Job Description

Summary: This position is for a full-time staff member to mount and repair dried plant specimens according to established procedures. Careful attention to detail and plant labeling are critical components of this position. There may be occasional databasing and imaging of mounted specimens in the herbarium as part of a project to digitize the almost 600,000 collections from Tropical Africa housed at the Missouri Botanical Garden. The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated worker who is passionate about biodiversity and eager to work alongside a dedicated team in one of the world’s largest and most active herbaria. Attention to detail, plant labeling, problem-solving skills, and excellent time management are essential to this role.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Mounts new plant specimens and repairs specimens as needed according to established procedures.

• Arranges and glues labels, dried plant specimens and fragment packets to herbarium paper; and/or combines parts in herbarium packets, bags or boxes.

• Ensures that specimens are complete and mounted correctly or repaired correctly.

• Occasionally transcribes label data from specimen images using Tropicos®, the Missouri Botanical Garden’s global database of plant names, specimens, and publications.

• Occasionally barcodes and images specimens in coordination with other herbarium and research staff to ensure timely completion of grant deliverables with minimum interruption to other herbarium activities.

• 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.

• 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 does not have supervisory responsibilities.

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:

• Accurate attention to detail, good visual acuity and manual dexterity, and excellent organizational skills required.

• Familiarity with plants and plant names a plus.

• Excellent typing skills and data entry skills; knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.

• Must be punctual, dependable, a self-starter, and possess the ability to multi-task effectively and work under minimal supervision.

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

• Adaptability and flexibility to handle changing demands.

• 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:

• High school diploma or equivalent.

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

Language Skills: Ability to communicate effectively in English (oral/written).

Mathematical Skills: High school basic math aptitude; requires ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; calculate percentages and decimals; etc.

Reasoning Ability:

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

• Must be able to make independent decisions about the best way to handle each specimen based on on-the-job training and experience.

Computer Skills:

• Ability to operate personal computer and use software.

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

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

Physical Demands:

• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.

• Ability to sit for long periods of time.

• Ability to perform close range visual inspection and assembly of small components, including identifying fine details and defects.

• Meticulous, repetitive tasks performed by hand.
• Ability to wear Garden-issued Personal Protective Equipment and adhere to safety protocols if they may come in contact with poisonous plants.

• 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, shared by other employees.

Contacts with Individuals/Organizations inside/outside the Garden:

• Other Garden employees, volunteers.

Supervisor: Curatorial Assistant and Project Coordinator