Supervisor, Hyperspectral Scanning

Summary: This multi-year position depends on restricted funding and project duration and will supervise hyperspectral scanning in the Missouri Botanical Garden Herbarium. With nearly 8 million specimens of preserved plants, the MBG Herbarium is one of the world's largest and most active research collections. It serves as a core resource for the Garden's Science and Conservation Division. The successful candidate for this position will join a dedicated team of scientists and support staff in the Herbarium to produce high-quality hyperspectral scans that will be used for botanical research. This role requires excellent time management and interpersonal skills, a thoughtful and collaborative approach to problem-solving, and a deep passion for plants. Core duties include supervising the day-to-day work of hyperspectral digitization technicians, data quality assurance (QA), troubleshooting technical and workflow issues, communicating with a variety of project stakeholders within the Garden, and helping the Curator of Biodiversity Data to ensure project goals are met while maintaining high-quality standards. A portion of the successful candidate's time will also be allocated to scanning specimens for hyperspectral data.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead a team of technical staff, interns, and volunteers in various hyperspectral scanning projects.

• Implements and improves scanning workflow and ensures quality standards are maintained and progress goals are met.

• Oversees proper functioning of spectroradiometers, including the coordination of annual and as-needed maintenance.

• Troubleshoots equipment-related problems, with help from the IT department.

• Communicates results, progress, and challenges with the Project Manager in a timely and professional manner.

• Takes hyperspectral scans of Herbarium specimens.

• Documents all procedures and tracks scanning productivity through appropriate metrics.

• Recruits, trains, and evaluates hyperspectral scanning staff.

• Ensures all applicable safety standards are followed; informs employees/students/volunteers of safety guidelines, and methods 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 the Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines, and Department Policies.

• 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 employees.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position serves as the primary supervisor for five or more full-time hyperspectral and visual trait digitization technicians and may also supervise student interns and volunteers as needed.

Core 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 adaptability to changes; Effectively prioritizes, troubleshoots 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 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.
• Leadership- Incorporates a cluster of knowledge, skills, and abilities required for management of people, budgets, and assigned business functions/operations

Qualifications/Experience:

• Minimum of two (2) years experience leading and directing the work of others.

• Advanced knowledge of digital data storage, including metadata capture and archival file storage, is required.

• Three to five years related experience in digitization, preferably in the context of herbaria, preferred.

• Proficiency in learning how to work with technical equipment required.

• Computer hardware and software proficiency required (see Computer Skills section below).

• Exceptional demonstrated project management, organizational, time management, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills.

• Knowledge of botanical terminology is a plus.

• Scheduling flexibility is required to work evenings, weekends, or holidays.

• The Garden is committed to the safety and well-being of our employees, volunteers, and guests. All staff are strongly encouraged to receiveall vaccinationsas recommended by your healthcareprovider before the hire date.The Garden reserves the right to require future proof of current vaccination status, based onlocalhealth department guidelines. When international travel is necessary for the Garden business, staff must be able to obtainrequired travel clearances, driving permits, andvaccinationsfor 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:

• A Bachelor's degree, ideally in a field relevant to botany, digitization, or management, is required.
• An equivalent combination of education, skills, and experience may be considered.

Language Skills: Ability to communicate effectively in English (oral/written)required. Knowledge of additional languages, especially Spanish, French, and Mandarin Chinese, is desired.

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

Computer Skills:

• Proficiency using Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, required.

• Solid Internet research skills.

• Ability to learn DARW in SP Data Acquisition software required.

• Must understand computer operating systems to troubleshoot hardware and software issues.
• Familiarity with project management software is strongly desired.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to utilize a computer keyboard (typing) and sit for extended periods of the workday.

• Ability to lift 35 lbs. and over.

• Requires clarity of vision at 20 inches or less with the ability to bring objects into sharp focus.

• Requires clarity of vision to accurately clarify colors.

• Actively works hands-on with scanning and computer equipment.
• May be required to perform tasks at varying heights (i.e., climb ladders, step stools, etc.)

Work Environment:

• Quiet indoor office setting; shared workspace, office environment with multiple staff within the department.
• Possible travel to professional meetings.

Contacts with Individuals/Organizations inside/outside the Garden:

• Garden employees and volunteers.

• External digitization consultants
• Peer institutions and collaborators

Supervisor: Curator of Biodiversity Data