Urban Forester Intern

Description

Do you enjoy working in nature and passionate about trees?

Are you looking to get hands on experience in the tree care profession in a safe and fun environment?

We are currently seeking a dynamic, highly organized, undergraduate Urban Forestry Intern for our Arboriculture Program.

The internship program runs between June 2nd – August 7, 2025, with the time commitment of 25 hours per week for 10 weeks. The work schedule for this internship will be Monday-Thursday, 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

The successful internship candidate will have the opportunity to collect and analyze tree inventory data for the recently planted landscape tree plantings. The selected candidate will gain experience and knowledge of a wide range of tree care knowledge that can be applied in a wide variety of careers in the green industry. This role requires both administrative work to be performed indoors and physical work to be performed outdoors. Go to our website to learn more about the Arboriculture: https://montgomeryparks.org/about/divisions/arboriculture/ 

Examples of Important Duties

Tree Inventory Survivorship Study: Becomes familiar with tree inventory data collection and analysis; learns how to accurately locate individual trees using an advanced GNSS system, learn to assess the condition of young trees, and gains experience in the field utilizing TreeKeeper8 Urban Forestry Management Software.

Tree Identification: Learns the techniques and procedures for identifying common landscape tree species in Montgomery Parks. Uses tree inventory software to verify and correct tree species information for the 2025 Survivorship Study.

Tree Health Assessment: Learns to identify common tree defects and conditions that may impact a tree’s long-term or short-term health.

Tree Risk Inspections: Learns how to identify potential hazards, from trees to park patrons or property. Learns how to use the International Society of Arboriculture’s Tree Risk Inspection procedure.

Young Tree Care: Learns how to provide care for young trees through mulching, watering, and structure pruning using hand tools.

Data Analysis: Learns how to analyze and present tree inventory data using GIS, Microsoft Excel, and PowerBi.

Urban Forestry Management: Learns about the different work programs implemented by our Urban Forestry section to gain an understanding of how the urban forests within Montgomery Parks are managed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current enrollment in an undergraduate-level program focusing on Forestry, Horticulture, Arboriculture, Environmental Science, or any related field.
• Proficiency in Microsoft and Adobe Suite.
• GIS experience or coursework.
• Passion for learning new and varied skills relevant to tree care operations; ability to work with others in a team-setting.
• Superb written, verbal, organizational and interpersonal skills. Proficient in office software (MS Office), communicating (email), word processing, collecting and reporting data, preparing presentations, and researching (Internet).
• Must possess a valid Driver’s License and qualify to drive Commission vehicles to locations within Montgomery County and/or as directed.
• Ability to communicate in another language a plus.

Minimum Qualifications

• Students must have at least a 2.5 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) and at least Junior class standing.
• Students must be currently enrolled full-time at an accredited college, university, or trade school.
• College/University students must submit a college transcript. An unofficial transcript is unacceptable.
• Must provide references from past supervisors and/or professors.
• Must provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States.