Herbarium Collections Manager
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Knoxville, TN
Full-time
Finance
Posted on May 17, 2024
Herbarium Collections Manager
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee - Knoxville
Description
The TENN herbarium is seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented individual to join our department as the Herbarium Collections Manager. This key team member oversees the day-to-day management, preservation, and accessibility of our plant and fungal biodiversity collection, which includes specimen curation, record keeping, and monitoring specimen inflow/outflow. In addition, the Herbarium Collections Manager leads a team of undergraduate students and volunteer assistants with specimen curation and scientific outreach projects. The Herbarium Collections Manager reports to the TENN Herbarium Director, Dr. Jessica M. Budke, and collaborates with the Director and Curators to plan and implement herbarium goals, priorities, and programs.
The TENN herbarium houses over 650,000 plant and fungal specimens and is one of the largest collections in the southeastern United States. The Herbarium Collections Manager supports research in the herbarium focusing on taxonomy, systematics, invasive species, conservation of rare plants/fungi, and field botany/mycology. For more information on our collection, see the TENN herbarium website - http://herbarium.utk.edu/
Duties and Responsibilities
Will include but are not limited to:
1. Oversee the day-to-day management, preservation, and accessibility of this biodiversity collection, which includes specimen curation, record keeping, and monitoring specimen inflow/outflow.
2. Hire, train, schedule, and supervise members of the public as herbarium volunteers and undergraduate student curation technicians to carry out tasks such as label making and mounting, filing, imaging, databasing, and georeferencing specimens.
3. Supervise and teach undergraduate student interns enrolled in the Herbarium Internship course.
4. Respond to inquiries from members of the university community, visiting scientific researchers, governmental and consulting agencies, and members of the public.
5. Perform outreach and science communication through herbarium social media pages/feeds.
- Conduct tours for visiting scholars, students, and the public.
8. Upload data to and manage online databases containing information on specimens in the TENN collection.
9. Manage and track applications and final reports for research funds overseen by the EEB Collections Committee.
Qualifications :
Qualifications
1. Master’s degree or PhD from an accredited university in Plant Sciences, Botany, Ecology, Biology, Horticulture, or related field is required.
2. Previous herbarium/botanical experience (1-3 years) is required.
3. Knowledge of botanical museum principles, practices, and procedures is required.
4. Strong interpersonal communication skills with the ability to lead a team of volunteer and student assistants to complete collection management projects are required.
5. Sound reasoning, analytical thought, attention to detail, creativity, high levels of organization, and innovation in solving minor problems that occur day to day are required.
6. Proficiency with computer software (e.g., Word, Excel, Photoshop, Dreamweaver) is required.
7. Ability to learn new programs to manage and maintain websites/databases as needed.
8. Previous experience with plant/fungal taxonomy and knowledge of plant/fungal families and genera are preferred.
9. Excellent verbal and written communication, including experience communicating through social media, is preferred
This is a full-time (12-month), permanent position with health and retirement benefits. Initial appointment for one year, with extension pending positive performance evaluations. Salary commensurate with education and experience.
Please submit a cover letter, resume/CV, and contact information for three references as a single document when applying. Application review will begin June 17th, 2024 and continue until the position is filled. To be considered, all applications must be submitted online.
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