TITLE: Plant Conservation Genetics Technician
DEPARTMENT: Biodiversity Research and Conservation
STATUS: Full Time
REPORTS TO: Conservation Geneticist
Position Overview:
Under the supervision of the Conservation Geneticist at California Botanic Garden (CalBG) and in coordination with the conservation team, the Conservation Technician will assist in the management of the Garden’s Molecular and Anatomy Labs and participate in conservation genetics and field research projects. CalBG’s conservation team undertakes diverse activities with the goal of preventing plant extinction and securing California’s native plant legacy. Projects include phylogenetic and population genetic research,and rare plant demography studies, field surveys, monitoring, seed conservation, research to inform best practices in restoration and common garden studies. . Our conservation genetics program uses the resources of CalBG’s laboratories and personnel (scientists, graduate students) to address a broad range of questions that require genetic data. Specific duties include supporting the Conservation Geneticist in laboratory management and implementing research projects including maintaining an organized, clean, safe, and efficiently operating laboratory, data collection for conservation genomic projects, data entry, data management, and participation in field work. This position is estimated to be 75% office work (e.g. laboratory related projects) and 25% participation in field work and greenhouse work.
Duties and Responsibilities
● Under participating agreements, grants and agreements between CalBG and a diversity of partners and government agencies assists in the execution of the annual program of work to support our mission of plant conservation at CalBG.
● Maintains organized, clean, safe, and efficiently operating laboratories (e.g. equipment maintenance, ordering supplies, assisting with hazardous waste removal).
● Maintains databases of reagents/chemicals, equipment, supplies, and contract DNA.
● Trains and supervises staff, students, interns, and visiting researchers on laboratory protocols and safety.
● Assists with genomic analyses.
● Working independently and in association with garden staff, and personnel from other institutions, coordinates and participates in conservation projects between CalBG and other organizations, including conservation genomic projects, botanical surveys, seed conservation activities, and rare plant research projects.
● Coordinates and participates in data management and data entry associated with conservation projects.
● Assists in preparation of written reports and other documents for submission to conservation partners.
● Participates in institutional, professional, societal, national, and international meetings, symposia, and workshops directly related to work as needed.
Qualifications:
● Master’s degree in botany, biology, or equivalent environmental science is required, or Bachelor of Science in botany, biology, or equivalent environmental science with four years or more of relevant experience.
● Experience working in molecular labs and with modern genetic lab methods (e.g., fragment data generation and analysis, next generation sequencing methods and analytical pipelines using R and Python).
● Strong interpersonal skills.
● Strong writing and verbal skills are required.
● Ability to work as part of a team and independently.
● Willingness to conduct overnight field work in remote locations is preferred.
● A working knowledge of basic taxonomic principles and characteristics of major plant families and California flora is preferred.
● Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.
Physical demands
● Ability to conduct fieldwork under a variety of environmental conditions (heat, cold, rain, wind, etc.) is required.
● Sitting for up to 2 hours at a time and using a computer for lengthy periods
Salary Range
$24.00 - $27.00 per hour, depending on experience

Apply by
September 10, 2026

Qualified candidates please send cover letter and resume to:
California Botanic Garden
Attention: Carrie Kiel
ckiel@calbg.org
1500 N College Avenue, Claremont, CA 91711