Supervisor, Plant Mounting

Summary: Supervises the Plant Mounting staff and volunteers and oversees all stages of specimen preparation in the Herbarium. Performs all job duties associated with training and supervising Plant Mounters, visitors and volunteers; organizes and coordinates specimens to be mounted or repaired. Careful attention to detailed record keeping and plant labeling are critical components of this position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinates and supervises specimen preparation for the Herbarium, including mounting, repairs, securing specimens for shipment, and accessioning acquired collections.
• Hires, trains, and oversees the daily activities of Plant Mounting staff.
• Plans, organizes and coordinates the flow of plant specimens that are to be mounted, the order of mounting and determines the correct method of mounting to be used.
• Provides training, guidance, and feedback to team members.
• Inspects, coordinates and reports work progress of the team; identifies quality, process and/or workflow challenges and works to resolve these quickly in accordance with established policy/procedures.
• Mounts new plant specimens and repairs specimens as needed according to established procedures. Ensures that specimens are mounted correctly and repaired accurately.
• Records statistics on specimen mounting activities.
• Demonstrates highest level of professional and ethical conduct; knowledge and understanding of organizational policies, procedures and systems.
• Promotes and maintains an environment that fosters trust, open communication, and teamwork, works effectively with curators and other staff to accomplish goals and identify and resolve problems; escalates issues to management which cannot be resolved by the team.
• 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.
• Follows and adheres to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines and Department Policies.
• Behaves & 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
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position has supervisory responsibilities for Plant Mounters and volunteers.

Core Competencies

• 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.

• Leadership - Incorporates a cluster of knowledge, skills and abilities required for management of people, budgets and assigned business functions/operations.

Qualifications:

• Excellent knowledge of herbarium mounting techniques.
• Good communication, organization and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to effectively lead and direct a work group in managing multiple projects and provide quality results within a fast-paced mission based public attraction. Strong focus on execution.
• Exceptional demonstrated project management, organizational, time management skills, problem-solving and conflict resolution skills required.
• Ability to work independently with little instruction; coordinate and prioritize multiple tasks, set deadlines, and complete projects in a timely manner
• Willingness to work as part of a team required; proven ability to work collaboratively with internal team members for the purposes of achieving goals/objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively at all levels; must feel comfortable interacting and working with other departments.
• 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 are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.

Education/Experience:

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  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • 5 years previous mounting experience and one year supervisory experience
  • An equivalent combination of education, skills and experience may be considered.
  
  
  
  

Language Skills: Ability to communicate effectively in English (oral/written)

Mathematical Skills: Proficient Math Aptitude - H.S. algebra level required

Reasoning Ability:

• Requires ability to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to problem resolution.

Computer Skills:

• Proficiency using Microsoft Office Word and Excel programs required; strong working knowledge of Outlook features preferred.
• Ability to use e-mail to communicate with Garden staff and external contacts in order to answer questions and service their needs.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to utilize computer keyboard (typing) and sit for extended periods of the work day.
• Ability to walk, stand, or kneel as required and move about for extended periods of time.
• May be required to perform tasks at varying heights and at high altitudes.
• If field work is involved, must be able to travel (domestic & international) for extended periods and work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Ability to understand field safety requirements and wear personal protective equipment, as needed.

Work Environment:

• Quiet indoor office setting; shared work space, office environment with multiple staff within the department.

Contacts with Individuals/Organizations inside/outside the Garden:

• Other Garden employees and volunteers
• Visiting scientists

Supervisor: Manager, Herbarium Collections