Job Title

Job Family

Job Code

Job Exempt

Botanical Records Specialist

Seiu_White_Collar

CRG09

Pay Grade

Pay Rate Type

Minimum

Midpoint

Maximum

S18

Hourly

$20.28

$25.86

$31.44

Job Description

Performs field work maintaining and managing accession records for all permanent plants in collection. Responsible for identification, checking nomenclature, mapping, labeling, and updating written logbook, files, and computer records for all special holdings and some general holdings of woody and nonfood plants. Work is performed independently and reviewed by the Executive Director through observation of results achieved.

Minimum Qualifications:

Associate's Degree in Botany or horticultural-related field with coursework in Taxonomy and Plant Pathology,and two to three (2-3) years experience in plant identification and classification; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Computer literacy required. Knowledge of BG Base and GIS desired.

Responsibilities

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

Note: The listed duties are only illustrative and are not intended to describe every function that may be performed by this job class. The omission of specific statements does not preclude management from assigning specific duties not listed if such duties are a logical assignment to the position.

Logs name, description, and sources of new plants in handwritten logbook, assigns accession numbers, makes accession tags and physically places them on each plant which involves bending, reaching and crawling.

Transfers logbook information to computer databases and selected information to individual collection files, reviews files and regularly edits computer records to maintain latest status and changes for each plant.

Compiles history and identification information, produces periodic lists and reports from log and computer on special collections, totals, inventories, and progress.

Researches literature and corresponds with other botanical gardens, nurseries, federal agencies, and individuals for the purpose of verifying identification, and also for purchase or exchange of plants and plant information.

Selects conspicuous specimen plants for ornamental labeling, develops label information and layout, collects cost information, orders and labels.

Recommends adding or deleting plants in collection, assists in periodic evaluations and revisions of collection, donation, and accession policies.

Collects and prepares samples or drawings of plants needing identification as well as for herbarium collections.

Assists in the development of garden brochures, public information leaflets and maps, classes, and in-service instruction on plant identification for volunteers and employees.

Responds to inquiries from the public on plants in collection and identification problems in general.

Trains and supervises volunteers assisting in plant curatorial activities.

Plans for and collects information on purchasing record keeping materials.

Performs other related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Considerable knowledge of plant biology and the common botanical names of local trees, plants, and flowers.

Considerable knowledge of the common varieties, growth characteristics and diseases typical to flowers and plants peculiar to or capable of growing in the southeast.

Considerable knowledge of plant identification, mapping and labeling.

Skilled in data collection and data entry.

Ability to instruct and lecture before interested groups.

Ability to develop written educational materials.

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Ability to walk over uneven tureen for extended periods of time.

Ability to physically label plant specimens which involves bending, reaching and crawling.

Ability to maintain necessary records and prepare periodic reports both orally and in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public and a variety of organizations.

Ability to locate information by researching manuals and other references.*