Plant Collections Manager

Company: AMERICAN PUBLIC GARDENS ASSN
Location: San Francisco
Posted on: November 14, 2024

Job Description:

The Plant Collections Manager will play a vital role within the Gardens of Golden Gate Park, dedicated to fostering a deep connection between people and plants. This position requires primarily on-site work throughout the five-day workweek. We are seeking a collaborative leader who is committed to excellence and eager to work with a passionate team. Reporting to the Director of Collections & Conservation, this individual will manage the living collections inventory, ensuring accurate documentation and labeling while maintaining the plant accessions database according to best practices. The role involves overseeing the design and installation of informative signage, enriching the visitor experience, and assisting in the development and maintenance of collections.In addition, the incumbent will support departmental initiatives by maintaining essential permits, participate in efforts to train staff or volunteers, and engage with researchers and horticultural professionals. By strategically enhancing our curatorial operations, the Plant Collections Manager will play a crucial part in advancing the Gardens' mission to connect people to plants, the planet, and each other.About UsThe mission of Gardens of Golden Gate Park is to connect people to plants, the planet, and each other. Gardens of Golden Gate Park is a public/private partnership between the San Francisco Recreation & Park Department (RPD) and the San Francisco Botanical Garden Society (SFBGS) to jointly operate the Conservatory of Flowers, Japanese Tea Garden, and San Francisco Botanical Garden.Duties & Responsibilities--- Manage the living collections inventory by reconciling cataloged records with the current living collection, documenting and labeling specimens, and maintaining the plant accessions database according to established policies, and conducting both physical and digital inventories.--- Assist in locating and identifying specimens, while also participating in the design and development of the accessions database to enhance content, accessibility, and functionality.--- Collaborate closely with the GIS Manager to integrate and optimize data across the GIS and IrisBG databases, enhancing the accuracy and accessibility of our collections information.--- Assemble and present information resources about the collections in accessible formats.--- Oversee the development, manufacturing, and installation of all signage related to the Gardens' collections, including coordinating activities in the Engraving Room and supervising its maintenance.--- Train and manage the Plant Collections Assistant and ensure the upkeep and inventory of existing plant signage.--- Support the Collections & Conservation Department by maintaining plant import/export permits, contributing to collections development, and assisting in training staff, volunteers, and interns.--- Attend relevant conferences and meetings to stay updated and assist visiting researchers and horticultural professionals.--- Create engaging written and oral content about the Gardens' collections and lead tours for staff, volunteers, and visitors while providing informational support to other departments.Education and Experience--- Bachelor's degree in a related science field (botany, plant biology, horticulture).--- Minimum of three years' experience in a botanical garden or similar environment, including inventory management and plant records.--- Strong organizational and database management skills, with proficiency in plant records databases; experience with IrisBG is a plus.--- Demonstrated expertise in plant identification across diverse species, with the ability to accurately assess and categorize specimens in both field and curated settings. Knowledge of curatorial best practices, with strong botanical and horticultural expertise.--- Familiarity with collections relevant to Mediterranean climate zones, cloud forests, and similar environments is preferred.--- Understanding of conservation best practices in the context of public botanical gardens is strongly desired.--- Experience in managing a small team, focusing on guidance and support as needed.--- Proven ability to train and collaborate with volunteers, particularly in partnership with public entities.--- Effective oral and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly.--- Proven collaborative work ethic, capable of functioning independently and stepping in as needed.--- Excellent time management and prioritization skills, with a focus on assessing operations and identifying areas for improvement.Additional Information--- Full-time, on-site with the option for remote work up to two days a week depending on scheduling requirements.--- Willingness to accommodate a flexible work schedule, including evenings, weekends, and travel between sites.--- Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and responsibilities as the organization's needs evolve, with an understanding that this list may be updated to reflect those changes.--- Must be able to engage in a range of physical activity, including standing or sitting at a desk and computer, walking (sometimes on uneven surfaces) and working outside in varying weather conditions - all for extended periods of time. Must also be able to climb a flight of stairs and lift/carry objects up to 30 pounds.Gardens of Golden Gate Park is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.Application InstructionsFOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND TO APPLY: Complete application with attached cover letter at https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/All/99885d66-fdde-45ea-b169-b55cfb505be0/Gardens-of-Golden-Gate-Park
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Keywords: AMERICAN PUBLIC GARDENS ASSN, Fairfield , Plant Collections Manager, Executive , San Francisco, California