The Research Support Associate position, housed within the Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories (BTRL; the research and training division of the F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company), supports research scientists with the BTRL by conducting research and providing technical guidance. Research activities will be varied, but the incumbent’s primary focus will be supporting the pathology and arboriculture research conducted by the researcher in the Southwestern U.S. In addition, a commitment to the equivalent of 1 day/week of lab managerial duties supporting the research faculty and scientists from the Botanical Research Institute of Texas.

The incumbent provides comprehensive and expert support of basic and applied research across several fields including plant pathology, plant physiology, urban forestry, entomology, arboriculture, and related disciplines. The incumbent is expected to be able to conduct laboratory and field research, curate and analyze data independently, maintain research plots and trees, support company education and training events, and present at scientific and industry meetings. The ideal candidate can 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 possesses 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 research and management of a laboratory.

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

• 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.
• Maintain and curate research plots, plant pathogen culture collections, and diagnostic and teaching samples.
• 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.
• Lab managerial duties for the research faculty and staff at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas
  • Maintain laboratory inventory (including chemical inventory) and order supplies, as needed.
  • Perform routine inspection of facilities and equipment and engage with vendors and contractors for maintenance and repairs, as needed.
  • Monitor lab climate/HVAC conditions, working with building Facilities Manager as needed.
  • Oversee preventative maintenance of laboratory equipment, as needed.
  • Monitor and arrange disposal of lab waste, including hazardous materials.
  • Co-manage lab safety training and access.
  • Communicate regularly with other lab supervisors and users.
• Other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Problem Solving
• Microscopy
• Molecular biology
• Project management
• Communication proficiency
• Laboratory and chemical safety
• Writing
• Field and lab research
• Interpersonal skills
• Dataset management
• Adherence to deadlines
• Detail oriented

Working Conditions

Work will be conducted in the field at various experimental plots with cooperators adhering to fostering good collaborative relationships. Laboratory research and office space are available through the Botanic Research Institute of Texas in Fort Worth, TX. The employee must be able to use office equipment such as computers, printers, copiers, telephones, smartphones, and tablets. Familiarity and a reasonable degree of competency with sterile technique as well as laboratory equipment such as microscopes, laminar flow hoods, incubators, autoclaves, pipettes, laboratory grade freezers, centrifuges, and thermocyclers is also desired, as well as with field equipment needed for trial installation, site maintenance, and data collection. Pesticides will be used in many research projects and the applicant must be willing to make applications, obtain and maintain a TDA pesticide license, and maintain records of these applications.

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.
• Working at a laboratory bench for extended periods of time using equipment such as microscope, pipettes and centrifuges will be required.

Position Type / Hours of Work / Expected Travel

• Full-time, exempt, averaging 40 hours a week.
• Travel at times may be extensive; typical destinations include research sites and Bartlett offices throughout the United States but particularly in the South and Southwestern U.S. (LA, TX, CO, AZ, CA), and the BTRL facility in Charlotte, NC
• Must be able and willing to work evenings, weekends, and extended hours when needed.

Required Qualifications

• BS degree in forestry, urban forestry, urban ecology, arboriculture, entomology, plant pathology, or related field; 3 to 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 a 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, particularly with chemical analysis and/or molecular equipment
• 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.
• Proficiency with JMP statistical software or equivalent

Application Process: To be considered for this position, please include a resume and cover letter. 

The F. A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer.