Employment Opportunities Curator of the Living Collection | Curator of the Living Collection |
Position SummaryWorking within the framework of the organizational Collections Policy, and in cooperation with the Collections Committee and the Director of Horticulture, the Curator develops and tracks the living collection to fulfill RSABG’s mission, and uses the living collection to communicate the mission to the public. The incumbent is responsible for managing and overseeing the RSABG’s custodial responsibility pertaining to acquiring and caring for the plants in its living (plant) collection. Ensures that the Collections Policy is adhered to and updated as necessary to reflect institutional mandates and current practices in the museum and botanical garden fields. Directly supervises curatorial support staff, students, interns, and volunteers as needed or directed. Works independently and with other departments to prepare appropriate interpretive materials as well as organizing exhibitions that feature and enhance the permanent collections.Essential Functions• Manages the accessioning process for all plant collections and maintains such permanent files and records in accordance with current collection management standards, and in compliance with institutional policies and procedures.• Facilitates accurate and timely inventories of the living collection. Works collaboratively to identify and acquire accessions appropriate for the collection, and identifies accessions in need of repropagation or recollection. • Works collaboratively with departmental director, grounds manager, and others in the planning and execution of plantings into the living collection. • Works collaboratively with departmental director and other staff to develop and implement prioritized collection activities, optimizing opportunities and resources, and developing the living collection to its fullest potential. • Manages the organization’s computerized living collection management software and hardware in conjunction with the information technology staff, including but not limited to plant inventories, computer mapping, installation, operation, updates, customization, troubleshooting, data entry, data manipulation, and reports. • Trains horticulture staff in appropriate use of the computerized living collection management database. • Develops, produces and installs accession labels and display materials to ensure appropriate curation and interpretation of the collection. • Works cooperatively with other departments to develop exhibits, brochures, signage and other interpretive materials to enhance the understanding and appreciation of individual plants, subsets of the collection, and the collection as a whole, for the general public, and professional and scientific communities. • Participates fully in the institution-wide collections committee to assist with the development and revisions of organizational collection policies and procedures. • Produces and submits to departmental director an annual budget to meet the operational and capital needs of areas of responsibility. Works closely with departmental director to ensure adherence to revenue and expense projections throughout the fiscal year. • Utilizes information from trade and research journals on advancements in the curation of living collections as a basis for maintenance and continued development of the living collection. Networks and maintains connections with other professionals within the field. Attends training sessions and meetings to keep current in all areas pertaining to the position. • Responds to requests for information pertaining to and for samples obtained from the living collection. Conducts guided tours of RSABG; lectures and writes on curatorial, botanical and horticultural topics; represents the institution at garden, PR and media events as required. • Other duties as assigned. Education, Experience and Skills RequiredBachelor’s degree in horticulture or related field (Master’s degree preferred), or equivalent experience. Knowledge and experience with collections management within a museum or botanical garden setting. Excellent computer skills, including BG-Base database management, report writing; knowledge of GIS and CAD preferred. Knowledge of, and experience in, working with California’s native flora. Excellent organizational, interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills; ability to work with staff, students, volunteers and public with tact and courtesy. Volunteering is a wonderful way to explore the many facets of Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden. |