Denver Botanic Gardens https://www.botanicgardens.org/
Position Summary
This position is responsible for overseeing the Denver Botanic Gardens natural history collections, which includes two herbaria (plants and fungi), an arthropod collection and other biological assets. These regional collections are to be maintained at established and approved standards for use by the scientific, educational and general public audiences.
The Collections Assistant is responsible for the improvement and implementation of all policies and protocols related to the natural history collections. The Collections Assistant directs day-to-day activities associated with the maintenance of the collections including but not limited to: overseeing processing of specimens from mounting to databasing and filing, overseeing volunteers, assisting visitors to the herbarium such as through providing tours and assisting with special requests such as loans. The Collections Assistant will also participate in outreach and education activities related to the communication of the collections as needed.
Requirements
General Duties and Responsibilities
- Oversees processing of specimens including but not limited to processing incoming material and existing collections, mounting specimens, repairing specimens, filing specimens and entering specimen data into the herbarium database.
- Processes and monitors incoming and outgoing exchanges, gifts and loans.
- Provides public tours designed to demonstrate the importance of the collections and inform the public about institutional resources.
- Coordinates the activities of herbarium volunteers, including training volunteers in herbarium techniques and specimen preparation and overseeing volunteers and their day-to-day tasks.
- Assists staff, students and visitors in the use of the collections, providing them with accurate information about policies regarding their use. Tracks visitation to the collections.
- Collaborates with peers at other museums and within the museum community to update and integrate best practices throughout all protocols and processes.
- Updates and implements improved or new specimen protocols. Works closely with collections staff to ensure consistency of protocols and processes.
- Writes materials to communicate with Gardens members and the public regarding the importance of the natural history collections.
- Coordinates and supervises periodic inspection of herbarium collections for insect pests, and prepares associated reports.
- Maintains satisfactory working relationships with managers, co-workers and others.
- Maintains a positive, helpful and solution-oriented demeanor.
- Regular attendance at the worksite is required. As with all positions at Denver Botanic Gardens, the incumbent must be in good performance standing to be eligible for remote work. Remote work is at the discretion of management at all times.
- All Gardens employees must be committed to the mission of connecting people with plants, especially plants from the Rocky Mountain region and similar regions around the world, providing delight and enlightenment to everyone.
Position Qualifications: Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Experience working in herbaria or natural history collections is required.
- Experience with preparation of archival quality specimens is required.
- Plant and/or fungal identification skills preferred.
- Must have proven excellent customer service, interpersonal, and communication skills when working with the public, staff and volunteers.
- Must be a positive and professional representative of the Gardens both internally and externally at all times.
- Must demonstrate excellent organizational skills and an eye for details.
- Ability to maintain stability under pressure and able to deal well with stressful situations.
- Ability to work independently and with a team.
- Ability to be flexible and willing to modify plans when necessary, throughout the day.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, which could include evenings, weekends and/or holidays.
- Ability to work overtime as necessary.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Suite products, specifically Word, Excel, Outlook and Teams.
- Must be committed to working safely at all times.
Experience/Education:
- At least two years of experience in the field of museum studies, natural history collections, botany, mycology, taxonomy, biology, ecology, environmental sciences or related area or equivalent; or Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with related experience and/or training or equivalent combination of experience and education.
- Must have training processing and preparing archival quality specimens for natural history collections.
Travel:
This is a primarily on-site position. Travel to one scientific or museum-related conference per year is encouraged.
Denver Botanic Gardens has an incredible benefits package for eligible employees!
Our major benefits include a choice of Medical Plans, a Dental and Vision Plan and Life Insurance Plan. We have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and a Healthcare Spending Account (HSA).
The Gardens offers a generous Retirement Savings Plan with Company contribution of 6% after one year of service for eligible participants.
The Gardens also offers paid holidays, vacation, sick time and access to personal lines of insurance. Additional benefits include short-term and long-term disability coverage, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and an RTD ECO pass.
For eligible employees, The Gardens employment also includes a complimentary Denver Botanic Gardens Membership, access to Gardens education classes and summer concert tickets.
Come work for a place that offers you SO much more than just a paycheck!
Salary Description
$21.20 – $26.50 per hour
Apply here: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/1867940