Job Details

Urban Forestry Apprentice; Morris Arboretum & Gardens

Position Number: 6913083
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Position Type: Agriculture - Environmental Science, Ecology & Forestry

Urban Forestry Apprentice; Morris Arboretum & Gardens

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

Posted Job Title
Urban Forestry Apprentice; Morris Arboretum & Gardens

Job Profile Title
Temporary Employee - Non-Exempt

Job Description Summary
Located on 192 acres in the beautiful Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Philadelphia, the Morris Arboretum & Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania inspires an understanding of the relationship between plants, people and place through education, research, and horticultural display. Home to a collection of more than 13,000 woody plants, the Morris is a popular destination for plant lovers from Philadelphia and beyond and remains a renowned hub for botany, horticulture, and urban forestry.

Job Description

Working with a small team of urban forestry and natural lands specialists, the Urban Forestry Apprentice will gain practical experience in urban forestry, fragment forest management, and urban ecology. The Apprentice will become familiar with assessment methods, stewardship practices, and planning approaches used across public gardens, design firms, government agencies, and community organizations.

The Apprentice will also build an understanding of the fragmented forest remnants common to southeastern Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic, including their unique ecological pressures and management needs. In addition, the role introduces the ecological role of fire-dependent ecosystems in this region, emphasizing how fire history informs restoration and vegetation management decisions.

The Apprentice will learn and help teach stewardship concepts through urban tree and natural resource projects, while developing skills in community partnership, vegetation analysis, and management planning. This position is supported by the Martha S. Miller and Rusty Miller Endowment.

This apprenticeship is expected to run for a duration of 12 months and the pay is $16.00/hour.

Responsibilities:

Participate in fieldwork activities throughout the year including tree identification, tree inventory, and the visual assessment of trees in urban and natural settings
Use diagnostic equipment such as a resistance drill, soil moisture sensors and sampling techniques
Assist with consulting report writing, library research, diagnostic techniques
Learn about tree and other natural resource management
Cultivate community stewardship through outreach projects and by responding to questions about plants, culture, and management
Complete an independent study project under the direction of your supervisor
Contribute to the Arboretum blog on topics relevant to current urban forestry projects or events
Attend and take detailed minutes for weekly and monthly meetings
Assist with tree care and management on Penn's campus
Work at up to two weekend Arboretum events
Participate in intern sessions as scheduled
Learn to follow proper safety practices
Perform additional duties as requested

Qualifications:

A Bachelor's Degree and 0 to 1 year of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience, is required.
Academic background in urban forestry, ecology, horticulture, arboriculture, landscape design, or a related field
Landscape design, ecology, or woody plant experience is very desirable
Experience in publication production or report writing is useful
Written and verbal communication skills are essential, as is a range of computer experience. Working knowledge of MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is required, working knowledge of AutoCAD and ArcGIS is highly desirable
Self-motivation and the ability to work independently are expected
Participation in some overnight travel to service the needs of Arboretum clients is expected
A valid driver's license and car is required.
Must be able and willing to work in the field in varied weather conditions.
A full background check will be undertaken for the successful applicant.

Work Environment :

The Urban Forestry Fellow is a team member of the Urban Forestry and Arboricultural Outreach Program. The Fellow has their own workstation in a shared office. The Fellow works both indoors and outdoors in all seasons and adverse weather conditions. Professional development is encouraged and supported.

Important Note: In addition to the online application, applicants will be required to provide the following supporting documents:

Cover letter/Letter of intent
College transcripts

The supporting documents may be uploaded with the online application, or they may be mailed or emailed directly to:

Morris Arboretum

c/o: Michael Dunn, Urban Forestry
100 East Northwestern Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19118

mikedunn@upenn.edu

Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School
Morris Arboretum

Pay Range
$7.25 - $16.00 Hourly Rate
Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job's level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements
A background check may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

Health and Life: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family's health and welfare.
Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn's Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

Please note that benefit eligibility is determined/based on ACA guidelines.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

To apply, visit https://wd1.myworkdaysite.com/en-US/recruiting/upenn/careers-at-penn/job/Morris-Arboretum/Urban-Forestry-Apprentice--Morris-Arboretum---Gardens_JR00116999