenhouse; maintain cleanliness of the collection, the greenhouse, and display animals.
Interview, hire, train, coordinate and supervise students and volunteers including a docent program. Coordinate and advise non-profit Friends groups.
Maintain public visitation hours and record visitation. Provide information to the public; be available to public to answer questions.
Create and maintain educational displays in the orchid display areas as related to support of orchid conservation, research and education.
Provide educational support for university classes and individual student learning projects; support research efforts of faculty and students.
Assist with and promote scheduled public educational experiences both on and off campus. Coordinate fund raising events.
Assist Field Station and Environmental Education Center staff as needed to cover management of Christy Woods.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Maintain regular and predictable attendance as required by this position. Occasional weekends and Holiday work may be required.

At Ball State University, we recognize inclusive excellence as an integral endeavor to fulfill our University’s mission and our strategic plan. We recruit, support, and retain a diverse population of students, faculty, and staff. We encourage and reward diversity of thought. We promote a work environment that encourages and rewards innovation and creativity. We pledge to keep Inclusive Excellence at the highest level of institutional importance and as a foundation in all that we strive to do. Our over-arching goal for Inclusive Excellence is to adopt a university-wide Inclusive Excellence approach to academic, administrative support, and service functions of the university. We believe Inclusive Excellence must be infused in every step we take.

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