Natural History Wanderings

SANTA BARBARA BOTANIC GARDEN POSITION DESCRIPTION: Laboratory Technician

The Laboratory Technician assists with a wide range of lab and office work supporting the inventory, conservation, and restoration of California’s flora and ecological communities. Occasional field work may also be required. This full-time (40 hours per week), non-exempt position reports to the Conservation Geneticist.

Essential Duties:

• Perform routine molecular genetics lab work, including: o DNAextraction
  o DNAquantitation
  o Gelelectrophoresis

  o PCR

  o Assistwithadditionallaboratorytasksasassigned(includinghigh-throughputlibrarypreparations)

• Prepare, database, and help maintain dried plant tissues for SBBG tissue bank;

  o Coordinatewithcollectorstoobtainnecessarymeta-datawhenaccessionsaremadebySBBGcollectors;

• Enter data, and maintain SBBG DNA database;
• Upload genetic data to publicly available databases (GenBank, BOLD);
• Assist with analyses and report preparation;
• Assist and manage volunteers as needed;

  Knowledge and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of basic molecular genetic techniques;
• Experience with and knowledge of basic taxonomic principles in botany;
• Knowledge of and experience with the California flora (preferred, not required);
• Ability to follow instructions, work successfully with others, and work independently with minimal

  supervision;

• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills;
• Manual dexterity sufficient to preform laboratory work and prepare plant tissue specimens;
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines;
• Computer proficiency including ability to use Microsoft Access, Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, and

  ability to learn new computer programs as necessary including Geneious, BOLDsystems;

• Willingness and ability to work cooperatively with peers at SBBG and other institutions;
• Support for the Garden’s mission and goals.

  Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in biology, ecology, botany, environmental science, conservation biology, or closely related area;
• Master’s degree (preferred, not required) or two or more full- time years (or equivalent) of relevant experience.

Certificates and Licenses:

• Must have valid California Driver License and maintain an acceptable driving record.

Physical Requirements:

Must be capable of occasional strenuous physical work including:

• Sitting for up to 2.0 hours at a time and using computer for lengthy periods
• Standing/walking for extended periods of time
• Bending, squatting, and walking stairs
• Safely lifting and carrying 40 lbs.

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• Rigors of an outdoor work environment, including temperature fluctuations, rain, dust, allergens, poison oak, insects, wild animals, steep slopes, and sun exposure.

Est. 2015-06