Herbarium Assistant

Summary: This position provides operational support for core herbarium activities and research projects. Primary duties include filing, sorting, locating, pulling, imaging, and databasing specimens by request of Garden researchers and collaborators. Additionally, Herbarium Assistants support the herbarium’s integrated pest management program, freezing material and monitoring for pests in the collection.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Sorts, files, processes and distributes plant specimens.
• Works with databases, entering, verifying, correcting information and imaging objects utilizing herbarium specimens and library resources.
• Works with herbarium records database, entering data and tracking inter-institutional shipping transactions.
• Georeferences data (i.e. assigns geographic coordinates that links it to a geographic location on a map; converting it into computer readable form), to prepare it for analyses.
• Answers inquiries regarding the status and location of plant material.
• Communicates with collaborators (within and outside the Garden).
• Supports collections research by accessing library materials, photocopying, assisting visitors and related duties.
• Assists the Collection Manager with integrated pest management (IPM) protocols, monitoring the collection for pest activity and coordinating freezing regimens for specimens.
• Ensures that all applicable safety standards are followed; informs
employees/students/volunteers of safety guidelines, methods to reduce hazards.
• Reports all accidents, injuries and near-miss accidents immediately.
• Follows and adheres to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines and Department Policies.
• Behaves and communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork and cooperation, within our division and throughout the Garden, with co-workers, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors and employees.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position has no staff supervisory responsibilities, but may train and oversee volunteers, interns, and student workers.

Core Competencies
• Communication – Listens to others and asks questions for clarification; Writes clearly and presents information accurately; Speaks professionally and responds well to questions; Supports positive visitor relations.
• Collaboration – Demonstrates teamwork and promotes respect in the workplace; Engages in problem solving and group initiatives; Cooperates in implementing procedures and process improvements; Strives for positive visitor experiences.
• Accountability – Demonstrates commitment to responsibilities and adaptable to changes; Effectively prioritizes, troubleshoots and takes appropriate actions; Follows policies and procedures, meets deadlines, quality, and safety standards; Strives to proactively, address visitor and internal colleagues’ concerns.
• Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems; Includes supervisor before taking action as necessary; Recommends solutions, demonstrates creativity and resourcefulness; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment in decision making process; Includes appropriate people in making decisions.
• Stewardship – Promotes and adheres to sustainability, safety and security protocols; Fosters a culture of respect, diversity and inclusion; Demonstrates effective and prudent use of Garden resources; Maximizes contributions during work hours.

Qualifications/Experience:
• Minimum one to three (1-3) years related experience in herbaria, natural history collections, or other historic collections.
• Experience with specimen databases like Tropicos, Symbiota, Specify, or EMu a plus.
• Basic knowledge of botanical nomenclature and taxonomy highly desired.
• Must be punctual, dependable, self-starter, and possess the ability to effectively multi-task and work under minimal supervision.
• Scheduling flexibility is required to work evenings, weekends, or holidays.
• The Garden is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our employees, volunteers and guests. All staff are strongly encouraged to receive all vaccinations as recommended by your healthcare provider prior to hire date. The Garden reserves the right to require future proof of current vaccination status, based on local health department guidelines. When international travel is necessary for Garden business, staff must be able to obtain required travel clearances, driving permits, and vaccinations for all countries where travel is required.
• The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.

Education:
• Associate degree in biology or a related field required; Bachelor’s