[NHCOLL-L:3966] Specimen Imaging Position

[Sula Vanderplank]

Dear All

Please forward the position announcement below to anyone interested.  We 
are looking to fill this opening with the right person quite promptly.

Many thanks,
Sula


RANCHO SANTA ANA BOTANIC GARDEN

Position Title:	Specimen Imaging Assistant (Curatorial Assistant Level 1)
Duration: 	Temporary, Full-time position with benefits (16 months)
Reports to:  	Herbarium Collections Manager
Basic Function:  Assists the Collections staff with the digitization of 
herbarium specimens, image management and data processing.  Enters 
associated data into specimen database and safely handles important 
scientific specimens.  Assists with routine herbarium operation as 
necessary.

The scope of this position extends from the effective documentation and 
digitization of  a major natural history collection to relations with a 
diverse user constituency, including a worldwide scientific research 
community, government agencies (local, state, national, and 
international),  the Garden community of researchers and  students, and 
the general community, including individuals, volunteers and botanical 
and conservation organizations.  This position impacts the various 
missions of the Herbarium. The incumbent participates in planning and 
implementation of herbarium activities and  policies.

Duties and Responsibilities (specific responsibility for some or all of 
the following duties assigned on an individual basis):
•	Coordinates all digitization, databasing and preservation of the 
herbarium type specimens.
•	Enters data using interactive, computer-based system in Filemaker Pro 
and other software and carries out day to day operation of scanning 
equipment and associated hardware and software.
•	Consults gazeteers, maps and geographic resources to apply accurate 
locality information from specimen labels into database.
•	 Determines current taxon name and enters into database using 
taxonomic/nomenclatural resources; uses a general foundation in plant 
taxonomy to efficiently resolve synonymy related problems.
•	Determine the status of type specimens (Holotype, Isotype, Lectotype 
etc.) using on-line resources.
•	Produces high resolution images of specimens using HerbScan and 
oversee/train students and interns to help accomplish this task.
•	Backs-up images generated, and calibrates color filters on a regular 
basis.
•	Refiles specimens and creates species, genus or type folders as necessary
•	Services informatics queries directed at the herbarium; and provides 
the collections manager with detailed collections statistics to pursue 
external funding for the collections.
•	Serves as an active liaison within the extended herbarium community 
and among herbarium staff, researchers, and affiliates to advance a wide 
variety of informatics functions.
•	Assists with periodic inspection of herbarium collections for insect 
pests.
•	Participates in departmental and all garden meetings and assists with 
other appropriate aspects of herbarium and Garden operations as required.

Qualifications:
High School degree or equivalent necessary, two years of college 
preferred.  Must have a strong ability to work independently, manage 
projects and be proficient at troubleshooting.  Must have a strong 
ability to follow instructions and work successfully with other staff, 
students, and volunteers.  Experience with scanning projects preferred; 
experience with archival specimens desirable. Typing and computer skills 
essential. Attention to detail essential.  Familiarity with graphics 
applications and databases preferred.

-- 
Sula Vanderplank
Herbarium Collections Manager (RSA-POM)
Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden and
Claremont Graduate University
1500 North College Ave
Claremont, CA 91711

www.rsabg.org
909 625 8767 x 268