Curatorial Assistant, Plant Taxonomy

Missouri-Botanical-Garden; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 40,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The Curatorial Assistant at Missouri Botanical Garden contributes to developing scientific information through study and management of plant specimens and data collections, and participates in analyses and scholarly publications.

With background herbarium experience and expertise in a taxonomic group and Asian botany, the role develops understanding of botanical nomenclature, literature and taxonomy while supporting the Asian collection and field work.

Qualifications

• Requires at least three years’ herbarium experience with plant systematics/taxonomy, field botany or ecology.
• Developing understanding of botanical nomenclature, botanical literature and taxonomy.
• Some expertise in a taxonomic group and Asian botany; field experience a plus.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; scheduling flexibility for evenings/weekends.
• Commitment to safety; vaccination as recommended; travel clearances for international travel may be required.

Responsibilities

• Manages research projects and/or a portion of the research collections.
• Identifies, labels, processes and stores/accesses plant materials.
• Enters and maintains database records.
• Participates in writing and editing scientific papers, reports and proposals.
• Supports research activities of colleagues and programs.
• Supports the curation of the Asian research collection.
• Participates in travel and field work.
• Adheres to safety guidelines and reports incidents.
• Meets attendance guidelines; follows department policies.
• Mentions teamwork and cooperation with staff and volunteers.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Accountability

Problem Solving

Stewardship

Education

Bachelor’s degree in botany, ecology, or related discipline

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

Outlook

Internet Research

Collection Management Systems

Job description

Summary:

The Curatorial Assistant actively contributes to the development of scientific information through study and management of plant specimens and data collections, and participation in the preparation of analyses, and in the production of scholarly publications. This position has some background herbarium experience and some expertise in a taxonomic group and Asian botany, and will also have a developing understanding of botanical nomenclature, botanical literature and taxonomy.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manages research projects and/or a portion of the research collections.
• Identifies, labels, processes and stores/accesses plant materials.
• Enters and maintains appropriate database records.
• Participates in the writing and editing of scientific papers, reports and proposals, including data collection and analysis.
• Supports research activities of colleagues and/or programs.
• Supports the curation of the Asian research collection.
• Participates in travel and field work.
• Ensures that all applicable safety standards are followed; informs employees/students/volunteers/visitors 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 the Science and Conservation division and throughout the Garden, with co-workers, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors and employees.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

May supervise undergraduate students, interns, and volunteers. Mentor early-career Curatorial Assistants.

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:

• At least three (3) years’ herbarium experience and prior course work in plant systematics/taxonomy, field botany or ecology.
• Developing understanding of botanical nomenclature, botanical literature and taxonomy.
• Some expertise in a taxonomic group and Asian botany.
• Prior field experience a plus.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; professional, speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; is tactful and treats others with respect.
• Scheduling flexibility is required to work evenings and weekends, 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 and/or Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in botany, ecology, or related discipline required; Master’s degree preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education, skills and experience may be considered.

Language Skills:

Ability to communicate effectively in English (oral/written); bilingual skills highly desirable.

Mathematical Skills:

College 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.

Computer Skills:

• Proficiency using Microsoft Office Word and Excel programs required; strong working knowledge of Outlook features preferred.
• Solid Internet research skills.
• Ability to use e-mail to communicate with Garden staff and external contacts in order to answer questions and service their needs.
• Some experience using/querying Collection Management systems.

Physical Demands:

• 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, and computer.
• Ability to walk about facilities frequently throughout work day, and to sit for extended periods of the work day.
• Ability to walk, stand, or kneel as required and move about for extended periods of time.
• May be required to perform tasks at varying heights and at high altitudes.
• If field work is involved, must be able to travel (domestic & international) for extended periods and work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Ability to understand field safety requirements and wear personal protective equipment, as needed.

Work Environment:

• Primarily indoor office and laboratory environment in the Missouri Botanical Garden (St. Louis, MO).
• Occasional travel to participate in field work.
• May require working outdoors in all seasons - in temperatures over 100°F as well as temperatures below 0°F, in rain, snow and other inclement weather conditions as needed.

Contacts with Individuals/Organizations inside/outside the Garden:

• Other Garden employees and volunteers
• Visiting scientists
• Professional Organizations
• Colleges/Universities

Supervisor:

Curator of Vascular Plants - Asia