Arborist Intern

This position is grant funded for 800 hours in total, approximately a 20-week assignment. Day-to-day responsibilities are directed by the Arborist. The position is for an intern with a desire to work outdoors, climb awesome trees, learn a lifetime skill, and have a great time doing it. The anticipated schedule for this position is 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Thursday.

Program Intern Goals

• Willingness to learn physical arboricultural practices such as: use of chainsaws on the ground for pruning and removal, tree climbing to heights of 50' or more, simple tree rigging for pruning and removal, brush management along with safe chipper operation.
• Willingness to learn arboricultural practices, standards, and general knowledge through in-field work.

Work activities involve multiple skills and may include, but are not limited to, any of the following depending on area of assignment, crew needs, emergency services, special projects, and seasonal factors:

• Work in all weather conditions and respond to extreme weather-related tree emergencies.
• Daily, monthly, and annual equipment maintenance (hand saws, chainsaws, saddle, rope, climbing devices, vehicles, etc.).
• Safe operation of brush chipper.
• Set up and take down worksite.
• Detailed chainsaw maintenance including fuel mixing for 2-stroke, chain sharpening, powerhead cleaning, air filter cleaning, guide bar cleaning and inspection, chain tensioning, etc.
• Work in trees at City parks, grounds, and along streets and trails.
• Operate water truck/vehicle throughout city parks and right-of-way to water newly installed trees.
• Follow work plans laid out by Lead Arborist and or Parks Supervisor.
• Safely load and unload trailers utilizing wheelbarrows, power equipment, and/or by hand.
• Utilize and update City tree inventory with the use of data collection devices.
• Transporting and installing mulch around tree rings.
• General parks maintenance and custodial duties.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with volunteers, co-workers, supervisors, visitors/clients and various community groups and committees, and the public in a courteous and helpful manner sometimes in stressful situations.
• Assist both the Parks Supervisor and Arborist as needed.

Associated Functions :

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Skill in high attention to detail regarding fine pruning of trees and shrubs.
• Ability to learn and practice proper tree installation/transplanting and long-term care.
• Ability to problem solve .
• Ability to work safely and have awareness of team members and their safety.
• Ability to be accountable for mistakes and willingness to learn from them.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry loads up to 50 lbs. with or without assistance.

Qualifications & Requirements

An equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential job functions may be considered.

High School Diploma or GED Equivalent.
Must pass a Criminal Background and Drivers Abstract check prior to hire.
Valid State Driver's License and a good driving record to be maintained during the course of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:
Experience working outdoors with hand power equipment such as: chain saw, hedge trimmers, weed eater, hand blower, etc.

The physical demands and characteristics of the work environment described here are representative of those occurring in the performance of the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions. Work is primarily performed outdoors, with occasional office work, requires exposure to adverse weather conditions, high noise levels, heavy traffic, noxious chemicals, and other hazardous conditions. Work requires manual dexterity, hearing and visual acuity, and the ability and stamina to perform heavy manual labor; to crawl, climb, bend, twist, stoop, kneel, operate equipment, and perform occasional lifting and carrying of items up to 50 pounds, and to maintain such activities throughout a work shift. Work may involve risk of exposure to hazardous chemicals or bloodborne pathogens.