Research Scientist Arboriculture

Research Scientist Arboriculture

Join to apply for the Research Scientist Arboriculture role at Bartlett Tree Experts.

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, crape myrtle, 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

• 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.
• Conduct research in topics such as biomechanics, pruning practices, structural support systems, root management, tree preservation, lightning protection, and soil science.
• Determine research priorities based on emerging needs and opportunities.
• Collaborate with academia, non‑profit, government, and allied businesses to evaluate innovative solutions and best practices.
• Publish research results in scientific or technical journals, industry trade magazines, and company publications.
• Manage projects internally funded or supported through collaborative partnerships; grant writing is not required.

• 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 focusing on arboricultural practices, soil health, and environmental factors affecting tree growth.
• Develop and revise Technical Reports (factsheets) for use by BTE staff and the public.
• Create audiovisual programs on landscape plant issues and soil care for educational use by company personnel and clients.
• Write articles on arboriculture, soil science, tree preservation, and related topics for the BTE website, publications, and newsletters.
• Answer requests for information from BTE arborists via phone, text, MS Teams, and email.

• Participate in BTE‑sponsored training programs through lectures, field sessions, and lab demonstrations, including bi‑annual technical update sessions, division sales meetings, client seminars, Client Days events, and arborist representative and plant health care specialist training sessions.

• Develop and maintain contacts with tree care industry professionals and societies (e.g., International Society of Arboriculture, Tree Care Industry Association, Soil Science Society of America).
• 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.

• Ph.D. in Arboriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Soil Science, Tree Physiology, Urban Forestry, or a 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; proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience delivering scientific…