Herbarium Digitization Intern

New York Botanical Garden; New York (NY); On-site; USD 25,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

The New York Botanical Garden invites applications for a Herbarium Digitization Intern. This 1000 hour funded internship, part of the Bezos Earth Fund project Accelerating Species Discovery with Artificial Intelligence, reports to the Assistant Director of the Herbarium.

Responsibilities include barcoding specimens, imaging, transcribing data, and occasional public outreach. Schedule is Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm; payrate is $19 per hour. Indoor work environment within the Steere Herbarium.

Qualifications

• Coursework in Biology and/or museum or library studies.
• Experience with imaging procedures.
• Experience with herbarium procedures preferred.
• Familiarity with South American geography.
• Understanding of written Spanish a plus.
• Ability to work independently as well as with others as part of a team.
• Ability to communicate effectively and maintain attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Barcode specimens and create records in database.
• Capture digital images of specimens.
• Transcribe specimen data from digital image into database.
• Participate in occasional public outreach.

Skills

Biology coursework

Imaging procedures

Herbarium procedures

Geography knowledge (South America)

Spanish language awareness

Independent work

Communication and attention to detail

Job description

Title

Herbarium Digitization Intern

Reports To

Assistant Director of the Herbarium

Position Summary:

The Herbarium Digitization Intern will participate in the digitization of herbarium specimens from South America in the William and Lynda Steere Herbarium at The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) as part of a project funded by the Bezos Earth Fund titled Accelerating Species Discovery with Artificial Intelligence. The Herbarium Digitization Intern is a 1000 hour, funded internship and will report to the Assistant Director of the Herbarium.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities:

• Barcode specimens and create records in database
• Capture digital images of specimens
• Transcribe specimen data from digital image into database
• Participate in occasional public outreach

Qualifications:

• Coursework in Biology and/or museum or library studies
• Experience with imaging procedures
• Experience with herbarium procedures preferred
• Familiarity with South American geography.
• Understanding of written Spanish a plus.
• Ability to work independently as well as with others as part of a team.
• Ability to communicate effectively and maintain attention to detail.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to, at minimum, use a computer; see and read printed and handwritten specimen labels; stand at a counter-height work space; be able to reach specimens in cabinets at ground level, or up to 11ft high (via ladder or rolling stairs); crouch, bend, and reach with hands and arms; carry and move up to 25 pounds; move a rolling herbarium cart. Work is indoors.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Baseline Work Schedule:

Monday – Friday 9am-5pm

Payrate: $19 per hour

EOE