Herbarium Curatorial Assistant

Botanical Society of America; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis, MO invites applications for a Curatorial Assistant to contribute to the development of scientific information through study and management of plant specimens and data collections, and the preparation of analyses and scholarly publications.

The position requires herbarium experience, some taxonomic expertise, and developing understanding of botanical nomenclature. It includes field travel, database entry, and collaboration with colleagues, with scheduling

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in botany, ecology, or related discipline required; Master’s degree preferred.
• At least three (3) years’ herbarium experience and coursework in plant systematics/taxonomy.
• Developing understanding of botanical nomenclature, literature and taxonomy.
• Some expertise in a taxonomic group and Asian botany.
• Scheduling flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Responsibilities

• Manages research projects and portions 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 and curation of the Asian collection.
• Travels for field work and ensures safety guidelines are followed.

Skills

Excellent communication

Interpersonal skills

Public speaking

Education

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

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Missouri Botanical Garden - St Louis, MO, United States

Position Type: Permanent Position

Application Review Begins: Thursday, September 10, 2026

Application Deadline: Sunday, October 11, 2026

Institution: Missouri Botanical Garden

Department/Division: Plant Taxonomy and Evolution

Field (e.g., systematics): herbarium curation

City: St Louis, MO, United States

General Information: 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.

Qualifications/Requirements

• 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.
• 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.

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.