Position Summary
The position will support the urban forestry program by assisting with tree inventory, data collection, tree planting and maintenance activities. This role offers hands-on experience in urban ecology, tree management practices, and environmental stewardship. The intern will collaborate with the urban forestry team to enhance green spaces and promote tree health. This internship provides an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience in urban forestry and environmental management while contributing to the enhancement of urban ecosystems including pollinator pocket prairies.
Distinguishing Characteristics: Under general supervision, performs entry-level professional duties such as preparing recurring reports and analyzing, interpreting, and summarizing data. Employees at this level initially work under close supervision while performing duties and learning the procedures related to the assigned area of responsibility.
Essential Functions
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
- Tree Inventory and Assessment: Conducting assessments of existing trees in urban areas, including species identification, health evaluation, and mapping to support management decisions.
- Use of Technology: Utilizing GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and other software tools for mapping, data analysis, and inventory management to enhance urban forestry efforts.
- Data Collection and Analysis: Gathering and analyzing data related to tree growth, urban canopy cover, and environmental impacts to inform urban forestry planning and policies.
- Support for Tree Planting Initiatives: Participating in the planning and execution of tree planting events, including site selection, preparation, and post-planting care.
- Assistance with Maintenance Programs: Helping with the maintenance of urban trees, such as pruning, mulching, and pest management, to ensure their health and longevity.
- Performs all other related duties as assigned.
Position Qualifications
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
Education: High School Diploma or GED required. Must be currently enrolled in a college or university academic program pursuing a degree in Forestry, Arboriculture, Park and Recreation Administration, Urban Planning or related field.
Experience: Six (6) months experience in arboriculture, forestry, tree work, horticulture or a related field or prior municipal government experience preferred.
Any combination of related, education, experience, certifications, and licenses that will result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job is an acceptable substitute for the above specified education and experience requirements.
Licenses and Certifications: None.
Conditions of Employment: Must submit to and pass a criminal background and pre-employment drug test.
Other Requirements: None.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Knowledge of: Understanding of municipal government. Understanding of collection and analysis of data and the preparation of reports and studies.
Ability to:
- Ability to accept responsibility and account for their actions.
- Ability to engage and educate the public at community events.
- Ability to develop, manage, and manipulate complex databases.
- Ability to organize and direct a project to completion.
- Ability to follow instructions, safety practices and standard operating procedures in performing assigned tasks.
- Ability to be punctual and attend work regularly.
- Ability to work effectively with people regardless of their age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or job type.
- Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly.
- Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
- Ability to be flexible and desire to work on varying community engagement projects.
Skilled In: Skill in use of personal computer including Microsoft Office, Google Suite, e-mail, and the internet. Well-developed research and analytical capabilities. Motivated self-starter able to work independently
Physical Demands and Working Conditions: This is in a sedentary office classification. However, Employees must possess mobility to work in the field; strength, stamina, and mobility to climb and descend stairs. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking, hiking, and/or climbing in and through operational areas to identify situations, problems, or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
Employees will work in the field and may be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and/or hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road and/or land hazards. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
The City of Lewisville has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities, which may be required. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. The position also requires meeting the essential requirements of the Physical Demands and Working Conditions, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Levels of positions within a class series are distinguished by the level of responsibility assumed, the complexity of duties assigned, the independence of action taken, the nature of the public contact made, and the impact and span of tasks performed.
This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. The City of Lewisville has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.
Work Hours
Monday-Friday, some outside hours required (Weekends, Evenings, etc.)