The Herbarium Technician assists with a wide range of activities supporting the ongoing work of the Botany Program and the Clifton Smith Herbarium at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. This full-time (40 hours per week), non-exempt position, reports to the Tucker Plant Systematist.

Essential Duties:

Herbarium duties (ca. 80-90% time)

Develop and maintain an inventory of the herbarium specimen backlog;
Develop and maintain a library of digital scans of field notes;
Prepare labels for specimens in mounting queue;
Prioritize and maintain stock of specimens in mounting queue;
Mount herbarium specimens;
Barcode and image herbarium specimens;
Identify unknown specimens using dichotomous keys;
Manage herbarium volunteers.

Other duties (ca. 10-20% time)

Perform field work, including occasional overnight camping trips;
Perform greenhouse work;
Assist with analyses;
Assist with report and paper writing;
Communication with the public during tours and in presentations.

Knowledge and Abilities:

Experience with and knowledge of basic taxonomic principles, botany, and herbarium curatorial practices;
Knowledge of and experience with the California flora;
Ability to follow instructions, work successfully with others, and work independently with minimal supervision;
Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills;
Manual dexterity sufficient to prepare plant specimens neatly and quickly;
Ability to work efficiently and meet deadlines;
Computer proficiency including ability to use Microsoft Access, Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, and ability to learn new computer programs as necessary – experience with GIS a plus;
Ability to communicate well both verbally and in writing;
Willingness and ability to work cooperatively with peers at SBBG (in Conservation & Research and in other departments) and other institutions (e.g., herbaria, community organizations);
Support for the Garden’s mission and goals.

Qualifications and Experience:

Master’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in biology, botany, or closely related area; or
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in biology, botany, or closely related area and five or more full-time years of relevant experience.

Physical Requirements:

Must be capable of regular, physical work indoors and in the field, including:

Ability to conduct field work for the collection of plant specimens in a remote setting with rugged terrain under a variety of environmental conditions;
Ability to stand/walk for extended periods of time, bend, squat and hike rugged trails, and safely lift and carry boxes of specimens and supplies (40 lbs.);
Tolerance of an outdoor work environment. Exposure to indoor and outdoor environmental conditions, including temperature fluctuations, rain, dust, allergens, poison oak, insects, wild animals, and sun exposure.
Sitting for up to 2.0 hours at a time and using computer for lengthy periods;
Standing/walking for extended periods of time;
Bending, squatting, walking stairs, and hiking rugged trails;

Compensation Range: $20-$25 per hour

https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/737811/SANTA-BARBARA-BOTANIC-GARDEN-INC/Herbarium-Technician