About Us 

The F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company (BTE) is a premier commercial/residential tree care company that employs over 500 arborist representatives and 3,500 total employees in more than 130 offices across the United States, Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.  

The Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories (BTRL) are the research, diagnostic, and technical training heart of the BTE. Our mission is to advance tree research and diagnose plant problems to improve plant health care for our clients. The BTRL is composed of laboratories in Charlotte, North Carolina, Cornelius, Oregon, and Reading, United Kingdom. The Charlotte laboratory serves as the central research and diagnostic center. It is housed within our 360-acre, Level IV accredited arboretum and research grounds containing over 32,000 accessioned trees and shrubs, including major collections of magnolia, oak, crapemyrtle, crabapple, holly, and many other key woody plant groups and rare plants for conservation purposes. 

Position Overview 

This position is responsible for providing field arboriculture support and operational expertise to the BTRL. The role focuses on competent climbing, pruning, tree removals, and complex arboricultural tasks, as well as supporting research and operational activities through skilled execution in the field.  

A key component of this position involves working within new and established research trial plots, arboretum grounds, and operational sites to ensure arboricultural work is performed to the highest technical and safety standards. The individual will work in proximity to research activities and may assist with logistical or technical field support, aiding research scientists and other technicians. 

The ideal candidate will be an experienced climber with extensive field experience, strong technical judgment, and a comprehensive understanding of arboricultural operations. The individual must demonstrate consistent compliance with company safety policies and procedures and serve as a model of best practices in the field. Ideally, the individual will have some experience in the design and management of greenhouse/field experiments, data collection, weed biology and management, and the operation of equipment and machinery relevant to the field of arboriculture. 

The employee would be encouraged and supported to present research at scientific meetings, company trainings, and industry association meetings. The position requires the ability to work both independently and as part of a team, manage assigned tasks efficiently to achieve work objectives, and communicate effectively with research staff, arborists, and operations leadership. Finally, the successful candidate is enthusiastic, eager, and able to learn and master a wide variety of techniques required for successful research support. 

We offer competitive compensation, as well as:

• Medical, HSA/FSA, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• 401k retirement plan
• Vacation time
• Paid holidays
• Incentive-based Wellness Program

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

Responsibilities: 

• Perform advanced arboricultural work, including climbing, pruning, tree removals, and  specialized tree care operations within research plots, arboretum grounds, and  operational settings 

• Provide skilled field support for research activities, including trial plot maintenance, treatment application assistance, and logistical execution under the direction of their supervisor or research staff 

• Serve as a technical resource and mentor to arborists and field staff, modeling proper techniques, equipment use, and adherence to established safety protocols

• Assist with the operation, maintenance, and safe use of arboricultural equipment and machinery 

• Support applied research efforts through execution of assigned field tasks, data collection assistance, and observational feedback, as directed 

• Participate in company trainings, workshops, and professional meetings 

• Communicate effectively with research personnel, arborists, and supervisors to ensure coordination of field activities 

• Comply fully with all company safety policies and procedures and promote a culture of safe work practices through personal example 

• Carry out other duties as assigned by their supervisor or research staff 

Required Qualifications  

• BS degree in forestry, urban forestry, ecology, arboriculture, entomology, plant pathology, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and industry experience; 3-5 years of field or laboratory research experience 

• Proficiency in managing multiple projects and activities simultaneously 

• Exceptional organizational skills  

• Professional demeanor, superior written and oral communications skills 

• Excellent interpersonal skills; Creativity, flexibility, diplomacy, and a positive spirit are expected 

• 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 365 applications 

• Valid driver’s license, willingness/ability to drive pickups, SUVs, and other vehicles  

• Travel at times may be extensive; typical destinations include research sites and Bartlett offices throughout the United States 

• Must be able to work evenings, weekends, and extended hours when needed 

Preferred Qualifications  

• MS degree in arboriculture, urban forestry, ecology, entomology, plant pathology, or related field with field and laboratory research experience 

• International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist credential upon hire or w/in 12 months of start date 

• Pesticide Applicator’s License upon hire or within 12 months of start date 

Please apply by 2/6/2026