Plant Mounter Madagascar

Summary

This position is for a full-time staff member to mount and repair dried plant specimens according to established procedures. Careful attention to detail and plant labeling are critical components of this position. There may be occasional databasing and imaging of mounted specimens in the herbarium as part of a project to digitize the almost 600,000 collections from Tropical Africa housed at the Missouri Botanical Garden.

The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated worker who is passionate about biodiversity and eager to work alongside a dedicated team in one of the world's largest and most active herbaria. Attention to detail, plant labeling, problem-solving skills, and excellent time management are essential to this role.

• Mounts new plant specimens and repairs specimens as needed according to established procedures.
• Arranges and glues labels, dried plant specimens and fragment packets to herbarium paper; and/or combines parts in herbarium packets, bags or boxes.
• Ensures that specimens are complete and mounted correctly or repaired correctly.
• Occasionally transcribes label data from specimen images using Tropicos, the Missouri Botanical Garden's global database of plant names, specimens, and publications.
• Occasionally barcodes and images specimens in coordination with other herbarium and research staff to ensure timely completion of grant deliverables with minimum interruption to other herbarium activities.
• Ensures that all applicable safety standards are followed; informs employees/students/volunteers of safety guidelines, methods to reduce hazards. Reports all accidents, injuries and near-miss accidents immediately.
• Meets expected attendance guidelines.
• Follows and adheres to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines and Department Policies.
• Behaves and communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork and cooperation, within our division and throughout the Garden, with co-workers, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors and employees.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

• Communication – Listens to others and asks questions for clarification; writes clearly and presents information accurately; speaks professionally and responds well to questions; supports positive visitor relations.
• Collaboration – Demonstrates teamwork and promotes respect in the workplace; engages in problem solving and group initiatives; cooperates in implementing procedures and process improvements; strives for positive visitor experiences.
• Accountability – Demonstrates commitment to responsibilities and adaptable to changes; effectively prioritizes, troubleshoots and takes appropriate actions; follows policies and procedures, meets deadlines, quality, and safety standards; strives to proactively address visitor and internal colleagues' concerns.
• Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems; includes supervisor before taking action as necessary; recommends solutions, demonstrates creativity and resourcefulness; exhibits sound and accurate judgment in decision making process; includes appropriate people in making decisions.
• Stewardship – Promotes and adheres to sustainability, safety and security protocols; fosters a culture of respect, diversity and inclusion; demonstrates effective and prudent use of Garden resources; maximizes contributions during work hours.

• Accurate attention to detail, good visual acuity and manual dexterity, and excellent organizational skills required.
• Familiarity with plants and plant names a plus.
• Excellent typing skills and data entry skills; knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must be punctual, dependable, a self-starter, and possess the ability to multi-task effectively and work under minimal supervision.
• Ability to read and comprehend instructions and information to effectively execute and achieve results.
• Adaptability and flexibility to handle changing demands.
• Scheduling flexibility is required to work evenings, weekends, or holidays.
• Th…