Parks and Open Space - Arborist Intern

Do you have a deep appreciation for our natural resources and wish you had a way to help contribute to the preservation of a town's urban forest? You've found the right internship! 

Our Arborist Intern will assist with growing and maintaining Erie’s Urban Forest. The intent of this internship is to provide experience in the practical use and knowledge of pruning, fertilization, installation and establishment, diagnosis and treatment of tree problems, and other services directly related to arboriculture. This internship will provide some of the experience required to become eligible to apply for the International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist exam. 

ANTICIPATED WORK SCHEDULE: Full-time (Monday-Friday shifts) 40 hours per week with some nights and weekends as needed. 

• Internships are approximately 12-15 weeks in length, approximately 40 hours per week or the equivalent of approximately 520 total working hours. 

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: 

None. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Plants bareroot, ball and burlap, and container grown nursery trees 
• Learns how to select the right species for the site and proper planting and mulching techniques 
• Assists with maintaining municipal tree nursery 
• Performs irrigation maintenance and pruning of nursery trees 
• Maintains public trees including the pruning of public trees for health, structure, and function utilizing hand saws, chainsaws, and pole tools 
• Assists with the felling and removal of public trees 
• Learns how to safely and efficiently use chainsaws, chippers, and stump grinders 
• Assists the climbing arborist in ground operations 
• Assists with the implementation of the Town’s IPM (Integrated Pest Management) Program 
• Learns common insect and disease issues associated with Front Range trees 
• Observes and assists with trunk and ground injected pesticides and nutrients 
• Helps maintains a municipal tree inventory 
• Uses common tree inventory and GIS software 
• Learns how to identify common and uncommon Front Range tree species. 
• Collects field data related to tree species, diameter, and condition 

Administrative Duties: 

• Performs data entry and prepares necessary records including maintenance logs, herbicide use records, and safety inspections 
• Prepares data reports, including maps of work sites using GIS software 

TOWN WIDE EXPECTATIONS/DUTIES: 

• Serve as a professional ambassador of the Town by maintaining a professional image, a team-based collaborative approach and high ethical standards 
• Complete all required safety trainings in a timely manner 
• Develop and accomplish goals and objectives to support the Department and Town mission 

OTHER/MISCELLANEOUS: 

• Assist with special events or projects on behalf of the Department or Town 
• Attend at least one Tree Advisory Board meeting as assigned, attend and participate in relevant professional group meetings 
• Perform related work as required and assigned 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

Obtained or in the process of obtaining a Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, Forestry, Parks Management, or a closely related field, or a minimum of 3-6 months related on-the-job experience in the field of Arboriculture, or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position. 

CERTIFICATES/LICENSES/REGISTRATIONS 

• Valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record 
• ESRI certification or previous ArcGIS coursework preferred 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED: 

Knowledge of: General understanding of natural resource management, forestry, and/or parks maintenance operations. 

Skills in: While field experience in Arboriculture is not required, experience working outdoors in Colorado is preferred. 

Environmental Factors: 

The majority of work will be performed outdoors in all weather conditions, work performed indoors will be limited to two hours a day. Infrequent working at a height may be required with the use of a ladder, up to 20 feet from the ground. While performing the duties of this job, exposure to equipment including vibrations for equipment such as hedge trimmers, chain saws, chippers, and stump grinders will be frequent. Frequent use of color discrimination, peripheral vision, and near and far visual acuity is necessary. The ability to hear for backup alarms and warning alarms will be a crucial aspect to complete tasks, hearing protection will be provided. The employee will constantly be required to walk/travel on uneven surfaces and will need to enter confined spaces in rare circumstances for up to 30 minutes. There will be frequent exposure to chemicals, fumes, and gas due to equipment maintenance and operations that will include herbicides and dust. Work will frequently be performed in traffic. 

Physical Factors: 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required to stand and walk for up to eight hours a day. Sitting during the workday will be minimal (up to two hours during the shift). The employee will spend up to eight hours per day on repetitive motion activities such as mowing and operating small power tools. Bending partially to floor level and kneeling to the ground for up to 30 minutes will be frequent. Climbing a supported ladder will be necessary for some tasks. Time spent grasping objects including power tools, vehicle steering wheels, and hand tools with be often. The employee will frequently be required to lift, reach for, push, and pull objects weighing between 5-25 pounds, and infrequently items weighing up to 80 pounds. 

BENEFITS: 

Temporary employees receive the following benefits: 

• Free membership to the Erie Community Center 
• Access to the Town's Employee Assistance Program(EAP) 
• Colorado Sick Leave (1 hour of accrued, paid leave per 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours per year) 

EEOC: The Town is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity in any term, condition or privilege of employment. Applicants, employees and former employees are protected from employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability and genetic information (including family medical history), veteran status, marital status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law. This prohibition includes unlawful harassment or discrimination based on any of these protected classes. Unlawful harassment includes verbal or physical conduct, which has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating a severe, intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment. This provision applies to all employees, including directors, supervisors, co-workers, and non-employees such as residents, members of all boards and task force groups, contractors, vendors, consultants, etc.