Herbarium Assistant

Missouri Botanical Garden•St. Louis, MO

32d

About The Position

This position provides operational support for core herbarium activities and research projects. Primary duties include filing, sorting, locating, pulling, imaging, and databasing specimens by request of Garden researchers and collaborators. Additionally, Herbarium Assistants support the herbarium’s integrated pest management program, freezing material and monitoring for pests in the collection.

Requirements

Minimum one to three (1-3) years related experience in herbaria, natural history collections, or other historic collections.
Must be punctual, dependable, self-starter, and possess the ability to effectively multi-task and work under minimal supervision.
Scheduling flexibility is required to work evenings, weekends, or holidays.
Associate degree in biology or a related field required
Ability to communicate effectively in English (oral/written).
High School basic math aptitude required.
Requires ability to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to problem resolution.
Proficiency using Microsoft Office Word and Excel programs required; strong working knowledge of Outlook features required.
Solid Internet research skills.
Ability to use e-mail to communicate with Garden staff and external collaborators in order to answer questions and service their needs.
Must possess and maintain valid driver’s license.
Must have ability to pass a background screening and motor vehicle report (MVR) to meet minimum insurance underwriting criteria.
Ability to walk, stand, kneel, bend, or climb as required and move about for extended periods of time.
May be required to perform tasks at varying heights (step stools, rolling ladders)
Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
Ability to utilize computer keyboard (typing) and sit for extended periods of the work day.
Operates copier, printer, fax, and computer.

Nice To Haves

Experience with specimen databases like Tropicos, Symbiota, Specify, or EMu a plus.
Basic knowledge of botanical nomenclature and taxonomy highly desired.
Bachelor’s degree desired.
Knowledge of other languages, especially Spanish and French, a plus.

Responsibilities

Sorts, files, processes and distributes plant specimens.
Works with databases, entering, verifying, correcting information and imaging objects utilizing herbarium specimens and library resources.
Works with herbarium records database, entering data and tracking inter-institutional shipping transactions.
Georeferences data (i.e. assigns geographic coordinates that links it to a geographic location on a map; converting it into computer readable form), to prepare it for analyses.
Answers inquiries regarding the status and location of plant material.
Communicates with collaborators (within and outside the Garden).
Supports collections research by accessing library materials, photocopying, assisting visitors and related duties.
Assists the Collection Manager with integrated pest management (IPM) protocols, monitoring the collection for pest activity and coordinating freezing regimens for specimens.
Ensures that all applicable safety standards are followed; informs employees/students/volunteers of safety guidelines, methods to reduce hazards.
Reports all accidents, injuries and near-miss accidents immediately.
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 our division and throughout the Garden, with co-workers, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors and employees.
Performs other duties as assigned.