Associate Curator
(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities
Compensation: $56,000-$60,000
Responsible for assisting Horticulture curators and managers with the development and curation of the living collections and seasonal displays, including researching plant names and writing plant descriptions, entering data into collection management software, preforming field checks and inventories, sourcing and ordering plants, and mapping plants. The Associate Curator, in collaboration with curators, undertakes in-depth collections evaluation and documentation projects. These projects focus on specific taxonomic or functional plant groups and include detailed inventory and assessment, archival research, photographic documentation, mapping assistance, and the development of public information including interpretation, social media content, articles, and presentations.
Additionally, this position supports, through actions and conduct, NYBG’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility initiatives and helps to build and maintain an inclusive organizational culture throughout the institution.
Responsibilities/Duties
- Assists curators in inventorying and assessing the living collections, as well as monitoring them for pests and diseases
- Assists with collection data entry into BG-Base and other collection management software
- Evaluates and documents living collections by researching, monitoring, inventorying, assessing, and photographing multiple taxonomic or functional plant groups in coordination with the curatorial team
- Assists in on-going content development for PlantTracker, including plant nomenclature, photo documentation, and detailed descriptions
- Maps the living collections
- Coordinates with and accompanies researchers conducting Living Collection research, including on and off-site collection
- Assists curators in plant sourcing, ordering, and delivery scheduling
- Assists horticulture team with annual fundraising events such as the Plant Sales and Orchid Dinner
- Assists curatorial, public engagement, and creative services teams with preparation of selection publications, profiles, web and social media content, and printed materials regarding living collections
- Assists curators, along with education staff and visitors’ services staff, in promoting the collections through public and student offerings
- Assists Horticulture staff with phenology data collection and reporting, along with phenology volunteer coordination
- Participates in collection trips and researches propagation requirements of collected material
- Other work as required
Qualifications/Requirements
- A Bachelor’s degree in horticulture or related field
- At least 3 years of experience working in a public garden or other institution with documented plant collections
- A demonstrated knowledge of temperate-zone herbaceous and woody plants, along with a familiarity with glasshouse plants
- Excellent research skills
- Excellent data entry skills
- Excellent computer skills; familiarity with Excel, GIS, and ESRI products preferred
- Excellent communication abilities, including speaking, writing, and presentation skills
- Valid Driver’s License or the ability to obtain within 6 months of hire
Contact Information
New York Botanical Garden
Contact Name: Kelly Coale
Website: Apply Online