Job Details

Urban Forestry Apprentice - Morris Arboretum & Gardens
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Position Number: 6056478
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
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. Located in the Northwest section of the city, the Morris Arboretum & Gardens is a destination for plant lovers from Philadelphia and beyond. The home to a collection of more than 13,000 woody plants and host to special and educational events. Morris Arboretum & Gardens is a hub for botany, horticulture and urban forestry and a special part of Penn.

Job Description

The Urban Forestry Apprentice engages in urban forestry and natural resource management practices, assessments, programs, and planning for public gardens, design firms, government agencies, education, and community organizations.

The Apprentice also learns about and teaches stewardship concepts and practical applications through urban tree and natural resources management projects as well as developing community partnership, tree and vegetation analysis and management planning skills. 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 including tree identification, tree inventory, and the visual assessment of trees in urban and natural settings at all times of year.
Assist with consulting report writing, library research, diagnostic techniques, data management and map making.
Learn about tree and other natural resource management.
Complete an independent study project under the direction of your supervisor. Learn to follow proper safety practices.
Use diagnostic equipment such as a resistance drill, soil moisture sensors and sampling techniques.
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 up to two weekend Arboretum events.
Participate in apprentice sessions as scheduled.
Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

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 preferred; as well as working knowledge of AutoCAD and the ArcGIS software suite including the ArcGIS Online environment.
Self-motivation and the ability to work independently are expected.
Participation in some overnight travel to service the needs of Arboretum clients is required.
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.

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

Cover letter/Letter of intent
Two signed letters of recommendation
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: Jason Lubar, Urban Forestry
100 East Northwestern Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19118

lubar@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, as well as internal and market factors and

the pay range assigned to the job profile.

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.

To apply, visit https://wd1.myworkdaysite.com/en-US/recruiting/upenn/careers-at-penn/job/Morris-Arboretum/Urban-Forestry-Apprentice---Morris-Arboretum---Gardens_JR00103860