The Atlanta Botanical Garden invites applications for the Global Conservation Consortium for Magnolia and Conservation Database Coordinator for the Southeastern Center for Conservation within the Department of Conservation & Research. The successful candidate’s role will be split into two essential functions; to provide support for the coordination and administration of the Center’s in-situ and ex-situ conservation plant records conservation database, and of the Global Conservation Consortium for Magnolia.
Approximately 50% of the position’s time will provide support for the coordination and administration of the Global Conservation Consortium for Magnolias (GCCM). The remaining time will be shared in providing database support for in-situ and ex-situ conservation plant records (40%) and other field (5%) and office duties (5%) as needed.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Provide support to the Vice President of Conservation & Research in expanding and coordinating the Global Conservation Consortium for Magnolias.
Identify and recruit Consortium members, facilitate Consortium agreements and MOUs, track documentation, and manage communications.
Assist with coordinating meetings of Consortium members and help coordinate collecting trips.
Manage the ex situ accessions dataset for the Consortium; solicit data from members and report on progress.
Compile publications and reports, conduct surveys, and create original content for the Global Conservation Consortium for Magnolia, which support the planting and conservation of threatened trees.
Work with international institutions in biodiversity hotspots to facilitate capacity building for in situ and ex situ conservation initiatives and help to identify gaps and opportunities in their magnolia conservation efforts.
Provide support to the Vice President of Conservation and Research in regard to the Global Conservation Consortium for Magnolia with a focus on supporting applications from arboreta in developing countries and biodiversity hotspots.
Support general administration and communications of the GCCM Program.
Conservation Collections Plant Database
Accession conservation collections plants at the Atlanta Botanical Garden and the Conservation Safeguarding Nursery in accordance with accessioning protocols.
Establish accessioning protocols for Conservation Collections.
Maintain IrisBG plant records database files including plant accessions, names, locations, and sources. Update files on a regular basis to accurately reflect the composition of the Conservation Collections including plant-outs and removals.
Maintain electronic maps of the Conservation Safeguarding Nursery and Conservation Collections using IrisBG Garden Explorer and GPS transmitter. Update maps on a regular basis.
Serve as primary institutional contact with IrisBG technical staff for Conservation Collections. Troubleshoot database problems and coordinate periodic software upgrades. Identify plants using botanical references and by comparison with other named specimens.
Verify plant names using botanical references. Update plant record database to reflect nomenclatural changes.
Assist with maintaining accurate labeling; coordinate and produce embossed aluminum plant accession tags and engraved plastic display labels and affix them to plant specimens in the field.
Other duties
This position provides support to department team members seasonally to complete fieldwork.
Assists in data collection
Seed and leaf sample collection
Monitoring of imperiled native plants
Skills and Abilities
An understanding of standard plant collections curatorial practices and procedures.
Familiar with IrisBG collections management software and IrisBG Garden Explorer GIS software.
Familiar with Magnoliaceae taxonomy
Willingness to work with staff of all ages and from all backgrounds.
Qualifications:
Master's degree in Botany, Conservation, Plant Science or a related field with 3 years experience.
Must have the ability to speak and read in English and Spanish.
Proficiency in the use of IrisBG Collections Management Software and Microsoft Office applications is required.
Strong understanding of national and international conservation policies and legal statutes.
Knowledge of plant conservation, botany, arboriculture, population genetics, environmental policy, or ecology is required.
Ability to conduct library research and online data mining required.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office,Google applications, and website administration beneficial.
A self directed team player who works well independently
Evidence of good character, mature attitude, and professional integrity
Must have very good interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with a wide variety of audiences
Success Factors:
Familiar with scientific literature and research databases.
Experience in a public garden or arboretum.
Ability to read and understand scientific literature and peer-reviewed articles.
Ability to use database, spreadsheet, and statistical/graphics programs, and proficiency with internet research and website maintenance.
Excellent organizational and time management skills
Ability to effectively respond to multiple, changing and often conflicting priorities is essential.
Must be able to effectively interact with the general public and co-workers and peer professionals.
Strong communication, organizational and independent working skills required.
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Work Environment: Office environment, requires sitting for extended periods of time.
International travel is required for the Global Conservation Consortium for Magnolia
Seasonally infrequent travel to field sites throughout the southeastern U.S. Field work can be strenuous and conducted in extreme weather conditions.
The listed duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of work for employees in this position, but this is not intended as an exclusive or all-inclusive inventory of all duties required of employees in this position.
Job descriptions are guidelines that attempt to characterize major duties and responsibilities of employees, and are subject to change as needs and programs change. At the Atlanta Botanical Garden they are considered neither inclusive nor exclusive. It is expected that up to 25% of your duties may change annually.
Please submit a Cover Letter, Resume, and list of 3 references to be considered to careers@atlanta.org. All files need to be labeled: last name_docuement type - i.e. Smith_CoverLetter.