Arborist Apprenticeship
Employment Type
Paid Internship (Full-time)Job Categories
Horticulture
Job Description
The Arboriculture Apprentice works alongside the Arborist team in maintaining and caring for the trees on the Morris Arboretum’s 167 acres. The apprentice participates in all aspects of tree care management, including tree pruning, tree removal, hazard inspection, tree support systems and integrated pest management. The apprentice will learn climbing techniques and basic arboriculture concepts. The Arboriculture Apprenticeship is physically demanding and involves climbing and working in trees at heights in excess 60-80 ft. This position is supported by the Walter W. Root Memorial Arborist Apprenticeship Endowment.
Whomever is selected for this part-time position should expect to work upwards of 40 hours a week depending on operational need. This position pays $16.00 an hour.
About Us
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.
Duties & Responsibilities
Develop and practice skills in all aspects of tree care (e.g. tree pruning, cabling and bracing and integrated pest management)
Become a safe, effective, and efficient climber.
Operate heavy machinery such as chippers and large trucks with trailers.
Become proficient and confident with the maintenance and use of a chainsaw.
Participate in teaching and developing various arboricultural classes and demonstrations.
Assist the Outreach Arborist Team with consulting projects, tree inventories and assessments.
Take part in watering plants and containers on a rotating weekend schedule
Learn to follow proper safety practices.
Demonstrate pruning skills using CODIT philosophy and assist in formative pruning of the Arboretum’s plant collection.
Demonstrate knowledge of proper pesticide use–handling, mixing, applying and clean-up of pesticide equipment.
Water greenhouses on a rotating weekend schedule.
Participate in Horticulture Department project days.
Learn to safely operate the following equipment: string trimmer, push mower, leaf blower, brush hog, golf cart, riding mower, backhoe, tractor, dump truck, and skid steer
Be an enthusiastic ambassador for the Arboretum through positive interactions with guests, members and staff.
Perform additional duties as requested.
Education and Experience
High school diploma or GED required.
An academic background in forestry, horticulture, landscaping or a related field.
Basic tree climbing ability is beneficial.
Physical aptitude, strength, and stamina to safely process large tree limbs.
Be able and willing to work on uneven terrain.
Must be able to perform manual labor, including frequent lifting/carrying/transporting loads up to 50 lbs. Should be able to safely hoist and sustain one’s own body weight.
Be able and willing to work independently and as part of a team.
Be able and willing to work in all weather conditions.
A valid driver’s license is required.
Application Instructions
Application Deadline:December 19, 2025
