Plant Mounter

This is a part-time position estimated to work 20 hours per week.

Summary:  Mounts dried plant specimens according to established procedures and repairs previously mounted specimens.  Careful attention to detail and plant labeling are critical components of this position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Mounts new plant specimens and repairs specimens as needed according to established procedures.
• Arranges and glues labels, dried plant specimens and fragment packets to herbarium paper; and/or combines parts in herbarium packets, bags or boxes.
• Ensures that specimens are complete and mounted correctly or repaired correctly.
• 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 and communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork and cooperation, within our division and throughout the Garden, with co-workers, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors and employees.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Core 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:

• Relevant experience.
• Accurate attention to detail required
• Good organizational skills required.
• Good visual acuity required.
• Good manual dexterity required.
• Familiarity with plants and plant names a plus
• Must be punctual, dependable, self-starter, and possess the ability to effectively multi-task and work under minimal supervision.
• Adaptability and flexibility to handle changing demands.

• Ability to read and comprehend instructions and information to effectively execute and achieve results.

• Scheduling flexibility is required to work evenings, weekends, or holidays.
• The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.

Education:

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• An equivalent combination of skills, education and experience may be considered.

Computer Skills:

• Ability to operate personal computer to access Garden e-mail to communicate occasionally with other Garden staff in order to receive important information.

Other Skills and Abilities: N/A.

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

Mathematical Skills: H.S. basic math aptitude.

Reasoning Ability: 

• Requires ability to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to problem resolution.
• Must be able to make independent decisions about the best way to handle each specimen based on on-the-job training and experience.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:  N/A.

Physical Demands: 

• Ability to lift and carry up to 20 lbs.
• Must be able to sit for extended periods.
• Requires clarity of vision at 20 inches or less with the ability to bring objects into sharp focus.
• Meticulous, repetitive tasks performed by hand.
• Ability to wear Garden-issued Personal Protective Equipment; may come in contact with plants that are poisonous.

Work Environment: 

• Enclosed indoor work area; shared work space with multiple staff within the department.

Contacts with Individuals/Organizations inside/outside the Garden:  

• Garden Employees
• Volunteers, Research visitors.

Supervisor:  Plant Mounting Team Lead and Collections Manager