Lichenarium Technician

A Day in the Life

As the Lichenarium Technician, you’ll assist with a wide range of activities supporting the integration of two lichen collections; the Garden’s own collection of around 35,500 specimens and the over 16,000 specimens the Garden has absorbed from the University of California, Riverside. Your duties include handling every single lichen specimen, adding a barcode, updating outdated names, updating online information, and placing the specimen at the correct place in the collection. This part-time (20 hours per week), non-exempt position, reports to the Tucker Lichenologist.

Applications should include a curriculum vitae and a cover letter detailing your interest in the position and relevant qualifications.

The Team

You will be part of the Biodiversity Team which works to better understand California lichen and plant biodiversity.

What You’ll Do

Lichenarium Duties

• Consolidate the two lichen collections physically and online;
• Update outdated lichen names;
• Update the online portal “Consortium of Lichen Herbaria”;
• Barcode lichen specimens;

Other Duties

• Mount lichen specimens;
• Manage lichenarium volunteers;
• Communication with the public during tours and in presentations;

You Must Be Able To

• Sit for up to 2.0 hours at a time and use computer for lengthy periods;
• Stand/walk for extended periods of time, bend, squat, and safely lift and carry boxes of specimens and supplies (40 lbs.);

You Will Definitely Need

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in biology, botany, ecology, library science, or closely related area
• Experience with and knowledge of basic taxonomic principles, botany, and herbarium or museum curatorial practices;
• Ability to follow instructions, work independently with minimal supervision, and work successfully with others;
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills;
• Manual dexterity sufficient to prepare lichen 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;
• Ability to communicate well both verbally and in writing;
• Willingness and ability to work cooperatively with peers at the Garden (in Conservation & Research and in other departments) and other institutions (e.g., herbaria, community organizations);
• Support the Garden’s mission and goals.

It Would Be Nice if You Had

• Two or more full years of relevant experience in an herbarium
• Knowledge of and experience with (or the desire to learn) lichens

More About Us

The Garden is a beautiful place to work. And in this role, you are often outdoors. In addition to beautiful views, outdoor work environments include exposure to extreme temperature fluctuations, rain, dust, allergens, poison oak, insects, wildlife, and sun exposure.

Disclaimer

You must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily, and if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Expected Timeline

An ideal candidate for this position will be available to begin work in May 2024.