Herbarium Curatorial Assistant

Role Overview

The Herbarium Curatorial Assistant plays a vital role in supporting the day-to-day operations of the herbarium by performing a broad range of essential tasks related to specimen management and research assistance.

Key Responsibilities

• Organize and file plant specimens within the herbarium collection, ensuring updates to classifications based on current taxonomic research.
• Handle newly gathered specimens, facilitating their identification and maintaining comprehensive documentation.
• Digitize specimens by capturing images and entering detailed label data into the internal database.
• Support visiting researchers by providing access to herbarium materials and updating specimen records they have utilized.
• Participate actively in staff meetings and contribute to public outreach initiatives.

Candidate Requirements

• Prior experience in a herbarium setting is desirable.
• An undergraduate degree in biology, ideally with academic work in taxonomy.
• Excellent organizational skills with an ability to efficiently transition between multiple tasks.
• Working knowledge of scientific botanical nomenclature and geographical information.
• Experience with database management and spreadsheet usage.
• Physical capability to access specimens stored from ground level up to 11 feet high, including use of ladders or rolling stairs.
• Competency in Spanish or Portuguese languages is considered advantageous.

Physical and Work Environment

The role requires frequent use of computers, reading handwritten and printed labels, standing at counter-height workstations, bending, crouching, and moving items up to 25 pounds. The work is conducted indoors and may involve the movement of a rolling herbarium cart.

Working Hours

The standard schedule is Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Compensation and Benefits

The annual salary for this role is $50,000.

• 15 vacation days annually
• 13 paid holidays
• 12 sick leave days
• Health and dental insurance coverage
• 401K retirement savings plan
• Pension plan

Additional Information

The New York Botanical Garden is an equal opportunity employer. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. Interested candidates should apply through the official New York Botanical Garden employment portal.