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 and Rusty 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 one weekend Arboretum events - Fall Festival
• Enroll in and complete two academic courses at Penn: LARP755 (Fall) and LARP756 (Spring)
• Participate in intern sessions as scheduled (typically weekly outside of academic year)
• 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