Head Curator of Natural History Collections - Botany - AMERICAN PUBLIC GARDENS ASSN : Job Details

Head Curator of Natural History Collections - BotanyResearch & Science Posted On November 12, 2024This position serves as the head botanist for the Gardens Kathryn Kalmbach Herbarium. The position coordinates the growth, improvement, and support of Denver Botanic Gardens' Natural History Collections. The Head Curator Natural History Collections - Botany directs the Kathryn Kalmbach Vascular Plant Herbarium, the Sam Mitchel Herbarium of Fungi, Denver Botanic Gardens Collection of Arthropods and the Gardens Biorepository. The position maintains all natural history collections at the highest industry standards, overseeing curatorial positions, collections staff, seasonal staff, students, and others working on collections-based research programs.The position also coordinates and leads plant-based studies in the region, provides plant identification support for Botanic Gardens staff, volunteers, students, and members of the public, and gives professional presentations on the work of the Gardens natural history collections to internal and external audiences. May advise graduate students through the University of Colorado Denver.About UsGreen inside and out, Denver Botanic Gardens was founded in 1951 and is considered one of the top botanical gardens in the United States and a pioneer in water conservation. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, The Gardens has a robust living plant collection, natural history collection and art collection along with temporary art exhibitions. The Gardens is a dynamic, 24-acre urban oasis in the heart of the city, offering unforgettable opportunities to flourish with unique garden experiences for the whole family - as well as world-class exhibitions, education, and plant conservation research programs.For more information, visit us online at www.botanicgardens.org.Denver Botanic Gardens is currently seeking a Full Time Head Curator of Natural History Collections - Botany in our Research & Conservation Department! Read below to see if the requirements might be a good fit for you:$66,627- $85,000 AnnualizedDuties & Responsibilities

• Serves as head botanist for the Kathryn Kalmbach Vascular Plant Herbarium.
• Directs Kathryn Kalmbach Vascular Plant Herbarium, the Sam Mitchel Herbarium of Fungi, Denver Botanic Gardens Collection of Arthropods and the Gardens Biorepository.
• Develops and oversees strategic plans, partnerships and projects which support the growth and use of the Natural History collections.
• Oversees the growth and curation of both the physical and digital natural history and biorepository collections.
• Develops and oversees implementation of collections plans, policies and procedures for all natural history collections. Assures all policies meet American Alliance of Museums accreditation standards.
• Responsible for the management and professional growth of Natural History collections staff including curatorial, collections and outreach staff as well as seasonals and interns.
• Provides plant identification training and support to the Botanic Gardens staff, volunteers and students.
• Leads the establishment of partnerships and collaborations for collections-focused fieldwork.
• Provides outreach and professional presentations on the work of the Gardens natural history collections to internal and external audiences including members of the public and professional societies. Includes attending professional meetings and leading on-site tours.
• Assists in securing and managing financial support for natural history collections and projects which build and utilize the collections.
• May develop new research projects which complement and enhance existing Gardens research and write grant proposals to support these new projects. May supervise graduate students through the University of Colorado Denver or other local universities.
• Organizes and leads field-based studies in the region, including floristic surveys.
• Works with volunteers in the collections and in the field.
• Responds to inquiries from public and other agencies and organizations.
• Regular attendance at the worksite is required. As with all positions at Denver Botanic Gardens, the incumbent must be in good performance standing to be eligible for remote work. Remote work is at the discretion of management at all times.
• All Gardens employees must be committed to the mission of connecting people with plants, especially plants from the Rocky Mountain region and similar regions around the world, providing delight and enlightenment to everyone.Position Qualifications: Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Must possess strong plant identification skills including use of a dichotomous key. Knowledge of the flora of the Western United States a plus.
  • Must be able to participate in field research, often involving overnight trips out of town.
  • Must have proven excellent customer service, interpersonal, and communication skills in dealing with the public.
  • Ability to maintain stability under pressure and able to deal well with stressful situations.
  • Ability to be flexible and willing to modify plans when necessary, throughout the day.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends and/or holidays.
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Suite products, specifically Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook and Teams.
  • Must be a positive representative of the Gardens both internally and externally at all times.
  • Must work with respect and cooperation at all times with fellow employees and the public.
  • Must be committed to working safely at all times.Education and Experience
    • Master's degree and/or combination of education and equivalent experience is required. PhD preferred.
    • Minimum of 6 years of experience in botany, taxonomy, systematics, plant conservation biology, ecology, or equivalent in related field and interest in developing projects related to the study and conservation of natural ecosystems is required.
    • Experience working in natural history collections with a demonstrated understanding of collection care and management required.
    • Experience managing staff and/or students required.
    • Demonstration of a strong record of research accomplishments and acquisition of funding as well as budget management experience desired.
    • Position requires a valid driver's license.Additional InformationTravel: Up to 25% travel required. Requires the ability to travel to remote locations (or other Garden locations) where environment may vary significantly.Denver Botanic Gardens has an incredible benefits package for eligible employees!
      • Our major benefits include a choice of Medical Plans, a Dental and Vision Plan and Life Insurance Plan. We have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and a Healthcare Spending Account (HSA).
      • The Gardens offers a generous Retirement Savings Plan with Company contribution of 6% after one year of service for eligible participants.
      • The Gardens also offers paid holidays, vacation, sick time, and access to personal lines of insurance. Additional benefits include short-term and long-term disability coverage, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and an RTD ECO pass.
      • For eligible employees, The Gardens employment also includes a complimentary Denver Botanic Gardens Membership, access to Gardens education classes and summer concert tickets.Come work for a place that offers you SO much more than just a paycheck! #J-18808-Ljbffr