Research Scientist Plant Pathology

Overview

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 Charlotte laboratory serves as the central research and diagnostic center, housed within our 360-acre arboretum and research grounds with a diverse collection of trees and rare plants for conservation purposes.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• 401k retirement plan
• Paid time off and holidays

To learn more about life at Bartlett, check us out on Instagram @Lifeat Bartlett

The Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories are seeking a curious and passionate individual to work with a team of Research Scientists on advancing the field of tree pathology, with a strong emphasis on plant disease management. The Plant Pathologist position focuses on developing and leading applied research programs in landscape plant health care. This role combines scientific investigation, technical expertise, and educational outreach to support BTE's arborist representatives, clients, and internal teams.

The successful candidate enjoys 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 plant diseases and disorders and to serve regional BTE staff. This may involve regular travel throughout North America.

The successful candidate will collaborate with research staff, industry partners, and BTE offices to 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 plant pathology, willingness to learn new areas of plant health sciences, strong communication skills, and the ability to translate scientific knowledge into practical solutions for real-world tree and landscape challenges.

Research

• Develop applied research programs in landscape plant health care with emphasis on plant disease biology and management. This may include fungal, bacterial, viral, or nematode diseases; prioritize as appropriate. When possible, develop cooperative research with academia, non-profit, government, and allied organizations to evaluate new products and techniques for landscape plant care. Regularly publish research in scientific or technical journals, industry trade magazines, and company publications.
  
  Research projects are internally funded or supported through collaborations; grant writing is not required.

Technical support

• Provide on-site technical support and training to BTE offices, including field-based diagnostic support of tree and shrub problems
• Develop and maintain Pest Management Recommendations with emphasis on plant diseases (fungi, Oomycetes, bacteria, viruses, nematodes)
• Develop and revise Technical Reports (factsheets) for use by BTE staff and the public
• Create A/V programs on landscape plant issues and plant health care for educational use by company personnel and clients
• Develop articles on landscape diseases and plant health care for company website, publications and newsletters
• Answer requests for information from arborist representatives and clients 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 other professionals and societies as appropriate through conference meetings, committee work, and cooperative studies
• Collect and maintain samples for research or educational use,…