Research Specialist

Holden Arboretum

Full Time 

Opportunity:

The Stuble lab in the Research department seeks a Research Specialist to lead research projects exploring the impacts of Beech Leaf Disease on Ohio forest communities. Beech Leaf Disease is an emerging forest disease spread by a foliar 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 lead field work, data collection, data management, and data analysis for this project. 

Position Details:

• Reports to Director of Research
• Full-time, non-exempt position

 Key Responsibilities: 

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

Assists in planning and execution of research projects (75%) 

• Supports Holden Forests & Gardens’ mission, vision, values, and core commitment 
• Designs, manages and executes field work (including planning of field surveys, measuring trees, surveying vegetation, collecting soil samples, etc.) at forest sites throughout Ohio and occasionally out of state. 
• Plans and conducts sample processing as needed 
• Leads data management, sample care and archiving, data storage, and protocol creation for research projects 
• Leads data analyses under supervision of principal investigator/supervisor 
• Collaborates closely with scientists at Holden Forests & Gardens, US Forest Service, and other organizations 
• Prepare reports for publication in scientific journals, for agencies, or for the public 
• Practices generally accepted ethical standards in research and scholarship 
• Other duties as assigned 

Mentors, teaches, and participates in outreach efforts (25%) 

• Screens, interviews, onboard, train and manage a seasonal research specialist assigned to this project 
• Assists and mentor interns, students, and volunteers with data collection, independent projects, and other course work as needed 
• 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 to the public (e.g., conferences, professional meetings, Holden Forests & Gardens events, science blog, HF&G publications) 
• Contributes to internal and external publication for Holden Forests & Gardens 

Qualifications and Skills:

• B.S. or B.A. in the field of biology, ecology, horticulture, forestry, or related field 
• Experience with field work, data management, and data analysis 
• Familiarity with plant identification in Northeastern US 
• Proficient use of Microsoft 365 products, specifically Teams, Outlook (email and calendar), Word, Excel, SharePoint, and OneDrive 
• Independently conduct and troubleshoot projects 
• Good practices in data management 
• Good understanding of data analyses, experience utilizing R/RStudio a plus 
• Good understanding of scientific writing and protocol creation 
• Attention to detail  
• Strong organizational skills 
• Working independently as well as on a team 
• Maintain a valid Driver’s License and acceptable driving record 
• Managerial experience preferred 
• Willingness to travel 

Physical Requirements

Must be able to perform with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Frequent work outdoors under a variety of weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, snow) 
• Transporting oneself over a variety of terrain that may be wet, slippery, uneven, rocky 
• Standing, bending, kneeling, climbing, reaching, pulling, pushing, sitting, grabbing, and lifting and carrying (up to 40 lbs.) 

 When you join HF&G, you join a team of professionals who are passionate about improving Northeast Ohio’s communities through our mission-driven programs. Some of the additional reasons Holden Forests & Gardens (HF&G) is a great place to work:In addition to a wage between $20-$24, 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 3 professional references by Friday, February 20, 2026.  

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.