Herbarium Curatorial Associate

Botanical Society of America; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The L. H. Bailey Hortorium Herbarium at Cornell University seeks a Curatorial Associate to oversee all aspects of herbarium collection curation, processing and cataloging incoming specimens, data management, and routine conservation.

Responsibilities include managing loans, updating nomenclature, coordinating with Digital Curator, supervising students and volunteers, and promoting research through publications and outreach.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree (M.Sc. or Ph.D.) in Botany, Biology, Information Science, Museum Studies, or related field.
• At least three years of experience with preserved plant specimens and herbarium practices.
• Knowledge of North American flora, especially New York State flora.
• Experience with digital imaging of specimens and data management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee curation of Herbarium collections (950,000+ specimens).
• Process, accession, image, and catalogue specimens.
• Manage loans and documentation.
• Update taxonomic nomenclature on specimens.
• Coordinate with Digital Curator on digital collection work.
• Supervise students, interns, and volunteers.
• Deliver tours, lectures, and outreach.

Skills

Herbarium curation

Digital imaging

Nomenclature knowledge

Data management

Team leadership

Education

M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Botany or related field

Tools

Herbarium database management

Barcode system

Job description

Cornell University - Ithaca, NY, United States

Position Type: Permanent Position

Application Review Begins: Tuesday, September 01, 2026

Application Deadline: Friday, September 18, 2026

Institution: Cornell University

Department/Division: School of Integrative Plant Science

Field (e.g., systematics): Herbarium

City: Ithaca, NY, United States

General Information: The Curatorial Associate oversees all aspects of herbarium collection curation in accordance with established museum standards. Responsibilities include processing and cataloging incoming specimens and archives, managing collection data, maintaining systematic organization, and performing routine care and conservation. The position also evaluates collection standards and develops strategies to improve the physical condition of the collection, streamline processes, and enhance overall efficiency.

About The L. H. Bailey Hortorium Herbarium

The L. H. Bailey Hortorium Herbarium at Cornell University houses more than 950,000 preserved plant specimens collected from around the world, making it one of the largest university-affiliated herbaria in North America. The Herbarium supports botanical and horticultural research, education, and discovery through the preservation and advancement of its extensive collections. It provides unique field- and museum-based learning opportunities for Cornell students and the broader community. Looking ahead, the Herbarium is exploring innovative approaches to extended specimens, research, and experiential learning.

Qualifications/Requirements

• Graduate degree (M.Sc. or Ph.D.) in Botany, Biology, Information Science, Museum Studies, or a related field..
• At least three years of experience working with preserved plant specimens or managing a plant collection, including digital imaging of specimens, herbarium database management, and management of a barcode system as it pertains to standard modern herbarium practice.
• Knowledge of botanical classification, nomenclature, and world geography.
• Knowledge and demonstrated expertise in identifying North American flora, particularly the flora of New York State, as well as cultivated flora of the United States.
• General knowledge and skills in plant identification, plant descriptions, and developing related botanical content.
• Experience conducting independent, directed research related to New York and cultivated floras and the ability to develop research findings into publishable content.
• Knowledge of and proficiency with digital imaging of specimens, specimen data and image databasing, and barcode record-keeping.
• Experience with general herbarium curation, including established methods for specimen annotation, organization, and maintenance.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Responsibilities

• Manage and curate the Herbarium’s botanical collections, including more than 950,000 dried vascular and nonvascular plant specimens, native and cultivated material, and other special collections.
• Oversee the preparation, processing, accessioning, documentation, imaging, data entry, database management, specimen mapping, systematic organization, and routine conservation of herbarium materials in accordance with accepted museum standards.
• Manage incoming and outgoing loans, including filing incoming loans, accessioning new material, and assisting with the fulfillment of loan requests.
• Update taxonomic nomenclature and annotate specimen names on existing herbarium materials.
• Perform routine insect control, including the freezing of specimens, and ensure collection management practices comply with applicable safety protocols and procedures.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve the physical condition, preservation, organization, and efficiency of the collection.
• Provide day-to-day direction to the Digital Curator in coordinating digital collection management and development.
• Establish work priorities and direct staffing to accomplish the herbarium goals and objectives; recruit, train, and manage undergraduates, interns, and volunteers.
• Interface with other institutions and major New York State projects such as the New York Flora Association; is the primary resource for plant identification service (diagnostics) and handles requests from NY county extension agents, agriculturists, horticulturists departments and the general public.
• Deliver guest lectures and seminars for Cornell courses and presentations to plant-focused organizations.
• Present research and professional work at conferences and professional meetings.
• Conduct tours, demonstrations, workshops, and educational programs for Cornell classes, outside organizations, and other visitors.
• Lead field trips to local natural areas and provide botanical and herbarium-related instruction.
• Engage in herbarium research-related activities, including and authoring scholarly publications and reports.
• Manage herbarium budgets, purchase materials and supplies, maintain records on collection use and growth, and prepare annual reports.