Arboretum Student Writer - IE

James Madison University•Harrisonburg, VA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Edith J. Carrier Arboretum at James Madison University curates and cares for a living laboratory of forest, naturalized areas, and gardens to promote healthy landscapes and watersheds, research and education, and outdoor connection for all ages. The Arboretum is hiring a student writer position, designed as a work-based learning experience with opportunity to progress in responsibility and leadership over time. This student will work under the Arboretum Community Engagement Specialist. This position offers up to 15 hours per week.

Requirements

Current JMU student with career interest in environmental or nature writing and community engagement.
Successful candidates will be able to provide a writing sample upon request.
Students must be degree-seeking students, enrolled on at least a half-time basis (6 credits for undergraduate and 5 credits for graduate).

Responsibilities

Research and write about a wide variety of topics related to the Arboretum for the purpose of informing and inspiring stakeholders and general audiences.
Focus specifically on Faculty and Student research happening in the Arboretum, student and alumni stories, and nature/science-based content pertaining to work in the Arboretum or at JMU.
Edit a variety of written content produced by the Arboretum.
Take assignments and do the research and interviews necessary to produce compelling, accurate stories.
Adhere to strict deadlines, understanding how to build research, interviews and editing into the timeline.
Learn and adhere to JMU and Arboretum written and visual style guidelines.
Conceptualize topics and tell stories via social media using compelling photography, video and written content.
Write at least one story per season for the Arboretum's quarterly newsletter.
Get to know the Arboretum and its rhythms and pitch ideas for stories.
Produce copy for ads and flyers.
Complete reflections of the job experience as part of a work-based learning experience.
Complete all other assignments as needed.