Supervisor, Hyperspectral Scanning, Missouri Botanical Garden

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 receive all vaccinations as recommended by your healthcare provider before the 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 the 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:  

• 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.