Internship Program at Morris Arboretum
Urban Forestry
Description
The Urban Forestry Intern will engage in urban forestry and natural resource management practices, assessments, programs and planning for public gardens, design firms, government agencies, educational and community organizations. The intern will also learn and teach stewardship concepts and practical applications through urban tree and natural resource management projects, as well as developing community partnership, vegetation analysis and management planning skills. This position is supported by the Martha S. Miller Endowment.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Participate in fieldwork activities including tree identification, tree inventory, and the visual assessment of trees in urban and natural settings
- Use diagnostic equipment such as the resistograph, soil moisture sensors and sampling techniques
- Assist with consulting report writing, library research, diagnostic techniques
- Learn about tree and other natural resource management
- Cultivate community stewardship through outreach projects and by responding to questions about plants, culture and management
- Complete an independent study project under the direction of your supervisor
- Work at two weekend Arboretum events - Fall Festival and Plant Sale
- Work one afternoon in the Arboretum's Plant Clinic per week
- Participate in intern core curriculum sessions as scheduled
- Learn to follow proper safety practices
- Perform additional duties as requested
Qualifications/Requirements
- Academic background in urban forestry, ecology, horticulture, arboriculture, landscape design, or a related field
- Landscape design, ecology, or woody plant experience is very desirable
- Experience in publication production or report writing is useful
- Written and verbal communication skills are essential, as is a range of computer experience. Working knowledge of MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is required; as well as working knowledge of AutoCAD and ArcView
- Self-motivation and the ability to work independently are expected
- Participation in some overnight travel to service the needs of Arboretum clients is expected
Work Environment
The Urban Forestry Intern is a team member with the Urban Forestry and Arboricultural Outreach Program. The intern has their own workstation in a shared office. The intern works both indoors and outdoors. Professional development is encouraged and supported.
Past Project Topics
- Morris Arboretum’s Emeral Ash Borer management plan
- Springfield Township Tree Canopy Study using LIDAR
- Assessment, market research and recommendations to enhance the Arboretum’s professional arboriculture education program
- Recommendations for Interim Management of Vacant Urban Lands
Click here to read the 2011-2012 Urban Forestry Intern Report.
Click here to read the 2010-2011 Urban Forestry Intern Report.
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