Summary: Responsible for coordinating the micropropagation of plants destined for the living collection at consistent levels of high quality. Duties directly relate to development and optimization of micropropagation protocols for woody, herbaceous and tropical plants species. Research existing micropropagation methods and modifies as necessary, creates and develops novel methods to increase success. Records all data associated with propagation and cultivation activities in the lab. Maintain living collections of conservation concern in the micropropagation lab, including developing protocols for micropropagation. Ensures living collections development is implemented through legal and ethical plant acquisitions that complies with local, state, and federal quarantine regulations. Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Coordinates care and maintenance of all types of plant material within laboratory setting (including but not limited to; maintaining sterile conditions, monitoring and scouting crops, developing growing media, achieving necessary plant nutrient levels / hormone levels, overseeing and ensuring growing environments are at optimum levels, sowing seeds, sticking cuttings, tissue culture, dividing plants, transplanting and proper acclimation of material from vessel to exposed environment.
- Isolates and maintains fungal strains for micropropagation of terrestrial orchids.
- Engages in approved plant conservation projects collaborating with other Garden divisions / departments involving the micropropagation lab.
- Researches, trials and documents micropropagation protocols to ensure successful production in support of a diverse living collection and conservation horticulture for rare species.
- Develops and maintains day-to-day micropropagation lab facilities; acquires/purchases supplies and materials for plant production.
- Assists Senior Manager Nursery with writing and implementing grants; participates in living collections development, and species level conservation horticulture projects.
- Works with the Senior Manager Nursery by providing supply and equipment inventories of micropropagation laboratory; requests necessary operational supplies in a timely manner.Recruits students, interns and volunteers to help with micropropagation tasks.
- Trains and effectively utilizes assigned staff; provides leadership and direction to volunteers, and students/interns.
- Identifies and implements sustainable practices associated to micropropagation laboratory operations.
- Utilize the Garden's Living Collections Management System to aid in maintaining and developing plant collections.
- Update the Living Collections Management Database when a plant status has changed.
- Maintain highest standards of plant record keeping; ensure that plants are labeled with accession numbers and/or proper labels at all times.
- Complete periodic inventories of the laboratory.
- May be responsible for timely and accurate data entry of plant orders.
- Works within the Living Collections Policy when developing living collections.
- When requested, collects propagation material from the Garden's living collections to ensure survival of accessioned plant material.
- Participates in approved field collection of plant material nationally and internationally; develops professional relationships; observes/consults other botanical institutions and their processes.
- Ability to obtain visas and vaccinations required for travel and fieldwork as defined by requirements of country in which fieldwork is taking place and the CDC.
- Follow and be mindful of all appropriate legal and ethical processes when acquiring plants for the Garden; oblige with national and international permits and regulations including patent laws, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), and Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
- Supports and collaborates with the seed bank with viability testing for species that require micropropagation conditions.
- Ensures that micropropagation laboratory and associated equipment are maintained and functional; referring maintenance issues to direct manager.
- Organizes inventory of lab; requests supplies and equipment for micropropagation lab.
- Maintains appropriate safe storage conditions for all chemicals and biological material used in the lab
- Documents lab operating procedures and ensures all Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are current.
- Maintains a clean and organized work environment; ensure laboratory meets all compliance regulations, certifications, and quality standards; quarantine guidelines are implemented accordingly.
- Conduct tours, lead presentations and answer visitor's questions about the Garden's plant collections and displays.
- At information request, may be responsible for interacting with the media (TV, radio, newspaper, social, etc.), or provide information about work in the micropropagation lab for articles, reports and newsletters.
- Ensure that all applicable safety standards are followed; adapt or modify work methods to reduce hazards; report all accidents, injuries and near-miss accidents immediately.
- Meets expected attendance guidelines.
- Follows and adheres to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines and Department Policies.
- Behaves and communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork, cooperation, and respect within our division and throughout the Garden with all employees, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors and others
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities: While this position does not have the full scope of supervisory responsibilities, proven ability to lead and direct the work of others, including volunteers, students, and interns, is required. Competencies:
- Communication - Listens to others and asks questions for clarification; Writes clearly and presents information accurately; Speaks professionally and responds well to questions; Supports positive visitor relations.
- Collaboration - Demonstrates teamwork and promotes respect in the workplace; Engages in problem solving and group initiatives; Cooperates in implementing procedures and process improvements; Strives for positive visitor experiences.
- Accountability - Demonstrates commitment to responsibilities and adaptable to changes; Effectively prioritizes, troubleshoots and takes appropriate actions; Follows policies and procedures, meets deadlines, quality, and safety standards; Strives to proactively, address visitor and internal colleagues' concerns.
- Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems; Includes supervisor before taking action as necessary; Recommends solutions, demonstrates creativity and resourcefulness; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment in decision making process; Includes appropriate people in making decisions.
- Stewardship - Promotes and adheres to sustainability, safety and security protocols; Fosters a culture of respect, diversity and inclusion; Demonstrates effective and prudent use of Garden resources; Maximizes contributions during work hours.
Qualifications/Experience:
- Minimum of 3-5 years hands on, relevant experience in plant production required.
- Demonstrated experience in micropropagation processes.
- Thorough understanding of micropropagation laboratory mechanical systems.
- Proven knowledge of plant taxonomy and appropriate propagation/cultivation techniques.
- Foundational understanding of developing SOPs in a lab setting.
- Knowledge and application of horticultural practices to include plant height control, day length sensitivity, pest and disease management; ability to apply sound and appropriate solutions.
- Ability to present technical concepts to non-technical functional teams.
- Proven ability to lead and direct the work of others, including but not limited to volunteers and students.
- Demonstrates highest level of professional and ethical conduct; knowledge and understanding of organizational policies, procedures and systems.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively at all levels; must enjoy and feel comfortable interacting and working in close proximity to general public, in a safe and friendly manner, answering questions regarding horticulture inquiries.
- Scheduling flexibility that allows working weekends and holidays for plant maintenance schedules.
- Knowledge of and adherence to all health and safety guidelines.
- The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.
Education:
- B.S. degree in Horticulture, Biology, Botany and/or related field required.
- An equivalent combination of skills, education and experience may be considered.
Computer Skills:
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (i.e., Word, Excel, Outlook) and Google.
- Solid internet research skills.
- Ability to use e-mail to communicate with Garden staff and/or external professional contacts in order to answer questions and service their needs.
Language Skills:
- Ability to communicate effectively in English (verbal and written).
- Ability to read and understand pesticide and chemical labels.
Mathematical Skills:
- Requires ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; calculate percentages and decimals.
Reasoning Ability:
- Requires ability to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to problem resolution.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
- Ability to possess and maintain valid drivers and pesticide applicator licenses.
Physical Demands:
- Ability to lift and carry up to 20 lbs. (i.e., load, unload and move lab supplies and vessels)
- Requires standing, walking, bending, stooping and reaching for extended periods of time-- 50% or more of the workday is standing on feet.
- Ability to transport cumbersome potted plants and trays of varying weights.
- Ability to safely navigate around laboratory equipment and narrow aisles of grow rooms.
- May be required to perform tasks at varying heights (i.e. climb ladders).
- Must be able to sit at a lab bench, desk, or flowhood for extended periods of time.
- Ability to conduct plant collections from Garden grounds and/or in field work. Hiking for 5-10 miles per day, carrying necessary tools and supplies in a wide range of climate/weather conditions.
- Ability to wear Garden-issued Personal Protective Equipment.
- Ability to utilize computer keyboard (typing).
Work Environment:
- Ability to work in all weather conditions (i.e., humid conditions, temperatures over 100F as well as temperatures below 0F, in rain, snow and other inclement weather conditions as needed); pertains to collecting material from Garden grounds or in the field.
- 90% or more of the workday is in a laboratory setting while standing on feet or sitting for long periods of time.
- Comfortable working in immediate proximity to general public, in a safe and friendly manner, answering general questions regarding the Garden's operations, events, facilities, etc.
Contacts with Individuals/Organizations inside/outside the Garden:
- Representatives from professional organizations
- Researchers
- Garden employees, volunteers, guests
- Interns
- Occasional tour groups
- Media
Supervisor (title not person):
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Missouri Botanical Garden
Nov 06, 2024