What are the responsibilities and job description for the ARBORICULTURE SUMMER INTERNSHIP position at Longwood Gardens?
As one of the great gardens of the world located just 30 miles outside of Philadelphia, Longwood Gardens is rooted in a steadfast mission of bringing joy and inspiration to everyone through the beauty of nature, conservation, and learning. Across our many departments, each and every staff member creates the magic that makes our Gardens distinctive. Our team of dynamic professionals is what sets us apart, and our spirit of legacy, innovation, and opportunity is what guides us. While beauty is our heart, our people are our soul.
Join our Arboriculture team for a 10-week summer Arborist internship! The Arborist Intern will learn safe tree climbing practices, various tree pruning and tree preservation techniques, equipment operation, cabling/bracing and lightning protection installation and maintenance, tree removal techniques and record keeping through involvement with the day-to-day operation of Longwood Gardens’ Arborist team. This immersion will help prepare an individual for portions of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist exam.
What you gain:
- Experience with proper tree pruning techniques including crown raising, reducing, cleaning, and shearing
- Experience performing small to medium sized tree removals via felling, climbing, and aerial lifts
- Experience safe tree climbing practices via basic to advanced rope techniques
- Experience safe operation of various pieces of equipment ranging from battery and gas chainsaws up to brush chippers and stump grinders
- Experience rigging techniques during pruning and removals
- Experience installing and maintaining cabling, bracing and lightning protection systems
- Opportunity to learn tree identification and tree assessments including risk assessments
- Opportunity to learn basic and advanced risk assessment tools while performing resistance drilling and sonic tomography
- Opportunity to become familiar with arborist industry standards, Longwood SOPs, and Best Management Practices
Qualifications:
- Currently enrolled in or completed an associate or bachelor’s degree in horticulture or a related field
- Occasional weekend work is required
- The ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, lifting 50 pounds, bending, stooping, climbing and operating small equipment
- High degree of motivation, organization, and attention to detail, and willingness to work independently
- A valid driver’s license
Application requirements:
- Upload an updated CV or resume
- Upload a statement of purpose telling us why you are interested in coming to Longwood and what you hope to gain from this placement
- Provide the names and contact information for two references. Your references will only be contacted if you are selected as a finalist.
Application deadline: January 15, 2025
Benefits:
- Free furnished housing on the grounds of Longwood Gardens (this is a taxable benefit). For further details about housing click here.
- All utilities are included except cable television
- 24 hours of personal time and 2 paid holidays
- Weekly field trips, hands-on workshops, lectures, and conferences
- Complimentary tickets to Longwood Gardens for friends and family
- 50% discount at The Café and 25% discount in The Garden Shop
Longwood Gardens is committed to nurturing a diverse and inclusive environment that celebrates the complexities and differences of all living things. We welcome and respect diverse backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives. Diversity creates a more beautiful world, sparks innovation, and unites us.
