What are the responsibilities and job description for the Conservation Technician position at San Antonio Botanical Garden?
Position Description: ABOUT THE SAN ANTONIO BOTANICAL GARDEN
For over 45 years, the San Antonio Botanical Garden (SABG) has been enriching lives through plants and nature. The Garden is a world class garden recognized for outstanding horticulture displays, botanical diversity, education, conservation, and experiences that connect people to the natural world. The San Antonio Botanical Garden embraces the sense of place that makes San Antonio unique and features over thirty-eight acres of nature space located deep in the heart of San Antonio, has welcomed more than 400,000 visitors, and has over 13,000 member households. For more information, visit www.sabot.org
Position Summary
The San Antonio Botanical Garden seeks a detail-oriented and motivated Full-Time Conservation Technician to support the Conservation & Collections team. This role focuses on plant collections data entry and management within IrisBG, the Garden’s plant collections database, as well as seed cleaning and processing for the Garden’s seed bank. The technician will ensure accuracy and consistency of accession records, print and install plant tags, process seed collections for long-term conservation, and assist with plant propagation and care in greenhouses, nurseries, and conservation gardens. Additionally, the technician is expected to work closely with volunteers at least once a week and should be comfortable leading them through their assigned tasks for the day. This is a hands-on position ideal for individuals passionate about plant conservation, botanic garden operations, and plant data management.
Primary Responsibilities
- 40% – Data Entry & Accessioning: Accurately enter, review, and update plant accession records in IrisBG, ensuring consistency and data integrity. Print, label, and affix accession tags and plant signage; maintain tagging supplies and documentation. Assist with inventory audits, mapping updates, and photo documentation of plants.
- 40% – Seed Cleaning & Processing: Clean, prepare, and process wild-collected seeds for the seed bank according to established protocols. Track seed accessions in IrisBG and associated databases. Maintain records of seed cleaning and storage.
- 10% – Propagation & Plant Care: Assist with plant propagation, including sowing, transplanting, and monitoring seedling health. Help with routine care of plants in greenhouses, nurseries, and the Rare and Endangered Garden, including watering, weeding, and pest monitoring.
- 10% – Field Work & Support: Participate in field or garden-based data collection projects and assist conservation staff with field seed collections and other projects, as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Garden’s conservation mission.
Qualifications
- Coursework or degree in horticulture, botany, plant science, conservation biology, or related field preferred.
- Strong computer skills, with experience in data entry or database systems; prior exposure to IrisBG is a plus.
- High attention to detail and accuracy, especially with plant nomenclature and accession information.
- Familiarity with botanic garden practices, plant labeling systems, and plant care fundamentals.
- Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in variable conditions, with physical activity including lifting, bending, and walking.
- Strong organizational skills, self-motivation, and ability to work independently or in a team.
- Basic knowledge of botany, plant taxonomy, and plant propagation.
- Must be able to pass a criminal background check.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge or previous work experience working with computer databases, Excel, mapping programs, and other programs in the Microsoft Office Suite
- Ability to work with staff, volunteers, and the general public.
- Written and verbal communication skills
- Good organizational skills, strong attention to detail
- Ability to work unsupervised
- Initiative and follow-through, ability to multi-task, set priorities and maintain positive attitude.
Confidentiality
- The Conservation Technician may occasionally be privy to confidential information, and must ensure that information is dealt with in the strictest of confidence and discretion.
Physical Requirements
- Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs, bend, kneel, and squat.
- Must be able to remain seated for long periods of time while conducting data entry
- Must be able to work outdoors, occasionally offsite, in varied Central and South Texas weather conditions.
Mental Requirements
- Position requires the ability to work under pressure and maintain a positive and professional manner while providing excellent customer service and managing staff and volunteers.
Working Conditions
- Work is mostly performed indoors, often sitting for long periods of time.
- Occasional outdoor work, or in greenhouses, in varied weather conditions.
- Expected to perform under minimum supervision and act independently within the scope of normal duties and responsibilities. Difficult or unique situations are referred to the supervisor.
Schedule and Compensation
Full-time: 40 hours/week; flexible scheduling within weekday or occasional weekend hours.
Compensation: Hourly wage or salary commensurate with experience.