This is a multi-year position dependent on restricted funding and project duration that will image, database, and curate specimens in the Herbarium at the Missouri Botanical Garden. With nearly 8 million specimens of preserved plants, the MBG Herbarium is one of the largest and most active research collections in the world and serves as a core resource for the Garden’s Science and Conservation Division. The successful candidate for this position will join a dedicated team of scientists and support staff in the Herbarium to produce high-quality specimen data to serve urgent global needs in research, conservation, land management, and policymaking.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Pulls, barcodes, images, and refiles specimens in coordination with other Herbarium and research staff to ensure timely completion of grant deliverables with minimum interruption to other Herbarium activities.
• Transcribes label data from specimen images using Tropicos®, the Missouri Botanical Garden’s global database of plant names, specimens, and publications.
• Engages in careful and efficient quality control checks to ensure the highest standards in image and data quality.
• Works with Herbarium Digitization Supervisors and Manager to develop and test workflows to optimize digitization efficiency and improve data quality.
• Reviews label transcriptions from AI models and other sources for accuracy prior to their incorporation in Tropicos.
• Attends curatorial mentorship workshops, lectures, and other events to grow capacity in taxonomy and Herbarium curation.
• Files specimens, updates scientific names, reads taxonomic literature, and identifies plant collections in one or more target families (developed over time as part of the curatorial mentorship program).
• Ensures that all applicable safety standards are followed 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.

Qualifications/Experience:

• One to three years related experience in general data entry, preferably in the context of herbaria or other research collections.
• Basic knowledge of digital photography, including best practices in color standardization, metadata capture, and archival file storage, desired.
• Basic knowledge of botanical terminology strongly desired.
• Excellent typing skills and data entry skills. Ability to read cursive writing.

• Must be punctual, dependable, a self-starter, and possess the ability to effectively multi-task and work under minimal supervision.
• Ability to read and comprehend instructions and information to effectively execute and achieve results.
• 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.   
• The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.

 Education:

• A Bachelor’s degree, ideally in a field relevant to botany, is required.
• An equivalent combination of education, skills and experience may be considered

Language Skills:  Ability to read and communicate effectively in English (oral/written) required. Knowledge of additional languages, especially Spanish, French, and Mandarin Chinese, desired.

 

Computer Skills: 

• Proficiency using Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, required
• Solid Internet research skills.
•  Knowledge of imaging software, including Capture One and Adobe Photoshop, highly desired.
• Must possess basic understanding of computer operating systems in order to troubleshoot hardware and software issues, in consultation with IT staff.