Overview

The Research Associate position is housed within the Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories (BTRL; the research and training division of the F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company). The incumbent will support BTRL’s Mid-Atlantic Research Scientist and Technical Support Specialist by conducting regionally relevant research and providing technical guidance in support of Bartlett’s Mid-Atlantic operations. They will also support BTRL’s urban forestry research and outreach activities conducted in partnership with Casey Trees.

The incumbent provides comprehensive and expert support of basic and applied research across a number of fields relating to arboriculture, urban ecology/forestry, and plant science, and is expected to present research findings at scientific meetings, company training events, and industry association meetings. The ideal candidate has the ability to set goals and objectives and works toward meeting them in an efficient and effective manner. In addition to possessing strong technical competencies, the incumbent is exceptionally well organized, ambitious, flexible, and possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills allowing them to work and achieve successful outcomes with a wide variety of people under varying situations. Finally, the successful candidate is enthusiastic, eager, and able learn and master a wide variety of techniques required for successful field, lab, and office work.

The ideal candidate for this position should reside within a two-hour radius of Fairfax, VA.

Benefits

We offer competitive compensation, as well as:

• Advancement opportunities - we promote from within
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• 401k retirement plan
• Paid time off and holidays

To find out more about what life is like at Bartlett, check us out on Instagram @LifeatBartlett.

Responsibilities

• Assist with and manage basic and applied research programs in landscape plant health care to assure Bartlett clients receive the highest quality services.
• Assist in the establishment, maintenance, data collection, and statistical analysis of field and laboratory research.
• Assist with the writing and editing of peer-reviewed scientific publications and trade articles.
• Present research findings and related topics at Bartlett meetings, scientific meetings, and industry events.
• Provide technical support to Bartlett arborists and plant health care specialists.
• Update and create technical publications for use by Bartlett arborists and plant health care specialists.
• Collect and analyze data, summarize findings, draft research papers and notes, etc.
• Maintain nursery and field trial plots and data on these plots.
• Recommend new areas of inquiry to improve after-planting tree survival.
• Find new grant opportunities and assist with writing grant proposals.
• Assist with GIS analyses and related functions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Position Type / Hours of Work / Expected Travel

• Full-time, exempt, averaging 40 hours a week.
• Travel at times may be extensive; typical destinations include Mid-Atlantic Bartlett offices (MD, PA, VA), Mid-Atlantic research sites, and the Casey Trees Farm in Berryville, VA.
• The ideal candidate for this position should reside within a two-hour radius of Fairfax, VA.
• Must be able and willing to work evenings, weekends, and extended hours when needed.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• BS degree in forestry, urban forestry, urban ecology, arboriculture, entomology, plant pathology, or related field; 3-5 years of field and laboratory research experience, including independent work.
• Proficiency in project management/multiple projects and activities simultaneously.
• Exceptional organization skills
• Professional demeanor, superior written and oral communications skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills. Creativity, flexibility, diplomacy, and positive spirit are a must.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to establish, track and meet deadlines, often under pressure.
• Demonstrated proficiency in learning new software programs.
• Proficient with Microsoft suite of applications
• Valid driver’s license, willingness and ability to drive a pickup, SUV, and other vehicles.

Preferred Qualifications

• MS degree in arboriculture, urban forestry, urban ecology, entomology, plant pathology, or related field with field and laboratory research experience
• Knowledge of insect/plant disease identification, biology, and behavior
• Knowledge and experience with programs including ArcGIS, JMP, R, Salesforce, etc.
• International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist credential upon hire or w/in 12 months service.
• Pesticide Applicator’s License upon hire or within 12 months’ service.

Competencies

• Problem Solving
• Project management
• Communication proficiency
• Writing
• Interpersonal skills
• Adherence to deadlines
• Field and lab research
• Large dataset management
• Detail oriented

Working Conditions

Work is conducted both in the office, remotely, and in the field. The employee must be able to use office equipment such as Computers/Printer/Copier/Telephone/Smartphones/Tablets, etc. and field equipment needed for trial installation, site maintenance, and data collection.

Physical Demands and Required Tool Use:

• The incumbent is expected to work outside, in the heat, cold, and inclement weather and must have suitable clothing. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is regularly required to talk, hear, stand; walk; use hands to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The incumbent is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, lift materials, open filing cabinets, bend or stand on a stool, etc.
• Field equipment is sometimes required for digging holes for planting (shovels), pruning shears, soil knives, and various power tools as needed.

The F. A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company is an Equal Opportunity and E-Verify Employer.

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