Forestry Intern

Under the direction of the Forestry& Parks Manager, the Urban Forestry Intern participates in landscape management and tree maintenance activities through hands-on learning, collecting, and analyzing data. Anticipated start mid-May or later depending on school schedule.

Assists with chemical injections of ash trees and soil to deter the emerald ash borer (EAB); disseminates information to citizens, in person, on the phone, or via electronic communication; performs landscape and tree maintenance tasks such as planting, watering, mulching, pruning, removal of turf, annual and perennial flowers, shrubs and trees; monitors tree and plant survival; assists in the preparation and analysis of data and information; maintains and updates records, files, and documents; performs other duties as assigned. 

DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:  Familiarity with urban forestry programs; knowledge of plant biology; ability to assess and identify a variety of tree and plant species and common insect pests and diseases; good skill in listening; good skill in communicating clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing; ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data and effectively present ideas, concepts, recommendations, and conclusions; ability to prepare clear and concise written and oral reports; ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions; ability to seek supervisory guidance, yet make individual decisions; ability to take direction; ability to work independently and as part of a team; ability to communicate and work cooperatively and effectively with a diverse population, including, but not limited to, elected officials, superiors, staff, and the public; ability to exercise mature judgment; ability to maintain accurate records and files; ability to use hand tools such as hand saws, shovels, pick axes, etc.; ability to perform work in a safe manner and safeguard City equipment.Current enrollment in a two or four year college-level arboriculture, urban forestry, horticulture, or closely related program at an accredited college or university.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  College transcripts are required and must be received within three business days after the application period closes.  College transcripts may be attached to the application. Student copies are acceptable.  Only applications with transcripts will be considered; applications without transcripts will be rejected.

Some prior related work experience desired.

Possess a valid WI Driver's License and a good driving record per City policy.

Possess a State of Wisconsin Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification (Category 3.0-Turf and Landscape) within 30 days of employment.

Competent in the use of office computers/software including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook, Calendaring).

General Physical Demands 
Ability to withstand exposure to variable and unfavorable weather and working conditions including, but not limited to, temperature variations and extremes, odors, toxic agents, noise, vibrations, electrical current, vehicular traffic, and/or dust.

Possess the physical capacity to perform heavy manual labor for extended periods of time including, but not limited to: the ability to use hand tools such as hand saws, shovels, pick axes, etc.; ability to continuously reach and maneuver overhead while holding a hand saw; ability to continuously start, push, pull, and maneuver riding mowers, push mowers, and other small-motorized equipment; continuous light to medium lifting; occasional heavy lifting; and the ability to continuously walk, bend, kneel, sit, twist, stoop, crawl, stretch, squat, lift, push, pull, enter and exit City vehicles, etc.

PHYSICAL DEMAND LEVEL                 ACTIVITY TOLERANCES/FREQUENCIES
Light Lifting - 20 lbs occasionally;                Continuous     67 – 100% of workday
   up to 10 lbs frequently
Medium Lifting - 50 lbs. occasionally;          Frequent        34 –   66% of workday
   20 lbs. frequently
Heavy Lifting - 100 lbs. occasionally;          Occasionally    1 –   33% of workday
   50 lbs. frequently
Very Heavy Lifting - 100 lbs. occasionally   Never              0%

Salary : $15 - $20