Research Technician

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.Assist with and manage basic and applied research programs in landscape plant health care to ensure Bartlett clients receive the highest quality servicesAssist with establishment, maintenance, data collection, and statistical analysis of field and laboratory researchAssist with the writing and editing of peer-reviewed scientific publications and trade articlesPresent research findings and related topics at Bartlett meetings, scientific meetings, and industry eventsOrganizes and presents at 4 - 6 outreach events for professional and/or lay audiences, in-person or virtualProvide technical support to Bartlett arborists and plant health care specialistsUpdate and create technical publications for use by Bartlett arborists and plant health care specialistsCollect and analyze data, summarize findings, draft research papers and notes, etc.Maintain nursery and field trial plots and data on these plotsRecommend new areas of inquiry to improve after-planting tree survivalFind new grant opportunities and assist with writing grant proposalsAssist with GIS analyses and related functionsOther duties as assignedCompetenciesProblem Solving Project managementCommunication proficiencyWritingInterpersonal skillsAdherence to deadlinesField and lab researchLarge dataset managementDetail orientedPhysical Demands and Required Tool UseThe 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 ActWhile 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, etcField equipment is sometimes required for digging holes for planting (shovels), pruning shears, soil knives, and various power tools as neededPosition Type / Hours of Work / Expected TravelFull-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, VAMust be able and willing to work evenings, weekends, and extended hours when neededSupervisory ResponsibilitiesThe position oversees no direct reports.Working ConditionsWork 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.Required QualificationsBS 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 workProficiency in project management/multiple projects and activities simultaneouslyExceptional organization skillsProfessional demeanor, superior written and oral communications skillsExcellent interpersonal skills. Creativity, flexibility, diplomacy, and positive spirit are a mustAbility to work both independently and as part of a teamAbility to establish, track and meet deadlines, often under pressureDemonstrated proficiency in learning new software programsProficient with Microsoft suite of applicationsValid driver’s license, willingness and ability to drive a pickup, SUV, and other vehiclesPreferred QualificationsMS degree in arboriculture, urban forestry, urban ecology, entomology, plant pathology, or related field with field and laboratory research experienceKnowledge of insect/plant disease identification, biology, and behaviorKnowledge and experience with programs including ArcGIS, JMP, R, Salesforce, etc.International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist credential upon hire or w/in 12 months servicePesticide Applicator’s License upon hire or within 12 months’ servicePhysical Demands and Required Tool UseThe 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 ActWhile 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, etcField equipment is sometimes required for digging holes for planting (shovels), pruning shears, soil knives, and various power tools as neededPlease apply by 2/6/2026Lab Mid-AtlanticDCResearch Lab and Arboretum1/9/2026Regular Full-Time

Created: 2026-01-12