Urban Forestry Apprentice; Morris Arboretum & Gardens

University of Pennsylvania • Philadelphia, PA

2d

About The Position

Located on 192 acres in the beautiful Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Philadelphia, the Morris Arboretum & Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania inspires an understanding of the relationship between plants, people and place through education, research, and horticultural display. Home to a collection of more than 13,000 woody plants, the Morris is a popular destination for plant lovers from Philadelphia and beyond and remains a renowned hub for botany, horticulture, and urban forestry.

Working with a small team of urban forestry and natural lands specialists, the Urban Forestry Apprentice will gain practical experience in urban forestry, fragment forest management, and urban ecology. The Apprentice will become familiar with assessment methods, stewardship practices, and planning approaches used across public gardens, design firms, government agencies, and community organizations. The Apprentice will also build an understanding of the fragmented forest remnants common to southeastern Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic, including their unique ecological pressures and management needs. In addition, the role introduces the ecological role of fire-dependent ecosystems in this region, emphasizing how fire history informs restoration and vegetation management decisions. The Apprentice will learn and help teach stewardship concepts through urban tree and natural resource projects, while developing skills in community partnership, vegetation analysis, and management planning.

This position is supported by the Martha S. Miller and Rusty Miller Endowment. This apprenticeship is expected to run for a duration of 12 months and the pay is $16.00/hour.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's Degree and 0 to 1 year of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience, is required.
• 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 experience.
• Working knowledge of MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is required, working knowledge of AutoCAD and ArcGIS is highly desirable
• Self-motivation and the ability to work independently are expected
• Participation in some overnight travel to service the needs of Arboretum clients is expected
• A valid driver's license and car is required.
• Must be able and willing to work in the field in varied weather conditions.

Nice To Haves

• Landscape design, ecology, or woody plant experience is very desirable
• Experience in publication production or report writing is useful

Responsibilities

• Participate in fieldwork activities throughout the year including tree identification, tree inventory, and the visual assessment of trees in urban and natural settings
• Use diagnostic equipment such as a resistance drill, 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
• Contribute to the Arboretum blog on topics relevant to current urban forestry projects or events
• Attend and take detailed minutes for weekly and monthly meetings
• Assist with tree care and management on Penn’s campus
• Work at up to two weekend Arboretum events
• Participate in intern sessions as scheduled
• Learn to follow proper safety practices
• Perform additional duties as requested

Benefits

• Health and Life: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare.
• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern