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Plant Records Manager Position Type:

Full-time employment, 40 hours per week. Non-exempt under Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

Description:

The Plant Records Manager is responsible for maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of Norfolk Botanical Garden's living plant collections. This role ensures the integrity of the Garden's plant database through diligent accessioning, mapping, labeling, and documentation of plant additions, removals, and movements. As the steward of the Garden's plant records system, the Plant Records Manager collaborates with horticulturists, curators, volunteers, and guest engagement teams to support conservation goals, public education, and professional standards for living collections. The schedule for this position may require some evening, weekend, and holiday work.

Essential Functions:

Maintain the Garden's plant records database (e.g., IrisBG, BG-BASE, or equivalent), including all accessions, deaccessions, taxonomic updates, and garden locations. Collaborate with curators and horticulturists to document new plant acquisitions, removals, and relocations across the property. Ensure all plant labeling is accurate and up to date; coordinate production and installation of labels and signage. Develop and maintain accurate inventories, sales records, signage, and catalog information for all annual plant sales. Assist in the plant selection process, as well as assisting in logistical event planning. Conduct regular inventories and audits of plant collections to verify plant locations and health status. Keep a running list of gardens by inventory priority, and notify VP of Horticulture of any inventory delays. Maintain accurate garden maps with GIS tools or other mapping platforms to reflect current plant placement and collection boundaries. Support grant applications, research efforts, and conservation projects by providing detailed plant collection data and reports. Assist with the development of interpretive materials or plant lists for guest programming, special events, and donor reporting. Collaborate with Education, Outreach, Visitor Services, and Development departments to support tours, classes, publications, and donor engagement. Collaborate and assist Education in the development of programming and schedules for college and high school interns. Participate in plant records meetings, taxonomic updates, and collection planning discussions. Represent NBG at the Plant Collections Committee (PCC) meeting and support Curators in the development of reports pertinent to the PCC. Train staff and interns in plant documentation protocols and database usage. Stay current with best practices in plant records management and contribute to the Garden's compliance with national/international collection standards. Assist with Garden-wide special events and other duties as assigned.

Essential Physical Functions :

Ability to walk the Garden's full property in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, and rain. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. to carry equipment or supplies. Comfortable working both at a desk for extended periods and in the field collecting data.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Botany, Plant Science, GIS, or a related field required. Minimum of 2 years of experience with plant records or botanical garden operations preferred. Proficiency with plant records software (e.g., Iris

BG, BG-BASE

) and Microsoft Office Suite required. Strong working knowledge of botanical nomenclature and plant identification. Familiarity with GIS mapping systems or willingness to learn. Strong attention to detail, data accuracy, and organizational skills. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams. Excellent communication skills and a passion for plant documentation and conservation. Availability to work occasional evenings, weekends, or holidays as needed.

Reports to:

Vice President of Horticulture Rate:

$24.65 an hour

Benefits:

Health insurance including an HSA or copay option (NBG pays 70% of individual premium and 65% of dependent/family premium) 403(b) retirement plan with discretionary 4% match Company sponsored life-insurance coverage. Group rates on voluntary benefits such as dental, supplemental medical expense insurance, FSA, DCA, vision, STD, LTD, accident and critical illness. Paid vacation, sick leave and holidays. Professional development opportunities. Staff discounts on programming & giftshop. NBG logo wear for work provided. EAP services for all employees. This position is represented by International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, AFL-CIO. Equal Employer Opportunity (EEO) statement: NBG is committed to the principles and ideals of equal employment opportunity. It is, and shall continue to be, the policy and practice throughout NBG to foster equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for applicants, employees, and volunteers without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, marital status, disability status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition including lactation, status as a veteran or other protected status, if qualified to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Pay:

$26.65 per hour

Benefits:

403(b) Dental insurance Employee assistance program Employee discount Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Parental leave Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person