• Assist the Chief Arborist in maintaining and caring for the trees on the Morris Arboretum's 167 acres
• Participate in all aspects of tree care management, including tree pruning, hazard inspection, tree support systems and integrated pest management
• Learn to teach climbing techniques and basic arboriculture concepts by assisting with arborist training for tree care professionals and climbing enthusiasts
• Climb and work in trees at heights in excess of 60-80 ft.

• An academic background in forestry, horticulture, landscaping or a related field
• Basic tree climbing ability is helpful
• Written and verbal communication skills are essential
• Working knowledge of Word, Excel and PowerPoint preferred
• Be able and willing to communicate with Arboretum visitors
• Be able and willing to work independently and as part of a team
• Be able and willing to work in all weather conditions
• Be able to lift your own body weight
• A valid driver's license is required

• Engage in urban forestry and natural resource management practices, assessments, programs and planning for public gardens, public-private partnerships, governmental agencies, educational and community organizations.
• Learn and teach stewardship concepts and practical applications through natural land restoration and urban tree management projects.
• Develop community partnership, vegetation analysis and management planning skills.
• Assist with outreach consulting services in arboriculture, design, communication, education, and land management.
• Assist with watershed-based natural area management at the Arboretum and in the community.

• All interns are required to participate in Thursday Intern Sessions, Plant Clinic, events such as Plant Sale and Fall Festival, all-staff meetings, and other specified program activities.   All interns are required to complete independent study projects, under direction of their supervisors.
• All interns are required to participate in intern core curriculum sessions as scheduled.  All interns are encouraged to attend functions, classes, and conferences that they find of interest and that will further their professional development.
• The Urban Forestry Intern is supervised by the Director of Public Programs and is assigned to duties with the Outreach Arborist (in the Public Programs Department) and Natural Areas Section (in the Horticulture Department).
• Responsibilities with the Outreach Arborist team include participating in fieldwork activities, and assisting with project report writing, library research, diagnostic techniques, and learning about tree and other natural resource management.   The Intern is expected to be self-motivated and be able, if necessary, to participate in overnight trips to service our client’s needs.
• The Urban Forestry Intern spends half of his/her time assisting the Natural Areas Manager with land management in a variety of settings.  These areas include the Paper Mill Run Restoration Project, the Wetland Project and the forest restoration of the Thomas Mill Ravine.  Emphasis will be on utilizing current restoration techniques as well as refining land management skills for Natural Areas maintenance.  Other duties include plant record keeping, support for volunteer gardeners, operation of garden machinery, and supervision of seasonal staff.

• Conversant in the role of vegetation management in urban planning and development issues such as sprawl, water and air quality, storm water management, recreation, housing, economic development, and biodiversity
• Report writing
• Community relations and outreach
• Working knowledge of MS Word, Excel, and Power Point
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD and ArcView
• Use of GPS equipment
• How to read and interpret building specifications
• Tree Identification
• Tree assessment and inventory techniques
• Use diagnostics, including the Resistograph, soil moisture sensors and sampling techniques
• How to interpret results from diagnostic equipment
• Insect pest and disease ID
• Learn to ID plants in Natural Land Management Section
• Invasive plant ID and removal
• Weed ID and removal
• String trimming
• Spraying weeds
• Planting perennials, shrubs, and trees
• Division, cutting, and seed propagation
• Mulching
• Watering plants
• Pruning shrubs and trees
• Assist with the supervision of seasonal staff and volunteers
• Answer visitor questions about plants and culture

• Academic background in urban forestry, ecology, horticulture, arboriculture, landscape design, or a related field.
• Written and verbal communication skills are essential as is a range of computer experiences.
• Landscape design, ecology, or woody plant experience is desirable.
• Experience in publication production or report writing is useful.
• A car is required and mileage will be reimbursed.
• Participation in some overnight travel is expected.

Arborist Intern Alena Klimesová (2004-05)
performs maintenance on the lightning
protection system of the Arboretum's
famous Bender oak (Quercus x benderi).
  (photo credit: Brice Dorwart)