Herbarium Collections Manager

Brigham Young University•Provo, UT

4d•$73,000 - $95,000

About The Position

The Bean Life Science Museum at Brigham Young University seeks a Collections Manager for the BYU Vascular Plant Herbarium. The Herbarium consists of 600,000 curated specimens which are used for 1) education of undergraduate and graduate-level students at BYU and neighboring institutions; 2) innovative research in plant conservation, taxonomy, systematics, natural history, morphology, ecology, and evolution; and 3) as a voucher repository for current research and future generations. The position’s primary responsibilities are to actively manage the day-to-day operations of the Herbarium, provide meaningful mentored learning experiences to BYU undergraduates, and preserve/enhance the scientific value of this critical resource.

Requirements

A firm commitment to the mission of BYU.
A Ph.D. in Botany, Biology, or related field involving botanical specimen-based research.
A working knowledge of basic plant taxonomy, contemporary systematics, and the ability to identify a large range of plant groups.
Experience using diagnostic tools to authoritatively identify plant specimens.
Working knowledge of plant curation methods and best practices.
Organizational skills, attention to detail, prioritization of competing needs.

Nice To Haves

Postdoctoral experience.
Curatorial experience; familiarity with contemporary plant specimen curation methods, community standards and best practices, protocols, contemporary issues.
Understanding of data management systems, practices, data aggregators/providers.
Vision for maintaining and enhancing the herbarium’s physical facilities, specimen holdings, online presence, and the herbarium’s standing in the botanical community.
Hands-on curation experience using collection management best practices.
Computer skills related to specimen digitization and data management.
A track record of effective student mentorship and personnel oversight/management.
Interpersonal skills, ability to communicate/work with agencies and patrons, understanding permitting needs and processes.
A track record of securing funding for research utilizing natural history collections and/or funding for herbarium-related activities/curation enhancement.
Publication record that demonstrates proficiency in plant taxonomy, collections-based research, or related disciplines.

Responsibilities

Oversee daily herbarium operations, including specimen mounting, cataloging, curation, acquisitions, exchanges, loans, policy updates, record keeping, supply management, visitor assistance, and outreach.
Recruit, train, supervise, and mentor student workers; provide meaningful mentored learning; supervise affiliate faculty and emeritus curator volunteers.
Maintain proficiency in managing digital herbarium resources, including specimen databases and management systems.
Conduct independent and collaborative collection‑based research to support collection development.
Pursue external funding and conduct fieldwork to advance collection development.
Build and maintain relationships with faculty, agencies (BLM, NPS, NFS), conservation programs, and other stakeholders to enhance collection use and visibility.
Participate in ongoing professional development to remain current with herbarium best practices.

Benefits

401k. BYU automatically contributes 8% at no cost to you. Additionally, if you contribute 5%, BYU adds an additional 4% (Rehires may qualify for different retirement plans)
Excellent work-life balance: 13 paid holidays + 22 days paid vacation + 12 sick days, accrued annually
Employee assistance program, available to the employee and all members of their household
Tuition benefits for employees and eligible family members
Access to athletic facilities
Excellent medical/dental benefits
Short/long-term disability benefits
Paid parental and maternity leave
Wellness Program
Free on-campus parking
Free UTA passes for employees, spouses, and qualified dependents
Discounts at the BYU Store and for many events at BYU