Caine Conservatory - Student Assistants (Botanical Conservatory Assistants, Conservatory Ambassador, Marketing Assistant and/or Curatorial Assistant

High Point University•High Point, NC

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The Caine Conservatory in High Point University's Wanek School of Natural Science hires student assistants for botanical conservatory, exhibition production, ambassador, marketing, propagation, and curatorial work. The conservatory is a botanical teaching facility that supports natural science classes and provides a year-round space for the campus community. Its approximately 8,000 square feet include a main display house, a north production greenhouse, and a south desert greenhouse. Duties vary by assignment and may include plant propagation and care, preparing botanical displays and exhibits, managing and labeling the plant collection, creating and evaluating marketing content, and engaging visitors through tours, information, outreach, and educational programming. Most or all duties are performed in the Caine Conservatory. Hours vary by position, with a maximum of 20 hours per week and a minimum of 5 hours per week during spring and 10 hours per week during summer. Some positions assume intermittent work during spring and summer breaks; some weekend and summer hours are available for Lead Assistants. Positions are per semester, with potential rehire. Starting pay is $9.00 per hour, or $10.00 per hour if promoted to Lead Assistant. Positions are available for Spring and/or Summer 2027.

Requirements

Botanical Conservatory Assistant applicants must have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0.
Botanical Conservatory Assistant applicants must be able to move over uneven pavement, under railings, and around plants and other obstacles; bend, kneel, and grasp during horticulture activities; and have visual and tactile acuity.
Botanical Conservatory Assistant applicants must be able to lift 25 pounds and occasionally lift 40 pounds.
The role requires at least 5 hours per week during spring and 10 hours per week during summer; student employees may work no more than 20 hours per week.

Nice To Haves

Enthusiasm for plants, good communication with staff, and a desire to learn new skills are described as qualities suited to the Botanical Conservatory Assistant role.

Responsibilities

Support the conservatory's display, research, and production spaces and assist with greenhouse and conservatory work.
Help plan, produce, install, care for, store, move, and steward botanical displays, exhibitions, and collections.
Welcome visitors, answer questions about plants and conservatory features, provide way-finding assistance, and lead tours.
Provide information on plant taxonomy, characteristics, and ecological relationships; support education, outreach, and public events.
Maintain records of visitor feedback and observations to inform programming.
Execute marketing campaigns across social media, email newsletters, and website content; draft marketing copy and create materials such as brochures, flyers, and infographics.
Conduct market research, track and report campaign performance using analytics tools, update social media accounts, and respond to comments and messages.
Manage marketing calendars, databases, and files and collaborate with team members on marketing materials.
Propagate, water, fertilize, prune, transplant, groom, and repot greenhouse and garden plants; monitor plant health and report pests or disease to the supervisor.
Maintain cleanliness and organization in the conservatory, potting areas, and storage spaces.
Assist with plant installations, seasonal displays, special botanical projects, workshops, and events.
Label and organize conservatory plants using exact botanical names; research plant signage and exhibit themes; assist with interpretive displays and educational programming.