Supervisor, Plant Mounting

Missouri Botanical Garden•St. Louis, MO

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Supervises the Plant Mounting staff and volunteers and oversees all stages of specimen preparation in the Herbarium. Performs all job duties associated with training and supervising Plant Mounters, visitors and volunteers; organizes and coordinates specimens to be mounted or repaired. Careful attention to detailed record keeping and plant labeling are critical components of this position.

Requirements

Excellent knowledge of herbarium mounting techniques.
Good communication, organization and interpersonal skills.
Ability to effectively lead and direct a work group in managing multiple projects and provide quality results within a fast-paced mission based public attraction. Strong focus on execution.
Exceptional demonstrated project management, organizational, time management skills, problem-solving and conflict resolution skills required.
Ability to work independently with little instruction; coordinate and prioritize multiple tasks, set deadlines, and complete projects in a timely manner
Willingness to work as part of a team required; proven ability to work collaboratively with internal team members for the purposes of achieving goals/objectives.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively at all levels; must feel comfortable interacting and working with other departments.
High School diploma or equivalent
5 years previous mounting experience and one year supervisory experience
An equivalent combination of education, skills and experience may be considered.
Ability to communicate effectively in English (oral/written)
Proficient Math Aptitude – H.S. algebra level 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 preferred.
Ability to use e-mail to communicate with Garden staff and external contacts in order to answer questions and service their needs.
Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
Ability to utilize computer keyboard (typing) and sit for extended periods of the work day.
Ability to walk, stand, or kneel as required and move about for extended periods of time.
May be required to perform tasks at varying heights and at high altitudes.
If field work is involved, must be able to travel (domestic & international) for extended periods and work outdoors in all weather conditions.
Ability to understand field safety requirements and wear personal protective equipment, as needed.

Nice To Haves

Strong working knowledge of Outlook features preferred.
The Garden is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our employees, volunteers and guests. All staff are strongly encouraged to receive all vaccinations as recommended by your healthcare provider prior to hire date. The Garden reserves the right to require future proof of current vaccination status, based on local health department guidelines. When international travel is necessary for Garden business, staff must be able to obtain required travel clearances, driving permits, and vaccinations for all countries where travel is required.

Responsibilities

Coordinates and supervises specimen preparation for the Herbarium, including mounting, repairs, securing specimens for shipment, and accessioning acquired collections.
Hires, trains, and oversees the daily activities of Plant Mounting staff.
Plans, organizes and coordinates the flow of plant specimens that are to be mounted, the order of mounting and determines the correct method of mounting to be used.
Provides training, guidance, and feedback to team members.
Inspects, coordinates and reports work progress of the team; identifies quality, process and/or workflow challenges and works to resolve these quickly in accordance with established policy/procedures.
Mounts new plant specimens and repairs specimens as needed according to established procedures. Ensures that specimens are mounted correctly and repaired accurately.
Records statistics on specimen mounting activities.
Demonstrates highest level of professional and ethical conduct; knowledge and understanding of organizational policies, procedures and systems.
Promotes and maintains an environment that fosters trust, open communication, and teamwork, works effectively with curators and other staff to accomplish goals and identify and resolve problems; escalates issues to management which cannot be resolved by the team.
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 & communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork, cooperation, and respect within our division and throughout the Garden with all employees, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors and others
Performs other duties as assigned.