Forestry Intern

Distinguishing Features of the Class

This is a responsible professional internship assisting in developing and implementing urban forestry programs.  The work is performed under the direct supervision of the City Forester.  

120-Day assignment working up to 40 hours weekly depending on available work.  Typical employment duration is 4 consecutive months.
 

Acceptable Experience and Training

• Completion of one (1) year in an accredited Environmental Science program with course work in urban forestry, environmental science, dendrology, spatial sciences, plant pathology, entomology, arboriculture, or stormwater.
• Or any other combination of experience and education that provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the work.
• Preferred experience with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint and ArcGIS.

Please Note: College transcripts must be submitted with your application or separately to the City of Des Moines Human Resources Department by email to humanresources@dmgov.org, by fax to 515-237-1680, or by mail or hand delivery to 1551 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50317 on or before the application deadline.     

Required Special Qualifications

• Possession of valid Iowa driver's license.

Please Note: If you possess an out-of-state Driver's License, submittal of certified driving records is required.  All records should be submitted to the City of Des Moines Human Resources Department; electronically to [email protected], by fax to 515-237-1680, or by mail to 1551 E MLK Jr Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50317 at the time of application.  Failure to submit all required documentation may cause application disqualification.    

Examples of Essential Work (Illustrative Only)

• Employs GIS technologies for data collection on public space trees.
• Assists in keeping the city's tree inventory software (Tree Keeper 8) up to date with accurate data and work records. 
• Inspects contractor's work related to forestry activities. 
• Assists with organizing and preparing public outreach material or educational initiatives.
• Supports the Tiny Tree Neighborhood program by watering, mulching, weeding, removing/adding caging, and pruning tiny trees. 
• Supports forestry staff in watering newly planted trees during drought conditions.  
• Interacts with constituents or stakeholders to promote forestry stewardship. 
• Assists in forestry department metrics.
• Attends planning sessions and meetings to become familiar with principles, practices, and new development related to the urban tree canopy.
• Performs other directly related duties consistent with the role and function of the classification.