Herbarium Assistant, Part-time

This is a part-time position, scheduled to work 20 hours per week.

Summary: This position's primary responsibilities will be in preparing and processing incoming and outgoing shipments, with other duties in the herbarium as needed.

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 degree desired.
• An equivalent combination of education, skills and experience may be considered.

Language Skills:

• Ability to communicate effectively in English (oral/written). Knowledge of other languages, especially Spanish and French, a plus.

Mathematical Skills: High School basic math aptitude required.

Reasoning Ability:

• Requires ability to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to problem resolution.

Computer Skills:

• Proficiency using Microsoft Office Word and Excel programs required; strong working knowledge of Outlook features required.

• Solid Internet research skills.

• Ability to use e-mail to communicate with Garden staff and external collaborators in order to answer questions and service their needs.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to walk, stand, kneel, bend, or climb as required and move about for extended periods of time.

• May be required to perform tasks at varying heights (step stools, rolling ladders)

• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.

• Ability to utilize computer keyboard (typing) and sit for extended periods of the work day.

• Operates copier, printer, fax, and computer.

Work Environment:

• Indoor office setting.

• Outdoor environment.

Contacts with Individuals/Organizations inside/outside the Garden:

• Other Garden employees.

• Volunteers.

• Outside collaborators.

Supervisor: Manager, Collections or Assistant Scientist