Assistant Curator - NY

The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) is excited to announce four full-time career-track research positions in Science. We are searching for creative, collaborative thinkers to join us in a multidisciplinary approach to developing effective nature/biodiversity-based solutions to 21st century problems. NYBG scientists leverage the existing strengths of the institution and its staff while building unique and collaborative opportunities. We seek to enhance NYBG’s Science Division by inviting individuals with creative, innovative, synergistic research programs who are interested in joining an accomplished group of researchers to apply for these positions.

NYBG is seeking Biologists and Data Scientists with interdisciplinary experience in biodiversity informatics, data science, systematics, evolutionary biology, genomics, ecology, food security, remote sensing, machine learning, ethnobotany, and/or conservation.

The new hires will join a growing interdisciplinary research and scholarship team at NYBG to build fundamental and applied knowledge that contributes to developing solutions-oriented approaches to biodiversity and urban conservation, climate change mitigation, climate and community resilience, and/or food security. This Cluster Hiring Initiative will help NYBG meet its strategic goals to drive faculty diversity and grow the impact of NYBG research locally, nationally, and internationally. Curators will be expected to leverage the NYBG collections (living, herbarium, library, and/or laboratory) in creative ways to address pressing issues facing the world, while having the opportunity to develop long-term programs ranging from local to international as a primary focus of their responsibilities.

Additionally, this position support, through actions and conduct, NYBG’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility initiatives and actively helps to build and maintain an inclusive organizational culture throughout the institution.

Curator of Plants & Sustainability

Curator of Plants Overview

Plants are essential to life on Earth, providing the oxygen and food on which all life depends. Plants are the foundation of the world’s biodiversity—and form a Kingdom of more than 250,000 species that define and sustain ecosystems and regulate the planet’s climate. Plants serve as indicators of the effects of global change on Earth’s ecosystems and are essential to sustainability initiatives. Plants and plant-derived products have been fundamental to the development of human societies and cultures; providing housing, clothing, food, and medicine, as well as aesthetic pleasure and inspiration to all peoples.

Developing human understanding of plant diversity, ecology, evolution, and function is critical to addressing the complex challenges facing society today, including rapid biodiversity loss, agricultural sustainability, land use, human health, and climate change. As Canada’s largest museum and most highly visited cultural institution, ROM is ambitious in its unique capacity to facilitate discovery and awareness of the fundamental role of plants in global ecosystems and human culture. The Museum’s botanical collection is world-class and global in scope, comprising more than 1.1 million specimens within ROM’s Green Plant Herbarium, including the largest and most representative collection of Ontario flora available. This diverse trove of specimens of flowering plants, conifers, ferns, mosses, algae, seeds, and pollen from varied habitats and geographic regions is an invaluable resource, used regularly by local and international researchers, naturalists, and biologists seeking to document and understand plant diversity. This unparalleled resource supports ROM public programs, exhibitions, and galleries by bridging the realms of art, culture, and nature.

The Position: Associate Curator, Curator, or Senior Curator of Plants

ROM seeks an innovative and collaborative Curator to build, interpret, and share the Museum’s plants collection and to be an engaging spokesperson for the importance of green plants, including vascular plants, pteridophytes, bryophytes, and algae. The Curator of Plants will initiate and develop transdisciplinary exhibitions and public programs, collaborate with community groups and stakeholders, and demonstrate exceptional leadership, listening, and communication skills. Recognizing multiple voices and types of authority, the position will encourage and educate the public at all levels of interest, as well as train the next generation of plant biologists. The Curator will conduct conceptually driven, collection-based research in botanical systematics, ecology, and evolution in the context of plant conservation and plants’ role in sustainability and human society. Candidates’ collection-based research program will integrate into the highly collaborative and interdisciplinary research of ROM’s Department of Natural History and complement the Museum’s art and cultural disciplines.

The successful candidate will be a high-level, practicing scientist with a graduate degree, who has achievements in the field, has published, embarked on a successful career, and is now interested in having a more public-facing role. There may be opportunities for university cross-appointment as well as eligibility for Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) funding in support of research.

Education & Experience

• A graduate degree in plant systematics, plant ecology, or plant conservation biology, and well versed in plant taxonomy and phylogenetic methods for analyzing DNA, knowledge of morphological datasets, phylogenomics, comparative genomics, evolutionary biology, or historical biogeography Two years postdoctoral or equivalent experience within a large museum, university, NGO or government department, or a related environment, including working with internal and external stakeholders and partners Experience proposing and developing museum exhibitions and public programs Interest in science communication and outreach, and eager to engage with the public; a strong public speaker International, cross-cultural and/or Indigenous experience A record of original research and peer-reviewed publications or catalogues and eligibility for university cross-appointment

The ROM Curator will:

• Lead collaboratively within multi-disciplinary exhibition teams and with educators, programmers, and designers to integrate plant sciences into current and future development, interpretation, and installation of special exhibitions and permanent galleries involving botany as well as the intersection of art, culture, and nature. Passionately engage the public, fostering understanding and dialog about the importance of plants as fundamental to the well-being and long-term sustainability of the Earth and humankind. Create impactful programs, panels, and publications that engage both experts and broad audiences, and enhance recognition of the central role plants play in ecosystems and human society. Conduct conceptually driven, collection-aligned, original research on the systematics and evolution of green plants with a breadth of interests that may include plant ecology, ethnobotany, conservation biology, global environmental and climate change, pollinator interactions, and sustainability; Develop a program of externally funded scholarly research and publications that is accessible and relevant on multiple levels, including to a broad public audience. Partner with communities to develop exhibitions and programs, recognizing multiple voices and sources of authority; foster collaborative relationships and projects in close collaboration with stakeholders across disciplines and departments, as well as external partners. Establish a vision and five-year plan for continuing to develop ROM’s extraordinary Green Plant Collection. Be a dynamic and effective communicator, and strong spokesperson for the importance of plants. Participate in fundraising activities to support the growth and development of ROM’s strategic initiatives, programming, and research. May engage in university teaching and/or supervision of graduate students and interns. Supervise, train, and monitor contract or part-time staff, volunteers, interns, and students working in the collections and in the laboratory (onsite), and in the field (offsite). Maintain professional affiliations in scholarly, scientific, and museum curatorial organizations, and professional societies.

Additional Assets and Experience may include:

• Knowledge of museum ethics standards

• Experience in plant conservation and sustainability

• Herbarium curation

• Digitization of botanical collections

• Bioinformatics

• Image collections and image banks

• Contemporary floristics and phytogeography

• Botanical history

• Cultural uses of plants

• A proven record of successful grant applications and/or donor and sponsor development

To apply, send the following materials to Ida Tomlin, Senior Search Consultant, Museum Search & Reference at: SearchandRef@museum-search.com:

1) A cover letter expressing interest in this particular position, giving brief examples of past experiences and salary requirement

2) A résumé or curriculum vitae

3) The names and contact information of at least three references and your professional relationship

Application deadline is September 30, 2023.

References will not be contacted without prior permission of the applicant. For additional information, visit: http://museum-search.com/open-searches/. Short-listed candidates will be asked to provide publication samples. Nominations are welcome.

Senior Ecologist, Sacramento Valley (Full-time)

H. T. Harvey & Associates, an ecological consulting firm with four offices in Northern California and one in Hawaii, is looking for an experienced senior ecologist for a full-time position in our Sacramento Valley office. The anticipated pay range for this position is $99,000―$116,000 annually plus an incentive bonus plan and a generous benefits package and participation in an annual incentive bonus program. Actual compensation will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

What it’s like to work with us
H. T. Harvey & Associates has a reputation for deep scientific expertise and a high caliber of work in pursuit of our mission to create ecologically sound solutions to our clients’ complex natural resource challenges. The new senior ecologist will become part of the 8-person Sacramento office, which is perched along the scenic Sacramento River levee in Sacramento’s South Natomas neighborhood. As a senior manager in the office, you’ll report directly to Matt Wacker, principal-in-charge of the office. You'll lead project teams and work collaboratively with other ecologists as well as experts in botany, aquatic ecology, land management, conservation planning, ecological restoration, and landscape architecture. Our projects are in the Sacramento Valley as well as in the broader Central Valley, Sierra Nevada, and Cascade Mountain regions. The Sacramento office team has particular experience in projects focused on ecological restoration and on the long-term stewardship and monitoring of watersheds, habitat preserves, and similar conserved lands, often within the context of working agricultural lands or other multi-use landscapes.

Our ecologists spend time both in the field and in the office. When in the field you might work on special-status population surveys, impact analyses, or habitat assessments. When not doing field work, you’ll coordinate with clients and regulatory agencies, lead preparation of biological resource reports and natural resource management plans, steward processes to obtain regulatory permits, and manage project staff and budgets. Senior team members also help shape the priorities of the team and take part in decisions about new business pursuits and are encouraged to develop opportunities that align with their priority areas of interest and expertise.

What are some of the important types of projects and habitats we work on out of the Sacramento Valley office?
• Providing long term monitoring and supporting stewardship programs of conservation lands for water agencies
• Supporting the development of renewable energy projects in the Central Valley
• Assessing meadows and watersheds in the Sierra Nevada and designing restoration projects to improve ecological functions
• Developing and overseeing integrated invasive plant management programs
• Implementing the conservation programs of regional Habitat Conservation Plans and other large-scale habitat conservation programs
• Leading survey, population monitoring, and permitting projects involving Swainson’s hawks, burrowing owls, California red-legged frogs, California tiger salamanders, and vernal pool branchiopods
• Working with large private landowners to develop mitigation and conservation banks

Competencies, skills, and experience
We assume those who want to join our company as a senior ecologist have a strong and relevant academic background as well as prior applicable experience. We aim to hire team members who strive for excellence in their everyday work and who are interested in continually improving their scientific knowledge and collaborating with experts in other fields. In addition to having strong ecological expertise, the ideal candidate should have a combination of some or all of the following:
• Specialization in at least one ecological domain (wildlife, plant, aquatic, restoration ecology)
• Prior experience with federal and state biological permitting processes, ideally in California
• A drive to develop new project opportunities in your areas of expertise and interest
• Exceptional and proven technical writing ability
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Interest in hiring and mentoring staff
• Project management or junior project management experience

If you don’t have all the items above, but have a good portion of them, we still welcome you to submit your application so we can learn more about you!

A few other nitty gritty details

This position requires the future employee to:
• Follow best practices for field safety
• Hold a valid driver’s license with no major traffic violations or multiple minor violations
• Walk over varied terrain for surveys and work in inclement weather

How to apply

To start the application process, please submit your resume and a cover letter through our applicant portal. In your cover letter please:
• tell us about your specialized area(s) of expertise
• what you hope to get from your next position
• whatever else you’d like to share that isn’t obvious from your resume

Ultimately, we’ll ask for references and a work sample and potentially academic transcripts, but if you don’t have them handy now, they can be submitted later.

Please combine your cover letter and resume into one file.

H. T. Harvey & Associates Employment Package, Benefits, and Work Culture
We strive to support employees' career goals and their health and wellness. Our employment package includes a competitive salary and a generous benefits package. Project managers and other senior staff are part of a robust managerial bonus program.

Health insurance
H. T. Harvey & Associates has always placed a strong emphasis on health and wellness. At the center of these offerings is our top-notch medical coverage (Cigna PPO and Kaiser Permanente HMO plans) along with Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Savings Account (FSA) options. For full-time employees who opt in to one of our plans, we cover 100% of the premiums for that employee. Additional options include 50% premium coverage for spouses, domestic partners, and children. The package also includes dental and vision coverage at no cost to the employee. Pro-rated plan options are available for those who work at least 50% time.

Retirement benefits
We offer a 401(k) plan with an employer match (an especially high percentage for a company of our size!). The plan offers nearly 50 fund choices including a notable number of socially responsible investment fund options.

Time off
In addition to paid time off, employees receive 10 more paid company holidays, including Martin Luther King Day for voluntary participation in a National Day of Service.

Professional development
We support ongoing professional development with peers and senior leadership and through external training. We encourage participation and membership in scientific and professional associations and offer presentation, poster, and publication bonuses.

Flexible work arrangements
We offer flexible scheduling options during the work week, with employees working from both company and home offices. Our goal is to facilitate collaboration and accommodate business needs while providing flexibility to employees.

About H. T. Harvey & Associates
H. T. Harvey & Associates is an ecological consulting firm based in the San Francisco Bay Area, with four offices in California and one in Hawaii. The Los Gatos headquarters office is listed as a Santa Clara County Green Business. Our core areas of expertise are wildlife ecology, plant ecology, aquatic ecology, restoration ecology, and landscape architecture. We hire people who strive to be the best in their fields and provide training, support, and work opportunities to grow their expertise. This year we are celebrating more than 50 years of cultivating excellence in our staff and work in pursuit of our mission to create ecologically sound solutions to our clients’ complex natural resource challenges.

H. T. Harvey & Associates is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law. We encourage people of all backgrounds and abilities to apply.