Living Collections Data Specialist

Summary: This position is responsible for maintaining all data associated to MBG's Living Collections, including taxonomy and nomenclature, accessions, inventories, acquisitions, weed risk assessments, geographic ranges, conservation statuses, ID labels, accession tags, and more. This position also acquires and develops data resources to aid in the targeting and acquisition of new species for the living collection, maintaining compliance with all national and international rules and regulations, facilitating scholarly use, and training and supervising volunteers for related work. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:      

• Research, enter, and maintain plant Collections Data in the Living Collections Management System (LCMS) database; follow up on obtaining Collections Data from suppliers.  
• Acquire and develop data resources necessary to aid in decision making for species targeting and acquisition into the Living Collections. 
• Collaborate with Information Technology, research, and horticulture staff to develop reports, databases, and other analysis tools to aid in species targeting, track progress in collections development and aid in managing and maintaining the Living Collections.  
• Conduct data analysis and present data to help with forward planning in collections development.  
• Train horticulture staff on the use of the LCMS to track new plants, moves, divisions, deads, propagations, etc.; monitor data entry for accuracy and follow up where necessary; assist with periodic inventories of the Garden's living collection, and enter data into databases as appropriate. 
• Develop written documentation, internal operating procedures, and end-user instructions for use of LCMS. 
• Provide plant Collections Data to staff, visiting scholars, students, and the public by creating queries, producing reports, and importing and exporting data files.
• Understand and utilize Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map plants in the Garden and in the wild, along with associated data; work with GIS Specialist to produce maps to aid in GAP analyses, Weed Risk Analyses (WRA), collections focus areas, etc. as appropriate. 
• Review and process plant acquisition requests from commercial sources, exchanges with other botanical gardens, and donations, ensuring data is entered correct, plants are ordered, received, accessioned, as appropriate. 
• Ensure proper documentation for various plant exchanges, and adherence to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS), as well as all national and international rules and regulations; generate documentation and acquire permits related to plant acquisitions and exchanges and ensure that permits and all associated data are attached to accession records in the LCMS. 
• Assist Living Collections Development Coordinator in performing GAP analyses, researching species for acquisition, planning for acquisitions, and developing field-collecting priorities 
• Participate in plant collecting expeditions nationally and internationally.
• Ensure correct botanical nomenclature and taxonomy is used in the LCMS, labels, on websites, and in publications by applying published nomenclatural rules and referencing taxonomic resources.  
• Process requests for accession tags and display labels; ensure their timely and accurate production using in-house equipment; maintain care of equipment, supplies, and work area; troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and make repairs as necessary. 
• Work with horticulture staff to ensure all appropriate processes are followed to maintain accurate accession records; Assist with periodic inventories of the Garden's living collection, and enter data into databases as appropriate.  
• Create pressed plant samples (vouchers) gather and mount vouchers, collect and enter data, and prepare and deliver specimens to be deposited in MBG's herbarium.
• 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, cooperation, and respect within our division and throughout the Garden with all employees, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors and others. 
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: While this position does not have the full scope of supervisory responsibilities, proven ability to lead and direct the work of others, including but not limited to volunteers is required.  

Competencies:    

• Communication: Combines listening skills, verbal and written communication skills, and visitor relation skills.
• Collaboration: Incorporates teamwork, mutual respect, active engagement, cooperation, and visitor focus
• Accountability: Initiative to take ownership of responsibilities, the ability to prioritize, and the working knowledge and skills to take action.
• Problem Solving: Blends problem-solving skills, judgement, and decision-making skills along with creativity and resourcefulness.
• Stewardship: Merges the practical application of the Garden values and support for a positive organizational climate.

Qualifications/Experience:   

• Minimum of (3-5) years relevant work experience required.  
• Thorough knowledge of plant taxonomy and nomenclature and ability to identify plants to some extent required.
• Strong interest in scientific principles of plant conservation, science, and the environment helpful.  
• Understanding of relational database systems and concepts (MS Access, SQL) in order to recommend improvements to LCMS, train staff and volunteers effectively, and perform analyses on existing data  
• Independent self-starter, creative, flexible, and possess the ability to trouble-shoot effectively multi-task. 
• Ability to present technical concepts to non-technical functional teams.
• Proven ability to lead and direct the work of others, including but not limited to volunteers is required. 
• Demonstrates highest level of professional and ethical conduct; knowledge and understanding of organizational policies, procedures and systems.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively at all levels; must enjoy and feel comfortable interacting and working in close proximity to general public, in a safe and friendly manner, answering questions regarding horticulture inquiries 
• Knowledge of and adherence to all health and safety guidelines. 
• The Garden is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our employees, volunteers and guests.  All staff are strongly encouraged to receive all vaccinations as recommended by your healthcare provider prior to hire date.  The Garden reserves the right to require future proof of current vaccination status, based on local health department guidelines.  When international travel is necessary for Garden business, staff must be able to obtain required travel clearances, driving permits, and vaccinations for all countries where travel is required. 
• The requirements and duties listed here are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.   

Education:      

• Bachelor's degree in horticulture, botany, or related field required; Master's degree preferred. 
• An equivalent combination of skills, education, and experience may be considered.   

Computer Skills:   

• Proficient experience navigating through various PC applications including, but not restricted to, Microsoft Office suite (i.e., Outlook, Access, Excel, Word).  
• Experience with Microsoft Access, ESRI ArcGIS software, and SQL server required.  
• Experience with using R for data analysis a plus.  
• Experience with GPS equipment and peripherals preferred. 
• Solid internet research skills. 
• Ability to use e-mail to communicate with Garden staff and/or external professional contacts in order to answer questions and service their needs.  

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:    

• Must possess and maintain valid driver's license.   

Language Skills:    

• Ability to communicate effectively in English (oral and written).  

Reasoning Ability:  

• Requires ability to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to problem resolution, including making decisions regarding how complex data issues are entered into Living Collections Database.    

Physical Demands:    

• Ability to lift and carry up to 20 lbs. (i.e., move signage supplies and equipment).  
• May be required to perform tasks at varying heights (i.e., climb ladders, etc.).  
• Must be able to work outdoors year round.  
• Ability to walk about facility frequently throughout work day; requires standing, walking, bending, stooping and reaching for extended periods of time.  
• Ability to wear Garden issued Personal Protective Equipment  
• Ability to utilize computer keyboard (typing).   

Work Environment:   

• 75% office work at a computer, in a shared office area; 25% standing inside (manufacturing tags, labels, etc.) or outside (mapping, inventorying plants, fieldwork, etc.).  
• Comfortable working in immediate proximity to general public, in a safe and friendly manner, answering questions regarding the living collection.  
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions (i.e., in temperatures over 100F as well as temperatures below 0F, in rain, snow and other inclement weather conditions as needed).  

Supervisor:  

• Senior Manager, Living Collections