*Tree and Shrub Breeder * Full-time position at The Morton Arboretum <http://www.mortonarb.org/>
Location: Lisle, IL *Position Summary*: Manage all aspects of the New Plant Development Program by developing and improving trees and shrubs through systematic evaluation, selection, and breeding for introduction to nursery and landscape industries. *Essential Functions:* - Select and breed new trees and shrubs that are well adapted to urban and suburban landscape conditions. - Evaluate potential plants from Arboretum collections, collections of other public and private gardens, commercial nurseries, and other sources for possible introduction or for further improvement. - Lead the Chicagoland Grows® Woody Plant Committee to test and initiate the distribution of plants to evaluation cooperators. Summarize, document, and report evaluation recommendations. - Work with the Manager of Plant Production to produce trial quantities of plants for evaluation and distribution to evaluation cooperators and licensed growers. Set priorities for major work initiatives in the Tree Breeding Nursery. - Identify and acquire new germplasm that has potential for the New Plant Development Program through collecting expeditions or other sources. - Stay informed regarding research and scientific advancements in the field and incorporate techniques that may be required in tree breeding and improvement. - Promote an awareness and broader use of the collections and plants introduced through the New Plant Development Program through publications, media contacts, public speaking, and collaboration with Arboretum and external researchers and professionals. - Manage program budget, and seek grants and other funding for priority projects. - Supervise seasonal staff and volunteers. Duties include recruitment and selection, scheduling and job assignments, performance feedback, and staff development and training in keeping with the Arboretum’s policies and procedures. - Other duties as assigned. *Qualifications:* Master’s degree in horticulture, botany, forestry, or related field required. 3+ years of practical experience required. Excellent knowledge of woody plants that are native to the temperate regions of the world required. Knowledge of woody plant breeding, propagation, and production practices, as well as basic disease and insect pest problems required. Strong written and oral communication skills required. Must possess a valid driver’s license, which is subject to insurability and an annual Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) report. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Gmail, and other Google applications beneficial. *Success Factors:* Keen and demonstrated interest in woody landscape plants and their introduction into the nursery and landscape industry. Ability to discern superior characteristics among a large group of plants. Thorough knowledge of plant breeding principals. Physically able to observe plants in collections and plant production facilities. Strong collaborative skills. *Physical Demands and Work Environment: *The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. - Physical Demands: Requires some physical activity: limited lifting and carrying (up to 40 lbs.), climbing (up to 8 ft.), walking over varied terrain, some local and national travel. Vision in the normal visual range with or without correction. - Work Environment: Office environment and Arboretum grounds. Work is performed indoors and outdoors, in a variety of weather conditions. - Equipment: General office equipment, field and laboratory equipment, including specialized equipment relating to particular field of research. *Application Instructions* To apply, visit http://mortonarb.org/employment The Morton Arboretum is an equal opportunity employer committed to achieving a diverse workforce. -- Jessica B. Turner, PhD Treeologist at The Morton Arboretum
