Job Description

Position Title:

Part-time Field Station Technician

Compensation:

$15.00 - 16.26

Department:

Biology_A

Start Date:

08/01/2026

About this opportunity:

The Field Station and Environmental Education Center seeks to fill a part-time, permanent position to perform duties related to the operation and maintenance of outdoor areas.

This position is part-time, 12 months, non-exempt staff at 22 hours per week. Benefits are not available for this position.

What you'll do and what you'll bring:

Position Function The position will maintain the Environmental Education Center and the three greenhouses (Teaching and Research Greenhouse, Rinard Orchid Greenhouse, and Herb Greenhouse) in Christy Woods and other field areas within Ball State University’s Field Station and Environmental Education Center. Sundays are required, other days and times are arranged for up to 22 hours/week.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Work Sundays, including opening Christy Woods, watering all 3 greenhouses, monitoring the property throughout the day, ensuring all visitors have left at 3 and locking gates.
• Participate in activities to support the mission of the Field Station and Environmental Education Center.
• Work with the greenhouse Curators to maintain and monitor plant collections in the greenhouses; monitor greenhouse conditions, machinery and equipment and report issues to the Curators; perform general cleanup and upkeep.
• Provide care for the live animals housed in the Christy Woods classroom, the Rinard Orchid Greenhouse and in the Environmental Education Center, including enclosure cleaning, data recording, feeding and making new fruit fly cultures.
• Work with the Environmental Educator to assist in the Nature Lab, with the maintenance of educational materials and with programs in Christy Woods; may include updating bulletin boards, displays, brochures, and helping with programs.
• Maintain grounds and trails in Christy Woods as directed by the Christy Woods Land Steward; perform surveillance of property for removal of trash, clearing fallen limbs, trees, and other hazards from trails; plant and maintain native plant gardens as directed; must be able to work outdoors during all seasons and be able to lift and carry 40 pounds.
• Receive visitors and maintain good public relations; assist visitors with information or help; interact with students and faculty, administration, and the university community.
• Aid other Field Station staff with their routine duties during times of seasonal need and during time of personal leave, vacation and illness.
• Assist with the management and stewardship of the other BSU Field Station properties as directed by the Restoration Ecologist and Land Manager; includes the Cooper Farm, Skinner Field Area, Hults Environmental Learning Center, Miller Wildlife Area, and Ginn Woods, including exotic plant removal, herbicide application, mowing/bushhogging and trail maintenance.
• Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associates degree or high school diploma with two years related experience
• At least 3 months of greenhouse, horticulture, land management and/or landscape experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, botany or related field.
• Experience with management of native plant ecosystems, plant propagation and knowledge of local native flora and fauna; environmental interpretation skills.
• One or more years of greenhouse experience.

How to apply:

For inquiries, please contact:

John Taylor - jetaylor@bsu.edu

Please follow upload instructions to attach all of the required supporting documents listed below: NOTE: Do not use the Autofill feature for resume:

• Cover Letter(optional)
• Resume

Applications must be received by July 25th, 2026, at 12:01 AM.