Plant Recorder

About the role

Natural Lands is a non-profit organization that saves open space, cares for nature, and connects people to the outdoors in eastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey. Stoneleigh: a natural garden is a 42-acre former private estate in Villanova, PA, that opened as the Philadelphia area’s newest public garden in May 2018. The Plant Recorder’s primary role is to maintain and update all plant collection information, including the plant records database, and support Stoneleigh's continued development.

This is a part-time, on-site position requiring approximately 22.5 hours per week across three workdays. The selected candidate may choose the three days that best fit their schedule, Monday through Friday.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate plant records in the IrisBG database by entering new accessions, de-accessions, notes, images, sources, and other data updates.
• Perform plant inventories in conjunction with Horticulture staff.
• Create all necessary display labels and accession tags for plants in the collection and assist with their installation.
• Serve as the organizational resource for providing information on the living collections by offering training, instruction, updates, and reports.
• Research and verify plant names.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date digital bed maps in collaboration with Horticulture staff as new garden areas are developed.
• Remain current on all new technology and software relating to plant records management.
• Source, procure, and purchase office supplies, hardware, software, and other materials and equipment (with managerial approval).
• Work with contractors, consultants, volunteers, and seasonal staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Must have an interest in horticulture, botany, or taxonomy.
• Experience in information management or database management preferred.
• Passion for ecological horticulture and native plants is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Highly motivated, responsible, reliable, and dependable.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Must carry out tasks in a professional manner and have an aptitude for injecting positive energy and good humor into the workday.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Must have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and a good driving record.
• Successfully pass a background check.
• Must be able to walk, stand, bend, and squat on uneven terrain; lift and carry up to 40 pounds; and push up to 50 pounds.
• Work is primarily indoors, but candidate must be prepared to work outdoors under all conditions, including heat, cold, and occasional exposure to poison ivy, biting, and stinging insects.
• Must be available to work weekends on a rotational basis as well as some evenings and holidays.