Data Processor, Africa & Madagascar

Summary: This position is for a full-time staff member to database and occasionally image specimens in the herbarium as part of a project to digitize the almost 600,000 collections from Tropical Africa housed at the Missouri Botanical Garden. The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated worker who is passionate about biodiversity and eager to work alongside a dedicated team in one of the world’s largest and most active herbaria. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and excellent time management are essential to this role.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Transcribes label data from specimen images using Tropicos®, the Missouri Botanical Garden’s global database of plant names, specimens, and publications.
• Engages in careful and efficient quality control checks to ensure that the highest standards in data and image quality are maintained.
• Works with the Imaging Lab Coordinator and the grant PI to develop and test workflows to optimize digitization efficiency.
• Occasionally barcodes and images specimens in coordination with other herbarium and research staff to ensure timely completion of grant deliverables with minimum interruption to other herbarium activities.
• Collaborates with data processors working on other projects to identify digitization obstacles and suggest creative solutions.
• Ensures that all applicable safety standards are followed to reduce hazards. Reports all accidents, injuries, and near-miss accidents immediately.
• Follows and adheres to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines and Department Policies.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Behaves and communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork and cooperation, within our division and throughout the Garden, with co-workers, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors, and other employees.
  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

Core Competencies

• Communication: Combines listening skills, verbal and written communication skills and visitor relation skills.
• Collaboration: Incorporates teamwork, mutual respect, active engagement, cooperation and visitor focus.
• Accountability: Initiative to take ownership of responsibilities, the ability to prioritize and the working knowledge and skills to take action.
• Problem Solving: Blends problem solving skills, judgement and decision making skills along with creativity and resourcefulness.
• Stewardship: Merges the practical application of the Garden values and support for a positive organizational climate.
  
  

Qualifications/Experience:

• Minimum one to three years’ related experience in general data entry. Herbarium or scientific data entry experience preferred. Knowledge of botany is a plus.
• Excellent typing skills and data entry skills; knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite. Ability to read cursive writing a must.
• Must be punctual, dependable, a self-starter, and possess the ability to multi-task effectively and work under minimal supervision.
• Ability to read and comprehend instructions and information to effectively execute and achieve results.
• The Garden is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our employees, volunteers and guests. All staff are strongly encouraged to receive all vaccinations as recommended by your healthcare provider prior to hire date. The Garden reserves the right to require future proof of current vaccination status, based on local health department guidelines. When international travel is necessary for Garden business, staff must be able to obtain required travel clearances, driving permits, and vaccinations for all countries where travel is required.
• The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.
  
  

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• An equivalent combination of education, skills and experience may be considered.
  
  

Language Skills: Ability to communicate effectively in English (oral/written).

Mathematical Skills: High school basic math aptitude; requires ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; calculate percentages and decimals; etc.

Reasoning Ability: Requires ability to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to problem resolution.

Computer Skills:

• Ability to operate personal computer and use software.
• Advanced proficiency using Microsoft Office Word and Excel programs required; strong working knowledge of Outlook features required.
• Solid Internet research skills.
• Ability to use e-mail to communicate with Garden staff in order to answer questions and service their needs.
  
  

Physical Demands:

• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to sit for long periods of time.
• Ability to utilize computer keyboard (typing) and sit for extended periods of the work day.
• Operates copier, printer, fax, and computer.
  
  

Work Environment:

• Indoor office setting, shared by other employees.
  
  

Contacts with Individuals/Organizations inside/outside the Garden:

• Other Garden employees, volunteers.
  
  

Supervisor: Director Africa and Madagascar