Head Curator - Natural History Collections
Job Summary: Coordinates the growth, improvement, and support of Denver Botanic Gardens’ biodiversity research efforts. Maintains all natural history collections at the highest industry standards. Directs the Kathryn Kalmbach Vascular Plant Herbarium, the Sam Mitchel Herbarium of Fungi, Denver Botanic Gardens Collection of Arthropods and the Gardens Biorepository. Oversees curatorial positions, Research Associates, Research Scientists and other collections staff as well as those working on biodiversity research programs. Provides outreach and professional presentations on the work of the Gardens natural history collections to internal and external audiences. May advise graduate students through the University of Colorado Denver.
Career type: Full-time
Education/Experience: Master’s degree (Ph.D. preferred) in botany, plant conservation biology, taxonomy, mycology, systematics or equivalent in related field and interest in developing projects related to the study and conservation of natural ecosystems; or minimum 6 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience working in natural history collections with a demonstrated understanding of collection care and management required. Must demonstrate a strong record of research accomplishments and acquisition of funding as well as budget management experience. Must possess strong plant identification skills. Must possess strong communication skills, both written and spoken, needs excellent time management skills, and good interpersonal skills. Must have a valid Colorado driver’s license, or the ability to acquire one, and an acceptable driving record.
Essential Job Duties:
Direct Kathryn Kalmbach Vascular Plant Herbarium, the Sam Mitchel Herbarium of Fungi, Denver Botanic Gardens Collection of Arthropods and the Gardens Biorepository.
Oversee the growth and curation of both the physical and digital natural history and biorepository collections.
Develop and oversee collections policies and procedures for all natural history collections.
Respond to inquiries from public and other agencies and organizations.
Provide outreach and professional presentations on the work of the Gardens natural history collections to internal and external audiences including members of the public and professional societies.
Secure and manage financial support for natural history collections and projects which build and utilize the collections.
Develop new research projects which complement and enhance existing Gardens research and write grant proposals to support these new projects.
Coordinate and lead collections-focused fieldwork, including but not limited to managing crews.
Other Job Duties
Keep abreast of trends and developments in field, apply appropriate changes, attend technical meetings.
Work with all departments to assure highest quality experience for all Gardens visitors.
Attend internal Gardens meetings specific to the Research & Conservation Department and relevant Gardens’ administration.
Maintains satisfactory working relationships with managers, co-workers, and others.
Maintains a positive, helpful and solution-oriented demeanor when responding to or serving members and visitors.
Performs other duties as requested.
Benefits: Major benefits include choice of medical plans, dental, vision and life insurance, medical and daycare Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Healthcare Spending Account (HSA) ; a generous retirement plan plus paid holidays, vacation, personal and sick time and access to personal lines of insurance. Additional benefits include short-term and long-term disability coverage, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), an ECO pass and a complimentary Denver Botanic Gardens membership, access to Gardens education classes and summer concert tickets.