Herbarium Collections Manager: Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology - UTK

The TENN Herbarium is seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented individual to join our department as the Herbarium Collections Manager. The herbarium houses over 710,000 plant and fungal specimens and is one of the largest collections in the southeastern United States. The role supports research focusing on taxonomy, systematics, invasive species, conservation of rare plants/fungi, and field botany/mycology. It involves day‑to‑day management, preservation, and accessibility of the biodiversity collection, including specimen curation, record keeping, and monitoring specimen inflow/outflow.

The position is full‑time, permanent with health and retirement benefits. The initial appointment is for six months starting September 1, 2026, with extension pending positive performance evaluations.

• Oversee the day‑to‑day management, preservation, and accessibility of the biodiversity collection, including specimen curation, record keeping, and monitoring specimen inflow/outflow.
• Hire, train, schedule, and supervise volunteers and undergraduate student curation technicians for tasks such as label making, mounting, filing, imaging, databasing, and georeferencing specimens.
• Supervise and teach undergraduate student interns enrolled in the Herbarium Internship course.
• Respond to inquiries from the university community, visiting researchers, government and consulting agencies, and members of the public.
• Perform outreach and science communication through herbarium social media pages and feeds.
• Conduct tours for visiting scholars, students, and the public.
• Manage the TENN website to share plant information worldwide.
• Upload data to and manage online databases containing information on specimens in the TENN collection.
• Manage and track applications and final reports for research funds overseen by the EEB Collections Committee.

• Master’s degree in Plant Sciences, Botany, Ecology, Biology, Horticulture, or a related field.
• 1–3 years of herbarium/botanical experience.
• Knowledge of botanical museum principles, practices, and procedures.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills with the ability to lead a team of volunteers and student assistants.
• Sound reasoning, analytical thought, attention to detail, creativity, high levels of organization, and innovation in solving minor problems.
• Proficiency with computer software such as Word, Excel, Photoshop, and Dreamweaver.

• PhD in Plant Sciences, Botany, Ecology, Biology, Horticulture, or a related field.
• Previous experience with plant/fungal taxonomy and knowledge of plant/fungal families and genera.
• Ability to learn new programs to manage and maintain websites and databases as needed.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, including experience communicating through social media.

Knoxville, Tennessee. Onsite.

• UT market range: MR11.
• Anticipated hiring range: $60,000–$64,000.
• Health and retirement benefits.

To express interest, submit a single document containing your resume/CV and cover letter by August 1, 2026.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment‑based visa status.