Urban Forestry Student Intern

Introduction

The New Haven Department of Parks and Public Works Tree Division is tasked with caring for and maintaining the City’s 29,500 street trees, as well as trees within our parks and public green spaces. The core mission of the City of New Haven Tree Division is to ensure fair access by all current and future residents of the Elm City to the many benefits that trees provide, while also balancing the risks that hazard trees pose; providing timely, safe and efficient emergency services; combating climate change; and promoting policies that sustain a healthy and diverse urban forest.

This is an excellent opportunity for a current undergraduate or graduate student to intern and gain valuable experience in municipal urban forest management.

Primary Functions

This is an internship position for an undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in an accredited college/university, under the supervision of the Tree System Coordinator and within the Department of Parks and Public Works Tree Division. This position involves assisting the Tree System Coordinator in working with the public, city departments, and non-profit partners across all aspects of municipal urban forest management.

Typical Duties And Responsibilities

Typical assignments may include, but are not limited to:

• Administrative support for Tree System Coordinator.
• Updating work records and creating reports.
• Assist with management and collection of data.
• Seasonal assistance caring for newly planted trees (watering, mulching, planting, etc).
• Tree inventory: collect species and other important information and record in specialized web-based software.
• Participate in the implementation of the Urban Forest Master Plan: assist with preparing and facilitation of community meetings, community outreach, and preparing materials (presentations, online resources, maps, etc).
• Perform other related work as requested.
  
  

Education, Qualifications & Experience

Preferred Education: Students in urban forestry related disciplines including, but not limited to arboriculture, urban and community forestry, forestry, environmental studies, and climate.

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must be enrolled as a student at an accredited college or university
• Proof of enrollment must be attached to online application
  
  

Knowledge, Experience, Skills & Abilities

• Detail-oriented, focused, and motivated to learn about the profession of urban forestry.
• Exceptional communication skills (verbal and written, over telephone and email).
• Dependable and efficient with excellent time management skills.
• Knowledge of tree species common to southern New England and urban environments.
• Knowledge of New Haven and its neighborhoods desirable.
• Knowledge of commonly used software, including Microsoft applications.
• Ability to travel within New Haven as required.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather and terrain conditions.
• Ability to work independently and in groups.
• Ability to work non-traditional hours for community meetings.
  
  

SALARY, BARGAINING UNIT & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Academic Year Completed - Hourly Rate College Freshman $16.00

College Sophomore

$16.25

College Junior

$16.50

College Senior

$16.75

Graduate School Yr 1

$17.00

Graduate School Yr 2

$17.25

Graduate School Yr 3

$17.50

Student hourly rates are based on the last academic year completed. Note that the burden of proof of grade advancement falls on the student. No adjustments in pay will be made until evidence of progression is provided by the student. They must provide the Department of Human Resources this information as soon as it is available.

In other words, a student who completes 12th grade in June would be paid at the high school senior rate until September, and until they provide verification that they have advanced a grade.

The maximum number of hours a Student Intern can work may not exceed 19 hours per week. Approved work-study programs, semester and/or vacation breaks interns may work up to 35 hours depending on departmental funding approved by Management & Budget.

Internships are not eligible to receive medical benefits, vacation pay, sick pay, holiday, union membership, or union contractual benefits. Any period of internship employment will not be construed in any way to mean probationary employment. Persons may not be employed in two concurrent positions with the City and/or the Board of Education at the same time.

Depending on assignment, additional pre-employment conditions may be required, which may include fingerprinting and background checks. Instructions and information on this pre-employment process are included in Conditional Offer of Employment.

Selection Plan

Applications will be reviewed by the Department of Human Resources and the hiring department. Placement depends on department needs, student qualifications, goals, and availability.

Law Students or those interested in placement at Police, or Food Policy should apply within those specific postings.

Preference will be given to those residing in New Haven.

Conclusion

To Apply For This Opportunity

• Complete your User Registration. You are encouraged to save your Applicant Profile for future use.
• You MUST click on the job posting you are interested in, and click Apply or Apply Online from within that posting.
• MAKE SURE the job you are applying for is named at the top of the page as you review your application!
• Review or modify your application for that position
• Click "Ready to Send App" or the "Send" tab; read page and click the attestation
• Click "Send to City of New Haven"
• You will be redirected to "CONFIRMATION OF EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION SUBMISSION"
• You will also receive an email and text, if a number was provided, confirming your submission
• If you do not receive this confirmation in the next 24 hours, your application has not been submitted - please contact us at NHJobs@newhavenct.gov
  
  

Please Note, your Profile is NOT an application for an open position. After you create your Applicant Profile, you must still click on a Job Title and complete the application as instructed for each position.