Intern, Science and Conservation

The Missouri Botanical Garden is seeking a part-time Intern for a temporary 12-week position focused on transcribing and digitizing herbarium specimens. Responsibilities include imaging specimens, transcribing data, conducting quality control, and collaborating with staff. Ideal candidates should be detail-oriented, motivated, and passionate about biodiversity. The role emphasizes teamwork, communication, and adherence to safety standards. This position does not involve supervisory responsibilities.
Summary: This position is for a Part-time Intern temporary position working 12 weeks to transcribe specimens.

As a part-time Intern staff member you will image and database specimens in the Herbarium as part of a project to digitize approximately 600,000 collections from Asia 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:
• Pulls, 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.
• 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 the highest standards in image and data quality.
• Works with the Imaging Lab Coordinator and the grant PI to develop and test workflows to optimize digitization efficiency.
• 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.
• 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 does not have supervisory responsibilities.

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 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. Ability to read cursive writing a must.
• Must be punctual, dependable, self-starter, and possess the ability to effectively multi-task 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). Ability to read Spanish, French, or Portuguese a plus.

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 sit or stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to utilize computer keyboard (typing) and sit for extended periods of the work day.
• Operates computer and photography rigs.

Work Environment:
• Indoor office setting, shared by other employees.

Contacts with Individuals/Organizations inside/outside the Garden:
• Other Garden employees
• Volunteers.

Supervisor: