General Manager Davey Institute

The General Manager of the Davey Instituteprovides strategic and operational leadership for the Davey Institute under the direction of the Executive Vice President for the Davey Institute and Employee Development. The Davey Tree Expert was founded in 1880 and the Davey Institute was established in 1909 and is the companys industry-pioneering research science and technical innovation department. This role directs strategy for scientific research product development diagnostics advanced training and environmental stewardship programs positioning the Institute as an industry leader in plant health science and arboriculture. The General Manager cultivates strategic external partnerships guides the Institutes financial and operational performance and serves as a member of Daveys senior leadership team ensuring the Davey Institutes programs drive scientific excellence competitive advantage and environmental leadership across the company and the broader green industry.

Belonging Statement: The Davey Tree Expert Company and its subsidiaries value each individual and strive to encourage diverse ideas and perspectives to inspire collaboration and empower our employees. We believe our commitment to building a culture of belonging by treating everyone with respect dignity empathy and care is critical to achieving our vision and mission.

• Determines strategic priorities for the Davey Institute and SEED campus directing research initiatives scientific innovation efforts and program goals that reinforce Daveys position as an industry leader in plant health science and arboriculture.
• Directs the Institutes core programs including research and development technical services diagnostic laboratory ecosystem services software innovation business innovation product sales geospatial analysis environmental programs and pesticide and fertilizer licensing ensuring scientific rigor operational excellence and enterprise relevance.
• Drives scientific innovation by guiding multidisciplinary research teams to advance discoveries in arboriculture sciences plant health pest and disease management climate science utility vegetation management and environmental stewardship.
• Identifies and spearheads strategic business development opportunities across Daveys core service offerings.
• Shapes the Institutes advanced training and technical education strategy ensuring field operations and clients receive expert tree and soil care diagnostics consultation and instruction grounded in current science.
• Leads strategic financial planning and budget allocation for the Institute guiding resource investment and spending decisions across programs to support long-term sustainability and scientific leadership.
• Forges lasting partnerships with external research institutions academic organizations government agencies and industry bodies to advance the Institutes scientific mission and expand its influence in arboriculture and environmental science.
• Serves as the Institutes principal spokesperson and ambassador representing Daveys scientific expertise and environmental stewardship leadership with clients the green industry and the public.
• Champions the companys corporate responsibility and environmental stewardship commitments by aligning Institute research and environmental programs with enterprise sustainability priorities.
• Partners with field operations HR and business leaders to ensure Institute technical services diagnostics and training programs address the evolving needs of Daveys workforce and clients providing technical guidance and subject-matter expertise as needed.
• Advocates for the Davey Institute within corporate and service line leadership serving as the primary liaison between the Institute and the broader organization to ensure Institute priorities and capabilities are represented in enterprise planning.
• Participates as a member of Davey Trees senior leadership team contributing Institute perspective to company-wide strategy and decision-making.
• Upholds the Institutes compliance with applicable regulations licensing requirements and company standards governing research programs the Diagnostic Laboratory pesticide and fertilizer licensing and SEED campus operations.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Follow all company policies procedures and work rules.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Communication & Collaboration: Drives enterprise-wide alignment by communicating strategic direction modeling transparency and enabling collaboration across organizational boundaries.

Quality Work: Builds organizational capability by aligning enterprise resources promoting a culture of continuous improvement and making disciplined decisions that balance immediate operational needs with long-term priorities.

Accountability: Establishes organizational accountability by stewarding resources reinforcing safety and performance expectations holding leaders accountable for results and balancing short-term performance with long-term organizational success.

Emotional Intelligence: Strengthens organizational trust and resilience by modeling authentic leadership fostering psychological safety and employee wellbeing and leading with empathy through organizational change.

Strategic Leadership: Develops future leaders identifies strategic opportunities and provides compelling organizational direction that enables the organization to thrive through change uncertainty and evolving business conditions.

• Advanced degree in Arboriculture Forestry Plant Sciences Environmental Science Biology or a related field required.
• Senior executive leadership experience in scientific research arboriculture or a related technical discipline required.
• Demonstrated success managing complex multidisciplinary technical programs budgets and teams at an executive level required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required.
• Ability to complete all required company training required.
• Experience leading scientific research programs educational programs diagnostic services or technical services organizations in the green industry preferred.
• Experience cultivating partnerships with academic institutions government agencies or industry research organizations preferred.

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in professional office laboratory and outdoor environments including on the SEED campus.
• Occasional travel required to support Institute programs research partnerships and stakeholder engagement.

What We Offer:

• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Opportunities for advancement
• All job specific equipment and safety gear provided
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with a company match
• Employee-owned company & discounted stock purchase options
• Group Health Plan
• Employee referral bonus program
• Locations throughout US in major cities and desirable areas
• Career Development Program supported by Industry Expert Safety Specialists & Skills Trainers
• Scholarship Program for Children of Employees
• Charitable matching gift program

*all listed benefits available to eligible employees