"John J. Willaman & Martha Haas Valentine Curatorial Assistant, Morris Arboretum"

Job Details

University Overview
The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.
Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

Posted Job Title
John J. Willaman & Martha Haas Valentine Curatorial Assistant, Morris Arboretum

Job Profile Title
Research Administrative Assistant

Job Description Summary
The John J. Willaman & Martha Haas Valentine Curatorial Assistant provides essential support to the curatorial staff in the documentation and management of the living plant collections, as well as in facilitating scholarly and public use of these resources. Primary responsibilities include annual inventory of the collections, accessioning and deaccessioning, plant health assessments, mapping, and labeling. The position also entails data entry and management within the collections database, along with the preparation of maps and interpretive materials for researchers and visitors.
Training will be provided in the use of the institution’s collections management software and GIS applications. Candidates are expected to demonstrate strong woody plant identification skills and a working knowledge of database systems.

Job Description

Responsibilities

• Work with curatorial staff to document, evaluate and inventory living collections.
• Create and distribute plant labels.
• Perform database entry and GIS mapping.
• Assist research staff and visiting researchers.
• Create/update/place interpretive materials related to the living collections.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School Grad/GE Degree and 3-5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience required; bachelor's degree strongly preferred.
• Must have excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Knowledge of typical office computer programs including Excel, file sharing programs, GIS and relational databases, preferred.

About Morris Arboretum
The Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania inspires an understanding of the relationship between plants, people and place through education, research and horticultural display. Located in the Northwest section of the city, the Morris Arboretum is a destination for plant lovers from Philadelphia and beyond. The home to a collection of more than 13,000 woody plants and host to special and educational events: the Morris Arboretum is a hub for botany, horticulture and urban forestry and is a special part of Penn.

Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School
Morris Arboretum

Pay Range
$17.07 - $19.50 Hourly Rate

Equal Opportunity Statement
The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements
Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.