Please forgive me for a follow up e-mail, I didn't realize the PDF would not
attach. Here is the job description for the plant diagnostics position:
Full Time Position AnnouncementPlant Disease and Insect DiagnosticianThe Bartlett Tree
Expert Company has been in the business of providing exceptional tree care services to
clients for over 100 years. We are the largest family-owned tree care company in the
United States. We pride ourselves on offering scientific tree care and have exceptional
resources at the Bartlett Tree Research Laboratory, located in Charlotte, NC.The Bartlett
Tree Research Laboratory provides technical support, training, and diagnostic support to
the 120+ field offices and 1,500+ field staff that make up the Bartlett Tree Expert
Company. The Bartlett Plant Diagnostic Laboratory evaluates approximately 8,000 samples
per year collected on client properties by Bartlett arborists. The plant disease and
insect diagnostician will be responsible for diagnosing plant diseases, insect pests, and
abiotic problems, and providing support to all offices in the US and Canada. In addition,
the diagnostician will assist in employee training, technical support, presenting at
meetings, event planning and travel, and support of research projects.Principle
Responsibilities Include: Evaluate approximately 1,500-1,800 plant samples annually using
visual observation, microscopy, culture isolation, ELISA testing, PCR, and other methods.
Write diagnostic reports (seen by employees and clients) based on sample findings.
Support the diagnostic lab’s digital library of diseases and arthropod pests by taking
digital photographs of symptoms, signs, and pests found on samples and cataloging them in
the digital image archive for easy retrieval. Maintain and transfer cultures routinely or
as needed. Interact with Bartlett Arborist Representatives (phone/email) to answer
questions about sample diagnosis, pest/disease problems, and management recommendations.
Assist in Arborist Representative and Plant Health Care Specialist training at the
Bartlett Tree Research Laboratory. Provide field support to representatives and present
at company events as requested. Plan annual events attended by the diagnostic lab and
travel to those events to manage event operations (assemble/disassemble displays and
interact with attendees). Work with Marketing Department to support Bartlett’s social
media efforts to disseminate timely pest and disease information to Bartlett clients.
Participate in the evaluation of new diagnostic techniques and technologies. Lead/assist
with development of technical resources on various plant pests. Assist in research
projects related to diagnostics as needed.Required Qualifications: Master’s degree in
plant pathology, entomology (preferred), or a related discipline. Working knowledge of
diagnostic techniques including microscopy, culture isolation, ELISA, and PCR. Experience
with disease, insect, mite, and abiotic problem diagnosis. Ability to focus and
concentrate while performing detailed tasks for extended periods of time, i.e. microscopy
work and report writing. Ability to work effectively as a team member. Excellent oral
and written communication skills. Excellent self-motivation skills. Proficient in
Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Willingness to learn.Preferred Qualifications:
Knowledge of diseases and insect pests that affect ornamental trees and shrubs. Knowledge
of digital photography and editing. Exposure to arboriculture.
Please send a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three references to:Megan
McConnell, Diagnostic Services Manager13768 Hamilton RoadCharlotte, NC 28278Email:
mmcconnell(a)bartlett.com