Herbarium Assistant - Billie L. Turner Plant Resources Center (Open to Work Study and Non-Work Study)
The Billie L. Turner Plant Resources Center houses the TEX and LL herbaria, two large collections of pressed, dried, and mounted museum specimens documenting plant populations from around the globe. Herbarium assistants help with the preparation and digitization of specimens. Herbarium assistants work under the supervision of the herbarium Curator and Assistant Curator.
Specific Job Duties:
1) Preparing specimens. The assistants are trained to mount incoming plant samples using archival materials and to conserve existing specimens requiring repair.
2) Digitizing specimens. The assistants are trained to input data from specimen labels into the institution's database and to create digital photographs of specimens.
We are seeking to hire up to three students, with the possibility of continuation into the fall 2021 and spring 2022 semesters. The positions may be filled as work-study or non work study.
Applications may be made electronically and should include a letter of interest and CV. Although life sciences majors are encouraged, we are willing to train interested students in any major. The job duties do not require special background in botany or museum studies. However, they do require attention to detail, both in parsing data into fields in an electronic database and the ability to manipulate fragile plant materials carefully and accurately. Students should also be prepared to work relatively independently once trained. The work requires close attention to cleanliness, as plant mounting involves using glue and making sure that stray plant fragments do not wind up on the wrong specimen.
Career Competencies Gained:
• Obtain, interpret, and use knowledge, facts, and data in this process
• Leverage existing digital technologies ethically and efficiently to solve problems, complete tasks, and accomplish goals
• Demonstrate personal accountability, ability to learn from mistakes, and effective work habits, e.g., punctuality, working productively with others, and time workload management