Arboriculture Internship

M

Mt. Cuba Center

Arboriculture Internship

Hockessin, DE
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Summer 2026 Internship Opportunity **** **
    **

    About the Position

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

    Essential Functions of the Role

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

    Primary responsibilities include:

    • Assisting with comprehensive tree maintenance practices including pruning, cabling, and removals
    • Supporting ground operations for climbing arborists
    • Participating in tree risk assessments and inventory management
    • Assisting with the Resilient Canopy Project
    • Learning and practicing safe climbing techniques and aerial operations
    • Operating and maintaining arboricultural equipment

    Through structured training, the intern will develop skills in:

    • Assessing tree safety, health, structure, function, and aesthetics and performing corresponding tree care practices
    • Rigging and climbing techniques
    • Operating chain saws, a brush chipper, and a skid steer
    • Identifying native tree species and learning their cultural requirements
    • Recognizing opportunities to support the health of ecosystems in the landscape
    • Other related areas of interest approved by the supervisor

    Qualifications and Skills

    Required Qualifications:

    • High school diploma or GED
    • Interest in pursuing a career in arboriculture or related field
    • 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:

    • Current enrollment in or completion of coursework in Horticulture, Biology, Forestry, or related field
    • Previous experience at caring for trees
    • Basic knowledge of tree identification and biology

    Learning Outcomes

    Interns will develop:

    • Fundamental understanding of professional tree care practices that are compatible with sound ecology
    • Practical experience in tree climbing and aerial operations
    • Knowledge of tree risk assessment and mitigation options
    • Equipment operation and maintenance skills
    • Understanding of tree inventory management with a focus on the resilient canopy subgroup
    • Career networking within the arboriculture industry

    Compensation & Schedule

    • Compensation: $17.00 per hour
    • Duration: May 18 through August 21, 2026
    • 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
    • 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 deadline: January 16, 2026
    • Application review begins: Week of January 19, 2026
    • Final decisions communicated: Mid-February 2026

    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.