Overview: The Molecular Systematics Technician 2 performs a wide range of activities supporting the ongoing work of the Biodiversity Program at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. This full-time (40 hours per week), non-exempt position, reports to the Conservation Geneticist. Essential Duties: Field work duties (ca. 20% time) Plant specimen collection; Field identification; Focused plant surveys; Data collection. Research and office duties (ca. 40% time) Perform analyses in collaboration with Biodiversity Team Principal Investigators; Report and paper writing in collaboration with Biodiversity Team Principal Investigators; Prepare, database, and help maintain dried plant tissues for SBBG tissue bank; Coordinate with collectors to obtain necessary meta-data when accessions are made by SBBG collectors; Assist and manage volunteers and interns as needed in the genetics lab with Biodiversity Team Principal Investigators; Communicate with the public during tours and in presentations. Laboratory duties (ca. 40% time) DNA extraction; DNA quantitation; Gel electrophoresis; PCR; High-throughput library preparations. Requirements - Knowledge and Abilities: Working knowledge of molecular genetic techniques; Experience with and knowledge of basic taxonomic principles in botany; Knowledge of and experience with the California flora (preferred, not required); 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 preform laboratory work and curate plant tissue specimens; Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines; Computer proficiency including ability to use Microsoft Access, Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, and ability to learn new computer programs with training as necessary such as Stacks and ipyrad; Experience in R or GIS is 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, labs, 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, systematics, population genetics, evolutionary biology, or closely related area; or Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in biology, botany, or closely related area and three or more full-time years of relevant full-time experience in plant systematics, molecular phylogenetics, population genomics, or conservation genomics laboratory preparations and/or analysis. Physical Requirements: Must be capable of regular, physical work indoors and in the field, including: 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; Safely lifting and carrying 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. Compensation: $23-$25 per hour, depending on experience and internal equity