Plant Records Associate
Job Description
Job DescriptionORGANIZATION:
Mount Auburn Cemetery comprises 175 acres and is situated in Watertown and Cambridge near Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 1831, and visited by over 200,000 people each year, Mount Auburn is a National Historic Landmark, recognized as the first “rural cemetery” and the inspiration for the American Parks Movement during the 19th century. As an active cemetery, Mount Auburn inspires all who visit, comforts the bereaved, and commemorates the dead in a landscape of exceptional beauty. As an accredited arboretum, Mount Auburn features 5,000 trees and more than 20,000 plants/plant masses overall.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Plant Collections Department manages the mapping, labelling, and general record keeping of over 19,500 plants/massed plantings in an accredited Level III arboretum. We use BG-BASE as our botanical garden database and ESRI ArcGIS software to manage our maps. The Plant Records Associate assists in the processing of data related to plant acquisitions, removals and plantings. They also will perform field work to confirm planting status, update tree measurements and collect any additional data required. A data-heavy position, there is approximately a 60% field / 40% office work split. Some on-the-job training will be provided. This is a great opportunity for someone interested in a career in botanic gardens curation.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Use BG-BASE and ESRI ArcGIS software to maintain plant collections records
- Process records of plant acquisitions (nursery orders, donations, exchanges) and plant removals in BG-BASE
- Map new plantings and update existing records in ESRI Field Maps and desktop ArcGIS
- Perform field checks on the status of existing plantings, verifying locations and condition, and updating measurements as needed.
- Operate a laser engraver, embosser, and related software to produce display labels and accession tags
- Perform hardware checks and maintenance on tree display labels, including installation of memorial plaques
- Assist with the creation of summaries and reports on the plant records as needed
- Conduct photography as needed for uploading to Flora Mount Auburn, our web-based plant locator application.
- May be required to perform other duties as requested by the Plant Records Manager or the Horticultural Curator.
As with all Cemetery staff, assist with any cemetery business including special meetings, conferences, Friends events and public programs as needed.
Demonstrate responsible stewardship for the environment when planning and implementing all duties incorporated in job description.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- A strong background (academic or professional) in horticulture and the ability to identify plants to the genus level at a minimum, especially for shrubs and herbaceous perennials.
- Experience working with ArcGIS desktop and field apps
- Ability to learn the operation of various label making equipment and software
- Ability to use a power drill and other handheld tools such as pliers, wire cutters, chisel and hammer
- Strong respect for and ability to ensure data integrity
- Ability to communicate successfully with staff, volunteers, and the general public.
- Must possess a valid Driver’s License
REQUIRED PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Ability to bend, walk and/or stand for long periods of time
- Ability to carry mapping and hardware maintenance equipment (up to 30 pounds)
- Ability to work outdoors in any weather conditions
- A strong background (academic or professional) in horticulture and the ability to identify plants to the genus level at a minimum, especially for shrubs and herbaceous perennials.
- Experience working with ArcGIS desktop and field apps
- Ability to learn the operation of various label making equipment and software
- Ability to use a power drill and other handheld tools such as pliers, wire cutters, chisel and hammer
- Strong respect for and ability to ensure data integrity
- Ability to communicate successfully with staff, volunteers, and the general public.
- Must possess a valid Driver’s License
REQUIRED PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Ability to bend, walk and/or stand for long periods of time
- Ability to carry mapping and hardware maintenance equipment (up to 30 pounds)
- Ability to work outdoors in any weather conditions
Mount Auburn Cemetery is an equal-opportunity employer. It does not discriminate in employment opportunities on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, gender, national origin, age, pregnancy, citizenship status, physical or mental ability, military status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law.
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