Herbarium Collections Manager

Why Work at BYU   

As the flagship higher education institution of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Brigham Young University (BYU) strives to be among the exceptional universities in the world. At BYU, we are devoted to our faith and to our students. We take an active role in the University's Mission: "To assist individuals in their quest for perfection and eternal life.” 

Our unique mission, deeply rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, provides countless ways to serve and make an impact. This, along with our remarkable culture of belonging, weekly devotionals, and endless opportunities for learning and growth—all situated within a beautiful and historic campus—make it hard to imagine a more inspiring place to work. 

Brigham Young University strongly prefers to hire faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Job Description

Herbarium Collections Manager

The Bean Life Science Museum at Brigham Young University seeks a Collections Manager for the BYU Vascular Plant Herbarium.  The Herbarium consists of 600,000 curated specimens which are used for 1) education of undergraduate and graduate-level students at BYU and neighboring institutions; 2) innovative research in plant conservation, taxonomy, systematics, natural history, morphology, ecology, and evolution; and 3) as a voucher repository for current research and future generations. The position’s primary responsibilities are to actively manage the day-to-day operations of the Herbarium, provide meaningful mentored learning experiences to BYU undergraduates, and preserve/enhance the scientific value of this critical resource.

What you’ll do in this position:

• Oversee daily herbarium operations, including specimen mounting, cataloging, curation, acquisitions, exchanges, loans, policy updates, record keeping, supply management, visitor assistance, and outreach.

• Recruit, train, supervise, and mentor student workers; provide meaningful mentored learning; supervise affiliate faculty and emeritus curator volunteers.

• Maintain proficiency in managing digital herbarium resources, including specimen databases and management systems.

• Conduct independent and collaborative collection‑based research to support collection development.

• Pursue external funding and conduct fieldwork to advance collection development.

• Build and maintain relationships with faculty, agencies (BLM, NPS, NFS), conservation programs, and other stakeholders to enhance collection use and visibility.

• Participate in ongoing professional development to remain current with herbarium best practices.

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What qualifies you for this role:

Required

• A firm commitment to the mission of BYU. 
• A Ph.D. in Botany, Biology, or related field involving botanical specimen-based research.
• A working knowledge of basic plant taxonomy, contemporary systematics, and the ability to identify a large range of plant groups.
• Experience using diagnostic tools to authoritatively identify plant specimens.
• Working knowledge of plant curation methods and best practices.
• Organizational skills, attention to detail, prioritization of competing needs.

Preferred

• Postdoctoral experience.
• Curatorial experience; familiarity with contemporary plant specimen curation methods, community standards and best practices, protocols, contemporary issues.
• Understanding of data management systems, practices, data aggregators/providers.
• Vision for maintaining and enhancing the herbarium’s physical facilities, specimen holdings, online presence, and the herbarium’s standing in the botanical community.
• Hands-on curation experience using collection management best practices.
• Computer skills related to specimen digitization and data management.
• A track record of effective student mentorship and personnel oversight/management.
• Interpersonal skills, ability to communicate/work with agencies and patrons, understanding permitting needs and processes.
• A track record of securing funding for research utilizing natural history collections and/or funding for herbarium-related activities/curation enhancement.
• Publication record that demonstrates proficiency in plant taxonomy, collections-based research, or related disciplines.

Application Deadline: Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 12 AM

Required Documentation - To be considered, your application must include the following materials:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Letter of Recommendation

What we offer in return:

In addition to our competitive pay structure, this position comes with fantastic benefits, including:

• 401k. BYU automatically contributes 8% at no cost to you. Additionally, if you contribute 5%, BYU adds an additional 4% (Rehires may qualify for different retirement plans)
• Excellent work-life balance: 13 paid holidays + 22 days paid vacation + 12 sick days, accrued annually
• Employee assistance program, available to the employee and all members of their household
• Tuition benefits for employees and eligible family members
• Access to athletic facilities
• Excellent medical/dental benefits
• Short/long-term disability benefits
• Paid parental and maternity leave
• Wellness Program
• Free on-campus parking
• Free UTA passes for employees, spouses, and qualified dependents
• Discounts at the BYU Store and for many events at BYU

Pay Grade: 53

Typical Starting Pay: $73,000.00 to $95,000.00

Required Documents:

All Staff positions require a resume.

Refer to the Job Posting for any additional required documents.

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints must hold and be worthy to hold a current temple recommend.

Brigham Young University is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.

Brigham Young University (BYU) is widely recognized not just for its world-class education, but for its deep commitment to inspired religious values. Gathered together in a Christ-centered atmosphere, BYU employees are a vital part of a community of belonging, where we value the experiences, perspectives, and talents of each individual. If you share in our devotion to faith and to excellence, we have a place for you here at BYU!