Research Technician

Bartlett Tree Experts•Washington, DC

About The Position

The Research Technician 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, expert support of basic and applied research across several 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 sets 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 to learn and master a wide variety of techniques required for successful field, lab, and office work.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Assist with and manage basic and applied research programs in landscape plant health care to ensure Bartlett clients receive the highest quality services
Assist with 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
Organizes and presents at 4 – 6 outreach events for professional and/or lay audiences, in-person or virtual
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