Research Specialist: Forest Health and Plant Protection

Research Specialist – Forest Health and Plant Protection

Delaware, OH

Full-Time

Opportunity:

The Science & Conservation department seeks a full time Research Specialist to be a part of a unique partnership between Holden Forests & Gardens and the U.S. Forest Service Northern Research Station. The Research Specialist will assist in all aspects of research to support the Emerald Ash Borer-resistance breeding program covering five different species of North American ash. The incumbent will work as part of a team of 6 full-time and 4 seasonal team members that includes Forest Service research scientists, technicians and interns as well as additional Research Specialists from Holden Forests & Gardens.

The position is funded through a large, interdisciplinary grant for a 1-year term , subject to annual review, with potential for extension. The position will be based at the U.S. Forest Service Forestry Sciences Laboratory in Delaware, OH as a part of a unique partnership with Holden Forests & Gardens.

Position Details:

• Location: Delaware
• Full-Time
• Non-Exempt
• Grant funded

Key Responsibilities:

Key responsibilities of the Research Specialist include but are not limited to:

• Support Holden Forests & Gardens’ mission, vision, values, and core commitment

• Maintenance of potted plants in the greenhouses and in outdoor growing areas

• Assist with plant propagation, cross pollinations and seed germination

• Participate in the maintenance, installation and data collection of research plantings

• Work with other team members to conduct bioassays to assess host tree resistance

• Assist with maintenance of inventory, accession records, and management and collection of data

• The position will require working half days on weekends on a rotating basis with other team member

• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Skills:

• Demonstrate a passion for people and nature

• B.S. or in horticulture, plant science, plant breeding, forestry, natural resources or related field

• Advanced degrees are welcome, but not required

• At least 1 year of experience in plant care, plant propagation and project management, required

• Familiarity with and experience implementing integrated plant management strategies, preferred

• Experience with automated greenhouse controllers and irrigation systems, preferred

• Experience with maintenance and use of tractors, industrial mowers, a plus

• Training or certification in pesticide application and safety, a plus

• Construction skills such as fence installation, construction of shade houses, nursery areas, a plus

• Experience working in tree improvement, a plus

• A valid Driver’s License with acceptable driving record, required

Physical Requirements

Must be able to perform with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Frequent work outdoors under a variety of weather conditions such has: heat, cold, rain, snow

• Transporting oneself by foot over a variety of terrain that may be wet, slippery, uneven, or rocky

• Standing, bending, kneeling, climbing, reaching, pulling, pushing, sitting, and grabbing

• Lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs. throughout the day

Some of the reasons Holden Forests & Gardens (HF&G) is a great place to work!

We offer Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits | Paid Time Off | 8 Paid Holidays a year | 403(b) | Employee sponsored life insurance, long term disability and short-term disability | Work in a beautiful environment within Greater Cleveland | Discounts in our stores & cafes | Free parking at both campuses anytime we are open | Free admission to many Northeast Ohio Museums | Free Employee Assistance Program | And Much More!

Apply:

Qualified applicants should submit resume, cover letter, and names and contact information of 3 professional references. Any question about the position can be addressed to David Burke, Vice President for Science and Conservation ([email protected]). Review of applications with begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Holden Forests & Gardens is an equal opportunity employer and values an authentic sense of belonging at all levels of the organization, including staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, and visitors. HF&G believes that working toward an equitable culture that values all perspectives enriches the work environment, helping achieve our goal to build a greener and healthier Northeast Ohio. We are working to create and sustain a supportive environment and sense of belonging for people of all backgrounds. HF&G promotes an equitable approach in its hiring, retention, and promotion; in Board recruitment efforts; and in community partnerships and programming.