Collections Technician 2: Plants & Fungi

Royal Ontario Museum • Toronto, ON

170d • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Collections Technician 2 – Plants & Fungi (CT2) to support the long-term care, preservation, digitization, and accessibility of ROM’s plant and fungal collections.
Reporting to the Manager, Collections Care and working closely with Collection Specialists and Curators, this role provides advanced technical expertise in collections management, specimen preparation, databasing, imaging, and preventive care. The position supports research, field collecting, exhibitions, and public engagement initiatives, and contributes to strategic collections management projects across the Department of Natural History.
This role supports two nationally significant collections:
Plants Collection: Over 500,000 specimens of vascular plants, bryophytes, and algae, with strengths in Ontario and Arctic flora
Fungi Collection: Tens of thousands of macroscopic and microscopic fungal specimens, including lichens, moulds, and mushrooms
Together, these collections are essential resources for understanding biodiversity, systematics, ecology, conservation, and long-term environmental change.

Requirements

• Completion of a Master’s degree in the Sciences, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, or informal training in a field relevant to botany, mycology, biodiversity, natural history, or collections data management
• Five (5) to less than eight (8) years of progressive experience in collections care and management or a related technical field; experience in a museum or herbarium setting is an asset
• Demonstrated expertise in plant and fungal taxonomy and systematics, with experience working with herbaria and mycological collections
• Up-to-date knowledge of preparation, conservation, and preventive care techniques for dried plant and fungal specimens
• Proven skill in specimen handling, storage, packing, rehousing, and organization using accepted museum standards and best practices
• Experience with collections databases, digitization workflows, and standard business software; familiarity with TMS is an asset
• Experience with specimen imaging and digital photographic techniques to support documentation, digitization, and data accessibility
• Organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with excellent judgment and initiative
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, with a highly collaborative, flexible, and adaptable working style
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a dynamic, evolving environment and to embrace innovation and change
• Manual dexterity and physical ability to safely lift and move objects weighing up to 23 kg (50 lbs.)

Nice To Haves

• experience in a museum or herbarium setting is an asset
• familiarity with TMS is an asset

Responsibilities

• Provide advanced technical care for plant and fungal specimens, including conservation, storage, re-housing, preventive care, and condition monitoring
• Prepare specimens for accessioning, including pressing, drying, mounting, and packaging of herbarium and mycological material
• Lead and support digitization initiatives through high-quality specimen imaging, metadata creation, quality control, and database management
• Maintain and enhance digital collection records within the approved collections management system to ensure accuracy, accessibility, and research value
• Support molecular and biodiversity research through specimen preparation, tissue sampling, and assistance with DNA barcoding and related workflows
• Assist with field collecting activities, including specimen documentation and preparation
• Support loans, acquisitions, and collection access requests, ensuring compliance with museum standards and procedures
• Collaborate with Collection Specialists, Curators, and departmental colleagues on collections management, research, and exhibition initiatives
• Contribute to public engagement through responding to inquiries, supporting programs, and participating in outreach activities
• Support strategic collections initiatives that advance sustainability, innovation, and long-term stewardship across the institution
• Assist with training and supervision of technicians, interns, students, and volunteers as required
• Perform other related duties in support of collections care, research, and ROM’s mission

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits coverage: For permanent and full-time contract positions (conditions apply), enjoy 100 percent premium-free benefits for individuals and families, a health spending account, flexible working options (varies by position), and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Worry-free retirement savings: With our pension plan, you benefit from an employer-matched Defined Benefit contribution plan, which provides predictable lifetime retirement income, survivor benefits, and early retirement options without the stress of investment decisions.
• Support for new parents: Enjoy a parental leave top-up to 95 percent of your salary for 17 weeks, helping you balance work and family life.
• Perks: Free ROM membership for permanent full-time and part-time staff, plus discounts to over 200 attractions through Attractions Ontario.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level