Arboriculture Internship

Summer 2025 Internship Opportunity

About the Position

The Arboriculture Internship at Mt. Cuba Center offers an exceptional opportunity for individuals pursuing a career in arboriculture to gain comprehensive, hands-on experience in professional tree care. Working directly with our experienced three-person arborist team, interns will learn and practice the full range of modern arboricultural techniques while contributing to the maintenance of Mt. Cuba Center's extensive tree collection. This vocational internship provides in-depth training in all aspects of tree care, from ground operations to climbing techniques, with an emphasis on safety and industry best practices.

Essential Functions of the Role

This dynamic position offers hands-on training and experience in all aspects of professional tree care. The intern will work closely with the arboricultural team while developing essential skills and knowledge.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Assist with comprehensive tree care practices including planting, pruning, cabling, and removals
• Support ground operations for climbing arborists
• Participate in tree risk assessments and inventory management
• Assist with plant health care monitoring and integrated pest management
• Learn and practice safe climbing techniques and aerial operations
• Operate and maintain arboricultural equipment

Through structured training, the intern will gain expertise in:

• Tree maintenance assessments for safety, health, structure, function, and aesthetics
• Ground operations and climbing techniques
• Equipment operation and maintenance
• Tree risk evaluation and management
• Plant health care practices
• Tree identification and inventory management

Qualifications and Skills

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Interest in pursuing a career in arboriculture
• Strong attention to detail and sense of responsibility
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions
• Physical capability to perform frequent standing, bending, twisting, stooping, climbing, and lifting of objects over 50 pounds
• Valid driver's license

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum one year of employment in arboriculture or related field
• Current enrollment in or completion of coursework in Horticulture, Biology, or related field
• Previous experience with tree care operations
• Basic knowledge of tree identification and biology

Learning Outcomes

Interns will develop:

• Comprehensive understanding of professional tree care practices
• Practical experience in tree climbing and aerial operations
• Knowledge of tree risk assessment and management
• Experience with plant health care and integrated pest management
• Equipment operation and maintenance skills
• Understanding of tree inventory management
• Professional network within the arboriculture industry
• Preparation for ISA certification

About the Role: Compensation & Schedule

• Compensation: $16.00 per hour
• Duration: June 2 through November 14, 2025 (approximate maximum of 960 total hours)
• Schedule: Full-time position with occasional weekend work required
• Location: Mt. Cuba Center, Hockessin, Delaware
• Benefits include paid holidays and sick time
• Housing is not provided
• Training supplement: International Society of Arboriculture Arborists' Certification Study Guide
• Opportunities to attend relevant classes and seminars
• Site visits to other botanic gardens and arboreta

Interview & Hiring Process

We require the following in order to consider your application:

• Resume
• Cover letter [required]

If you progress through additional stages in the hiring process you can expect to:

• Complete the online position questionnaire
• Complete a virtual screening interview
• Participate in a final interview with the Hiring Manager and interview panel

Please note: All applications will be reviewed by our team, and all candidates will receive a status update via email after their application has been reviewed. Due to capacity constraints on our hiring team, we are unable to provide you with a specific status update beyond these parameters.

Recruitment Timeline:

• Application review begins: Week of January 13, 2025
• Application deadline: January 24, 2025
• Final decisions communicated: Mid-February 2025

Commitment to Diversity

Mt. Cuba Center is committed to diversity and inclusivity. We encourage qualified candidates from all cultures and communities to apply. For accommodations or assistance with your application, please email careers[a]mtcubacenter.org.