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Senior Museum Scientist (9722C), UC Botanical Garden - 65113

About Berkeley

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are committed to creating a community that fosters equity of experience and opportunity, and ensures that students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel safe, welcome and included. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

The University of California, Berkeley, is one of the world's leading institutions of higher education, distinguished by its combination of internationally recognized academic and research excellence; the transformative opportunity it provides to a large and diverse student body; its public mission and commitment to equity and social justice; and its roots in the California experience, animated by such values as innovation, questioning the status quo, and respect for the environment and nature. Since its founding in 1868, Berkeley has fueled a perpetual renaissance, generating unparalleled intellectual, economic and social value in California, the United States and the world.

We are looking for equity-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at Berkeley, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice that requires broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at Berkeley, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, our Principles of Community, and our Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. To find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley, visit grow.berkeley.edu.

Departmental Overview

The University of California Botanical Garden (UCBG) is a living museum that features one of the most diverse plant collections in the United States.

Established in 1890, the Garden's 34 acres contain over 10,000 taxa and more than 20,000 accessions (including many rare and endangered species) from all over the world arranged by region. The Mission Statement for the UCBG is "to develop and maintain a diverse living collection of plants to support teaching and worldwide research in plant biology, further the conservation of plant diversity, and promote public understanding and appreciation of plants and the natural environment.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: March 5, 2024

For full consideration, please apply by April 1, 2024.

Responsibilities

Curatorial Responsibilities:

• Under the supervision of the Director of Collections, coordinate the activities of curatorial staff in accessioning and cataloguing, collections organization, inventory, and conservation programs.
• Establish priority of work assignments for curatorial staff and direct library and archival research relating to collections materials.
• Recommend and implement curatorial policies and procedures.
• Determine suitability of potential acquisitions for the collections.
• Develop new database designs in consultation with information technology specialists to ensure accurate and complete data entry and documentation of the collections.
• Prepare reports concerning various aspects of the collections.
• Supervise the production of labels for Garden plants.
• Write and/or review technical scientific content for interpretive materials (Newsletter, brochures, flyers) or exhibits.
• Oversee the Garden's international seed exchange program.
• Supervise preparation of biennial seed exchange list (organize and conduct field work).
• Liaise with other academic and botanical institutions in regard to the plant collections, data management, and curatorial methods.
• Serve as consultant to other professional museum personnel based on personal knowledge of botanical garden administration and organization.
• Interface with the public in regard to the plant collections and garden operations/facilities.

Conservation Efforts:

• Conservation efforts including coordinating and implementing the Garden's activities as a participating institution in the national Center for Plant Conservation (CPC).
• Prepare and submit annual reports and proposals to the CPC.
• Obtain permits, organize and conduct field work to wild populations, and perform research related to conservation goals.
• Serve as Garden liaison with local, state and federal agencies involved in rare plant conservation and attend annual and regional meetings of the CPC.
• Serve as contact for the US Fish & Wildlife Service to salvage confiscated plant materials (the
• Organize field collection, propagation, and seed banking of rare plant species as part of state, national, and international conservation programs.

Research Support Activities:

• Assist faculty and students in planning research projects using Garden specimens and advising faculty and other scholars on the availability/suitability of plants for instructional and/or research projects.
• Supervise the distribution of plant materials and collection
• Record this research use in collections database.

Administration Management:

• Develop and manage a fiscal budget for curatorial programs.
• Assist in the compilation of budgetary data.
• Seek funding for Garden curatorial programs from outside sources (e.g. government agencies).
• Interview, select, supervise and train career and temporary employees in performance of curatorial projects.
• Train and supervise student employees and volunteers in the performance of various curatorial programs.
• Serve as consultant to other professional museum personnel based on personal knowledge of botanical garden administration and organization.
• Interface with the public in regard to the plant collections and garden operations/facilities.
• Serve as the garden's librarian/archivist.
• Select and catalogue new acquisitions, propose and manage budget.
• Serve on committees of professional organizations as appropriate.
• Write articles about the Garden for industry publications.
• Represent the Garden at professional conferences, meetings or seminars.
• Interview prospective applicants.

Other Duties:

• Prepare curatorial statistics and narratives for annual reports and grant applications.

Required Qualifications

• Database management for living and preserved collections
• Plant identification and knowledge
• Knowledge of plant conservation standards and practices
• Knowledge of museum curation
• Broad knowledge of resources supporting research and conservation programs

Education/Training:

• Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent experience/training.

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $70,948.99 (step 1.0) - $95,433.17 (step 16.0).

• This is a 100%, full-time (40 hours per week), career position that is eligible for full UC benefits.
• This position is exempt and paid monthly.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Conviction History Background

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Mandated Reporter

This position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter required to report the observed or suspected abuse or neglect of children, dependent adults, or elders to designated law enforcement or social service agencies. We reserve the right to make employment contingent upon completion of signed statements acknowledging the responsibilities of a Mandated Reporter.

Driving Required

A valid driver's license and DMV check for driving record is required.

Other Information

This position is governed by the terms and conditions in the agreement for the Research Support Professionals Unit (RX) between the University of California and the University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE). The current bargaining agreement manual can be found at: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/rx/index.html.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. For more information about your rights as an applicant, please see the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission poster.

For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy, please see the University of California Discrimination, Harassment, and Affirmative Action in the Workplace policy.



To apply, visit https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psp/ucb/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_SCHJOB.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=21&JobOpeningId=65113&PostingSeq=1