Herbarium Curator (Finance)
Dept Number/Name: 0-4001-000 / USF Libraries
College Division: Acad Affairs-Tampa Library
Salary Plan: Faculty
Job Code/Title: 9152 / Assistant Curator
Hiring Salary/Salary Range: $65,000 - $80,000
Position Number: 00056851
We are not able to sponsor visas for applicants - Applicants must be eligible to work in the US without such sponsorship
ORGANIZATIONAL SUMMARY:
The USF Libraries serve the University of South Florida, with campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota-Manatee. In 1960, USF's founding president, John Allen, referred to the library as "the heart of the University", and we pride ourselves on continuing to be at the center of a highly engaged university community today. Our collective mission is to inspire research, creativity, and learning, partnering with students and globally recognized faculty to produce meaningful, impactful research. Together, we aim to provide the freedom and resources to create a vision for the future.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The University of South Florida (USF) Libraries seeks a passionate, team-oriented professional to serve as Curator of the USF Herbarium. The Herbarium was established in 1958 and contains more than 270,000 specimens of vascular plants, algae, bryophytes, and lichens in addition to more than 10,000 books and related resources. In 2024, the USF Libraries special Collections department assumed management of the collection and designated the Herbarium as an area of strategic emphasis to complement the existing Florida Environment & Natural History Collections initiative. The Curator will lead the growth and management of the USF Herbarium, collaborate with faculty and student researchers, and ensure appropriate use and access by developing procedures, guidelines, and assessment plans. Under the direction of the Director, Special Collections, the successful candidate will engage in enhancement and promotion of the USF Herbarium through outreach, instruction, exhibition, research and publication, and the application of innovative technologies. A dedicated professional with experience acquiring, using, and/or promoting biological collections will lead this area of strategic emphasis by collaborating with and supervising personnel on the Tampa campus and collaborating with key faculty and librarians across the Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota-Manatee campuses. Candidates invested in the success of advancing research and curricular use of the USF Herbarium are highly sought. This is a 12-month non-tenured faculty position on a promotion track with ranks of Assistant, Associate, or Full Curator.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Collection Curation & Management
Oversee the organization, accessioning, validation, cataloguing, display, digitization, and preservation of plant specimens.
Work with collaborators at the USF Water Institute and USF Libraries to support updates to species records and taxonomy within the Florida Plant Atlas.
Direct staff, student assistants, interns and/or volunteers engaged in the organization, description, preservation, and digitization of plant specimens.
Identify gaps in the herbarium collection and develop strategies for targeted acquisition and accessioning.
Cultivate relationships with botanical institutions, researchers, and collectors to facilitate specimen exchange and acquisition.
Evaluate incoming donations and acquisitions for scientific and educational value, adhering to collection policies and guidelines.
Conduct regular assessments of the USF Herbarium's operations, procedures, and collections, including reports on activities relative to the collection
Research & Outreach
Maintain an active research program utilizing the collection and contribute to scholarly publications.
Participate in service relevant to the Curator's expertise and research interests.
Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders on research projects, exhibitions, and educational programs.
Pursue external funding to support the development of the USF Herbarium.
Provide support and expertise to visitors, students, and researchers utilizing the herbarium collection.
Contribute to public outreach efforts through lectures, workshops, and public engagement activities.
Performs other duties as assigned
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:
MINIMUM:
PhD in Botany, Ecology, or a related field.
Two years of curatorial, research, or academic experience with responsibility for at
least one of the following: managing, maintaining, or facilitating access to either specimens or research collections; managing grant-funded projects focused on specimens or related research collections; lecturing.
Proficiency in botanical taxonomy, nomenclature, and identification.
Demonstrated ability to oversee and coordinate projects and personnel in a collaborative team environment.
Evidence of professional growth through publication, association activities, and/or other contributions to the field.
PREFERRED:
Specialization in Florida plants and ecosystems as well as plant systematics and taxonomy (Angiosperm specimens make up the majority of the current collection).
Strong commitment to interdisciplinary education, research, and outreach bridging research in botany, biodiversity, and health.
Demonstrated record of innovation in developing, implementing, or promoting library or museum collections and services.
Experience with physical and digital archives or specialized research collections.
Ability to build and maintain a positive workplace culture, fostering and contributing to a collegial and hospitable working environment.
Experience working with donors.
Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
SPECIAL SKILLS/TRAINING:
PhD in Botany, Ecology, or a related field. Two years of curatorial, research, or academic experience
USF Tampa
Information for Applicants
This position is subject to a Level 1 criminal background check.
Job Opening Number: 38808
Posting Date: 02/19/2025
Posting End Date: 04/25/2025
How To Apply
Click on the Apply Now button. When applying to an opening you will have the opportunity to upload a cover letter and resume.
Apply online by completing the required information and attaching your cover letter and resume. Please include your experience as it relates to the qualifications stated above. YOUR COVER LETTER AND RESUME, PLUS ANY OTHER REQUESTED MATERIAL, MUST BE IN ONE ATTACHMENT. Only online applications are accepted for this position.
Click here for additional tutorial information.
To request an accommodation with the application or interview process, please contact Central Human Resources by telephone: 813-974-2970 or email HR-ADA-Request@usf.edu .
Equal Employment Opportunity
USF is an equal opportunity, equal access academic institution that embraces diversity in the workplace.
The University of South Florida does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sexual harassment. Any person may report sex discrimination, including sexual harassment (whether or not the person reporting is the person alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute sex discrimination or sexual harassment), in person, by mail, by telephone, or by electronic mail, using the contact information listed for the Title IX Coordinator. Reports may be made at any time either online or directly to the University's Title IX Coordinator.
USF's Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Statement .
Federal Rights
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) , Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) .
Work Location
Campus map and location overview: USF - Tampa Campus
About USF
The University of South Florida is a high-impact global research university dedicated to student success. Over the past 10 years, no other public university in the country has risen faster in U.S. News and World Report's national university rankings than USF. Serving more than 50,000 students on campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee, USF is designated as a Preeminent State Research University by the Florida Board of Governors, placing it in the most elite category among the state's 12 public universities. USF is a member of the American Athletic Conference.
Working at USF
With more than 16,000 employees at USF, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay region. At USF you will find opportunities to excel in a rich academic environment that fosters the development and advancement of our employees. We believe in creating a talented, engaged and driven workforce through on-going development and career opportunities. We also offer a first class benefit package that includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, tuition program and generous leave programs and more.
To learn more about working at USF please visit: Work Here. Learn Here. Grow Here .
Connect with us:
