Editor, MBG Press

Summary: Editor will report to Managing Editor and participate in editing journal manuscripts for the two journals, the Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden and NOVON, A Journal for Botanical Nomenclature. This includes copy and stylistic editing, and proof and production aspects for journal articles. This position may also assume responsibilities for editorial and technical preparation and production of book-length projects as needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinates with Managing Editor and Editors-in-Chief on editorial decisions as they arise.

• Copy edits and proofreads scientific manuscripts as assigned; routinely interacts with authors by email to confirm manuscript modifications for journal and book style and to clarify the language of the paper.

• Queries authors during copyediting and production of journal and book articles.

• Corresponds with journal and book authors for journal proofs and/or typesetting queries.

• Handles production process from article acceptance and book manuscript submission to final online and print products for journals and books to final print product for assigned articles and books.

• Engages and works closely with designers and production vendors (typesetters, printers) and troubleshoots production problems.

• Participates in final editorial quality control for manuscripts (style and layout), assisting with proof pages and production aspects.

• Communicates design decisions with other editorial staff and with production vendors (typesetters, printers). Production may include either journal or book-length manuscripts.

• Flexibly interact and problem-solve with other editorial staff to meet journal and book deadlines.

• Meets expected attendance guidelines.

• 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 may contract and supervise freelance copyeditors, designers or volunteers on a project basis.

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 five (5+) years' related experience in editing and/or publishing.

• Demonstrated ability to edit, summarize, and proofread technical content.

• Ability to communicate clearly in order to effectively collaborate and work with authors, editors, and vendors both verbally and in writing.

• Must have prior experience and/or a strong interest in science and in scientific publishing.

• Demonstrated ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.

• Experience following style guidelines and familiarity with The Chicago Manual of Style or CSE Manual.

• High degree of computer literacy.

• Must be detail-oriented, dependable self-starter, possessing the ability to work independently under minimal supervision, coordinate and prioritize multiple tasks, set deadlines, and complete projects in a timely manner.

• Adaptability and flexibility to handle changing demands.

• Ability to read and comprehend instructions and information to effectively execute and achieve results.

• Scheduling flexibility is required to work evenings, weekends, or holidays, as needed.

• 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:

• Bachelor's degree in humanities, English, or natural sciences, or a related field is required.

• An equivalent combination of skills and experience may be considered.

Computer Skills:

• Proficiency with Adobe Acrobat Pro and Microsoft 365applications(Word, Excel, Outlook, OneDrive)required.

• Working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop required.

• Experience with manuscript submission systems and/or online publishing platforms preferred.

Language Skills:

• Ability to communicate effectively in English (oral/written).

• Bilingual - Spanish is a desirable skill, but not required.

Mathematical Skills:

• Proficient college-level skills in mathematics, requiring arithmetic and basic statistics.

Reasoning Ability:

• Must be able to independently handle manuscript tasks; may interact with others relative to priorities and scheduling for books and journals.

• May participate in the management of contracted editors for book projects.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to utilize keyboard (typing), walk about facility frequently throughout workday, and sit for extended periods of the workday (may sit up to75% of workday).

• Must be able to occasionally lift and carry up to 35 pounds.

• May be required to perform tasks at varying heights (i.e., climb step stools/ladders, etc.)

Work Environment:

• Professional climate controlled office environment with access to office equipment.

Contacts with Individuals/Organizations inside/outside the Garden:

• Garden Employees and Volunteers

• The position requires professional and discreet communication with authors and reviewers on scientific manuscripts. Correspondence is both verbal and written and extends to a global scientific community.

Supervisor's Title: Managing Editor, MBG Press