Ascend Internship - Urban Forestry

Join the team serving the City of Sioux Falls. • Sioux Falls, SD

2d

About The Position

The Urban Forestry Intern assists with the City of Sioux Falls’ urban forest management activities, including updating tree inventories, marking trees for removal, coordinating with homeowners, and conducting site inspections. The intern supports education and outreach on Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), tree planting and maintenance, and the benefits of trees. The role also works with City contractors to monitor tree removal and planting progress and inspect work for quality assurance.

The intern assists with the City’s planting permit program by conducting initial site inspections, revisiting planted sites, and updating the tree inventory. Additional work includes reviewing the city’s forestry website for ways to improve communication and supporting forest management planning and program development. This is a 2027 summer internship.

Requirements

• Be enrolled as a full-time student in a forestry, arboriculture, natural resources management, horticulture, landscape design, or closely related curriculum at a college, university, or vocational technical school.
• Ability to identify various tree species.
• Ability to work as a team member and collaborate effectively with others.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work a 40-hour flexible schedule, including potential nights, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Assist with urban forest management activities, including inventory updates, marking trees for removal, homeowner coordination, and site inspections.
• Assist with education and outreach related to Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), tree planting, tree maintenance, and the benefits of trees.
• Work with City of Sioux Falls contractors to monitor tree removal and planting progress and inspect work for quality assurance.
• Assist with the planting permit program by performing initial site inspections, re-inspecting planted sites, and updating the tree inventory.
• Review the city’s forestry website and identify opportunities to improve communication efficiencies and avenues.
• Provide assistance with forest management planning and program development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed