Research Specialist
Opportunity:
The Science & Conservation department seeks a seasonal Research Specialist to assist with research projects exploring the impacts of Beech Leaf Disease on Ohio forest communities. Beech Leaf Disease is an emerging forest disease spread by a parasitic nematode that leads to leaf disfigurement, rapid canopy loss, and eventual tree death, affecting beech trees in the midwestern and northeastern United States, and southern Canada. As a dominant tree species in the Ohio region, the dieback of beech trees has significant implications for forest health, the future composition of forests, and forest resource availability. This project aims to explore and quantify changes in the forest community as forests are impacted by Beech Leaf disease. The Research Specialist should demonstrate passion for forest conservation and ecology to support field work, data collection, and data management for this project. We are seeking a team member who is passionate about making a positive impact on the world and has exceptional attention to details skills and has the ability to work independently and in a team. This position is based at the Holden Arboretum campus at the Long Science Center in Kirtland, OH with occasional travel to forest sites throughout Ohio.
Position Details:
- Seasonal
- 16-week seasonal role
- Approximately 40 hours per week; 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Great entry level position for anyone looking for work to gain experience
Key Responsibilities:
Key responsibilities of the Research Specialist include but are not limited to:
- Supports Holden Forests & Gardens’ mission, vision, values, and core commitment
- Assists in planning and execution of research projects
- Manages and executes field work including planning of field surveys, measuring trees, surveying vegetation, collecting soil samples at various forest sites throughout Ohio and occasionally out of state
- Conducts sample processing as needed
- Assists with data management, sample care and archiving, and protocol creation for research projects
- Assists in data analyses
- Assists in preparing reports for publication in scientific journals, for agencies, or for the public
- Practices generally accepted ethical standards in research and scholarship
- Mentors, teaches, and participates in outreach efforts
- Participates in outreach and educational activities within and across Holden Forests & Gardens departments, as well as at other institutions, as needed
- Represents Holden Forests & Gardens in professional meetings, at onsite events, and through science blogs and other HF&G publications