Student Employee Work Study/Work Program - Garden Worker

Eastern Mennonite University ( is a private, faith-based, liberal arts university in Harrisonburg, Virginia known for academic excellence and affordability with a focus on service, social justice, and global engagement. With more than 1500 students studying at our main campus in Harrisonburg, Virginia; at our Lancaster, Pennsylvania instructional site; and online, EMU offers rigorous academic study at the undergraduate and graduate level.


EMU is committed to an inclusive and equitable campus community where everyone is treated with dignity and respect and can be their authentic self. Our goal is to remove the barriers that underrepresented and marginalized groups have frequently encountered in our society. We commit to address the structures that produce discrimination, racial injustice, gender inequities and other forms of oppression, and to fully include LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and other members of historically minoritized communities.


EMU encourages students, faculty and staff to live their faith and values through service to others, peacemaking, cross-cultural engagement and sustainability. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, EMU is committed to enhancing our community and encourages applications from qualified individuals with varied backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who would deepen the diversity of the University.


Job Title: Student Employee - Garden Worker


Department: Varies

Supervisor: Hiring Manager

FLSA Classification : Non-Exempt


Schedule: PT

Job Summary:

The Student Employee is responsible for assisting the staff with the Sustainable Food Initiative (SFI). The Student Employee position will focus on administrative support, learning support, or specialized support while gaining educational and career growth.


Duties/Responsibilities:

• Provide excellent customer service to students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors.
• Answer incoming phone calls.
• Perform a variety of administrative and/or office duties.
• Provide assistance and support to faculty and/or staff in completing special projects as assigned.
• Perform general administrative responsibilities in support of the department/office/campus.
• Complete department-specific projects as assigned.
• Attend to the workplace regularly, report to work punctually, and follows a work schedule to keep up with the demands of the worksite.
• Support the values of the University.
• Additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Position Specific Duties/Responsibilities:

• Assist with the Sustainable Food Initiative (SFI) to take care of campus gardens and help oversee distribution of crops.
• Perform manual labor to include weeding and watering campus gardens.
• Assist in managing the free-food room.
• Support the weekly SFI Markets.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to make entry-level decisions.
• Demonstrate good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Willingness to ask questions.
• Understand basic department procedures.
• Ability to maintain a level of professionalism during working hours.
• Has a genuine desire to help their peers succeed.
• Be currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at EMU.

Education and Experience:

None

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is required to sit and use hands and fingers, to handle, or feel. The employee is required to stand, walk, and climb or balance. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.


Supervisory Responsibilities:

None