Urban Forestry Field Intern

Time: Seasonal, 24 hours / weekProgram Dates: June 1 - August 31, start and end dates flexibleLocation: Twin Cities, MNDeadline to apply: Rolling ApplicationsProgram DescriptionThis is a 13-week paid field internship in arboriculture and urban forestry. You will train alongside ISA Certified Arborists on active job sites, learning tree identification, health diagnostics, pruning techniques, equipment operation, and client communication while building toward a career in the green industry. The program combines structured instruction, supervised fieldwork, professional development, and soft skills training, and is operated jointly by Spark-Y and Trees and Me LLC. Interns will receive support in preparing for industry certifications and building a professional network in the urban forestry field.About Spark-YSpark-Y is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit empowering youth with hands-on education rooted in sustainability and entrepreneurship. Since 2013, over 13,000 youth have participated in our award-winning programs, sparking personal and professional development, and collective care for the Earth we all share. Learn more at Spark-Y.org. About Trees & MeChad and Rachel Giblin are arborists and founders of Trees & Me LLC, a tree care and consulting company based in Saint Paul, MN. They are also Adjunct Professors of Applied Arboriculture at Hennepin Technical College. With a history of teaching, outreach, and research roles in horticulture, plant pathology, arboriculture, and urban forestry, they bring decades of experience to their clients. Trees & Me strives to provide thoughtful, high-quality tree care while increasing awareness and understanding of trees through memorable workshops and client education.Position DescriptionAre you passionate about tree preservation and the enhancement of urban green spaces? Are you considering a career in forestry? As an Urban Forestry Intern, you will be training under Trees & Me and Spark-Y to learn the essential skills and mindset to launch your career in arboriculture and urban forestry. The program includes 13 weeks of paid instruction and training, combining classroom, online, and on the job training with professional arborists and natural resources professionals.While working alongside Trees & Me, interns will gain knowledge about tree planting, tree ID, tree pruning and establishment, tree diagnostics, tree pathology, tree inventory, equipment operation, customer service, job-site safety, and communication. Instructors are ISA Certified Arborists and have years of experience operating a small tree care company, consulting, and teaching.In addition to on the job training with Trees & Me, interns will work alongside staff at Spark-Y on community projects and programs which enhance natural resources within an urban environment and educate youth regarding the importance of these spaces. Spark-Y staff will also work with interns to achieve career and professional development goals. Ideal candidates will be passionate about trees, tree preservation, and urban natural resources.Compensation$20/hourOpportunities for advancement upon satisfactory completion of the programProfessional references and other outplacement and networking supportMetro Transit pass available upon requestAccess to soft skills and professional development trainingPreparation and support for industry certifications (e.g., ISA Certified Arborist exam preparation, CPR/First Aid, chainsaw safety)Connection to Spark-Y's alumni network and ongoing career support through Trees & Me's employer network in the green industryMinimum QualificationsHigh school graduate or equivalentWillingness and ability to work in physically demanding roles and conditionsSelf-motivated learner, ready to engage in both intellectual and physical aspects of tree care Enjoys the rewards and challenges of working outdoors and has the ability to adapt to changing weather conditions and situationsAbility to work manually on a tree care jobsite for hours while remaining situationally awarePreferred QualificationsCurrently enrolled in an arboriculture/urban forestry A.A.S. or B.S. programPrevious experience in gardening, landscaping, or tree careE04JI800clpr4096id0