Herbarium Assistant: Plant Collection & Lab Support

Whitman College; Walla Walla (WA); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Whitman College is seeking a Herbarium Assistant for the Hall of Science to assist with maintaining the herbarium collection under supervision of the Botany Professor and Biology Department Coordinators. Responsibilities include curation, mounting, labeling, cataloguing specimens, and ensuring proper handling and safety procedures.

The role requires strong botany interest, comfort with databases, and the ability to follow written and verbal instructions.

Qualifications

• Strong interest in botany.
• Comfortable working with computers and databases.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to work closely with others and independently.
• Familiarity with basic computer programs and database management.

Responsibilities

• Maintaining the Herbarium in good order.
• Curating the plant collection, including mounting, labeling, and cataloguing new specimens.
• Filing specimens used in labs back into the collection.
• Repairing old and damaged specimens.
• Entering specimen information into the Herbarium database.
• Preventing and controlling pest problems.
• Informing the Botany Professor or Biology Department Coordinator of any existing or potential problems.

Skills

Botany interest

Computer databases

Follow written and verbal instructions

Team and independent work

Tools

Database management

Job description

Whitman College is seeking a Herbarium Assistant for the Hall of Science to assist with maintaining the herbarium collection under supervision of the Botany Professor and Biology Department Coordinators. Responsibilities include curation, mounting, labeling, cataloguing specimens, and ensuring proper handling and safety procedures.

The role requires strong botany interest, comfort with databases, and the ability to follow written and verbal instructions.