Urban Forestry Intern PAID!

 “TREES MAKE A DIFFERENCE!”

Are you currently enrolled in a college-level program related to urban forestry? Consider applying for this unique internship opportunity (Summer 2025) to participate in the City of Milwaukee’s urban greening activities!

The Urban Forestry Intern position is a fix term role with the City of Milwaukee.  Urban Forestry Interns work during the summer months, but may be eligible to return the following summer or to apply for transfer/ promotional opportunities within the City of Milwaukee prior to the completion of the internship.

Purpose

Urban Forestry Interns participate in a variety of forestry work activities, including the chemical treatment of ash trees at risk for Emerald Ash Borer (EAB); manual labor associated with the planting and maintenance of trees, plants, and turf throughout the City of Milwaukee; and data collection and analysis, research, and other special projects. We will host students from out of state.

Essential Functions 

FORESTRY WORK ACTIVITIES

• Work on a small crew performing chemical treatment of ash street trees at risk for EAB.
• Contact and disseminate information to residents who have ash trees on their property.
• Perform horticultural tasks involving the propagation, installation, maintenance, harvesting, and removal of trees, shrubs, flowers, ornamental grasses, and turf on City greenspaces and at the City of Milwaukee nursery and greenhouses.
• Operate specialized outdoor power equipment and power tools, including tree chippers, chainsaws, riding and push mowers, leaf blowers, and trimmers. Drive pickup truck and tractors.
• Use various hand tools, including shovels, pruners, hand tampers, handsaws, and wire cutters.

SPECIAL PROJECTS

• Collect and update street tree inventory data.
• Conduct research.
• Participate in community-based urban forestry programs.
• Assist with work task evaluations.

Minimum Requirements

• Current enrollment in a two-year (or four-year) college-level arboriculture, urban forestry, horticulture, or related program at an accredited college or university.
• State of Wisconsin Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification (Category 3.0-Turf and Landscape) within 30 days of employment and throughout employment.
• Valid State of Wisconsin Commercial Pesticide Applicator License within 30 days of employment and throughout employment (preferably at time of appointment).
• Valid driver’s license and a good driving record at time of appointment and throughout employment.

Conditions of Employment

• Ability to work outdoors and withstand a wide range of weather conditions.
• Physical ability to perform moderate to heavy manual labor; ability to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Physical ability to stand, walk, climb, crouch, crawl, push and pull, and perform repetitive motions.
• Ability to see and hear to be able to remain safe within constantly changing environments.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE).

Note: We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

NOTICE: Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates’ education as part of the background screening process prior to extending any job offers.