Research Scientist Arboriculture

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, ArbNet 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.

• 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.

The Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories are seeking a curious and passionate individual to work with our team of Research Scientists on advancing the field of arboriculture. The Arboricultural Research Scientist position is one of many professional Research Scientist roles at BTRL focused on developing and leading applied research programs in landscape plant health care, plant pest management, and tree physiology. This position combines scientific investigation, technical expertise, and educational outreach to support BTE’s arborist representatives, clients, and internal teams. The successful candidate will enjoy strong support for research initiatives and the ability to respond rapidly to emerging needs.

While based in Charlotte, NC, this position often requires travel to study and conduct research on high-priority issues and to serve regional BTE staff. This will involve regular travel throughout North America.

The successful candidate will collaborate with research staff, industry partners, and BTE offices to develop and evaluate new management tools, refine plant health care techniques, and share findings through publications, presentations, and training programs. This position is ideal for someone with a passion for arboricultural research, the willingness to learn new areas of plant Page 2 of 3 science, strong communication skills, and the ability to translate scientific knowledge into practical solutions for real-world tree and landscape challenges.

This is a highly collaborative and dynamic position that blends applied research, technical support, training, and scientific communication. Research Scientists at BTRL are encouraged to develop programs around their expertise, interests, and emerging opportunities while supporting the evolving needs of BTE. As a result, the balance of these responsibilities may vary over time.

Research: Develop applied research programs in arboriculture with emphasis on practical, science-based approaches to enhancing tree health, structural integrity, and resilience to environmental stressors in urban and managed landscapes. Research topics may include biomechanics, pruning practices, structural support systems, root management, tree preservation, and/or lightning protection, with flexibility to determine priorities based on emerging needs and opportunities. When appropriate, develop cooperative research with academia, nonprofit, government, and allied businesses and organizations to evaluate innovative solutions and best practices in arboriculture and landscape management. Regularly publish research results in scientific or technical journals, industry trade magazines, and company publications. Research projects are internally funded or supported through collaborative partnerships; grant writing is not required.

Technical support: Provide the following to BTE representatives and clients:

• Work directly with BTE Arborists to diagnose plant health issues and translate scientific findings into management recommendations
• Provide on‐site technical support and training to BTE offices, including field-based diagnostic support of tree and shrub problems
• Develop and maintain Bartlett technical management recommendations with emphasis on arboricultural practices and environmental factors affecting tree growth
• Develop and revise Technical Reports (factsheets) for use by BTE staff and the public
• Create educational programs on landscape plant issues for educational use by company personnel and clients
• Develop articles on arboriculture, soil science, tree preservation, and/or other topics for the BTE website, publications and newsletters
• Answer requests for information from BTE arborists via phone, text, MS Teams, and email

Training: Participate in BTE sponsored training programs through lectures, field sessions, and lab demonstrations including:

• Bi-annual technical update sessions
• Division sales meetings
• BTE sponsored client seminars and Client Days events
• Arborist representative and plant health care specialist training sessions

Miscellaneous:

• Develop and maintain contacts with tree care industry professionals and societies (e.g. International Society of Arboriculture, Tree Care Industry Association) as appropriate through conference meetings, committee work, and cooperative studies
• Serve on professional boards or committees to represent BTE’s interests and expertise within the industry
• Lead and organize the activities of Research Associates, ensuring alignment with research goals, training, and operational standards
• Provide regular updates on research progress and field activities to the Director of Research at BTRL

Minimum Requirements:

• Ph.D. in Arboriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Tree Physiology, Urban Forestry, or closely related program of study
• Proficiency with field plot and lab experimental design and statistical analysis
• Experience/knowledge of integrated pest management and soil science
• Professional experience or studies in woody landscape plant identification
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Experience giving scientific presentations/trainings for many types of audiences such as the scientific community, arborists, public, industry, etc.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel, including overnight travel for research, meetings, and branch office technical support

Preferred Requirements:

• Knowledge of or willingness to learn field and lab-based diagnostic techniques relevant to arboriculture, such as soil testing, decay detection, and microscopy
• Knowledge of ISA Best Management Practices and urban tree management principles
• A balanced background in both lab and field experimentation and including techniques relevant to arboriculture such as tree stability assessments, soil analysis, root system evaluations, and physiological monitoring of tree responses to environmental conditions
• Familiarity with cultural and mechanical strategies for managing tree health, including pruning techniques, soil amendments, mulching practices, and other factors that influence tree structure and development

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