Job Type
Full-time
Description
The Atlanta Botanical Garden seeks a skilled Seed Bank Lab Manager for its Conservation Seed Bank at the Southeastern Center for Conservation (SECC). This role demands a dynamic team member capable of overseeing and advancing the seed bank's strategic operations and programs aimed at the conservation of rare and endangered plant species across the Southeast. The position requires effective collaboration with the Seed Bank Research Scientist, Research and Applied Conservation Directors, VP of Conservation, and the Seed Bank team to refine and achieve program goals and objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Program Development and Management: Lead the planning, development, and implementation of the seed bank's conservation programs to ensure the effective conservation of plant species, focusing on enhancing the survival and restoration of priority plant species.
- Laboratory Management: Oversee Conservation Seed Bank personnel and maintain equipment to conduct viability tests and seed cleaning and storage processes. Ensure excellence in handling rare, imperiled, and key restoration species.
- Data Management: Maintain immaculate records of seed collections, storage conditions, germination rates, and viability tests, adhering to best practices in seed conservation.
- Curation and Reporting: Oversees seed collection, processing, storage, and viability testing, adhering to best practices in seed conservation. Lead the development of species-specific seed bank procedures and optimize laboratory workflows for sample storage and viability tests. Prepare reports and analyses to track program progress and to share findings with stakeholders.
- Funding and Resource Management: Manage budgets, resources, and grants effectively to ensure the sustainability of the program and assist in pulling reports and data together for grant reporting.
- Team Leadership: Manage and mentor a small team of technicians, interns, and volunteers, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment. Ensure personnel are trained in seed collection, storage techniques, and safety protocols.
- Training and Safety Protocols: Conduct training workshops and ensure that all lab staff adhere to best practices in safety and data management.
- Collaboration and Outreach: Support and expand the seed bank's applied initiatives to foster relationships with researchers, conservation organizations, and community stakeholders. Serve as a key liaison between the seed bank and external partners, promoting collaborative conservation efforts.
Requirements
- Required: MSc in ecology, botany, biology, conservation, or a related science field preferred or a BS in ecology, botany, biology, conservation, or a related science field with 3 years of experience in seed banking, seed research, or seed conservation.
- International candidates will be considered; fluent spoken and written English is required, and a work visa is preferred. Fluency in Spanish is a plus.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team and independently. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- A valid Driver's License with a good driving record is required.
- Preferred: Experience with orchids and imperiled plants of the southeastern United States, seed and pollen viability analysis, micropropagation, and statistical software (e.g., R, JMP). Certifications such as SCST, CVT, or RST are highly desirable.
- Strong leadership skills and experience managing teams.
- Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Knowledge of plant taxonomy, seed biology, and conservation strategies.
Physical Requirements- Visual acuity, manual dexterity, and attention to detail are critical. Ability to spend long periods of time in the laboratory performing complex protocols. Ability to take careful notes and improve laboratory organization.
- Some regional and international travel will be required.
- Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lb.
- Must be able to navigate 2 flights of stairs.
What We Offer A dynamic and supportive work environment in a mission-driven organization.
Opportunities for professional development and training in conservation and seed banking.
The chance to make a significant impact on global biodiversity conservation efforts.
These job duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of work for employees in this position, but this is not an exclusive or all-inclusive inventory of all duties required for this position.
It is the policy of the Atlanta Botanical Garden to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.
