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Posted Job Title Arborist Apprenticeship - Morris Arboretum & Gardens
Job Profile Title Temporary Employee - Non-Exempt
Job Description Summary 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.
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.
Duties
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.
Qualifications
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.
Job Location - City, State Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Department / School Morris Arboretum
Pay Range $7.25 - $16.00 Hourly Rate Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile.
Affirmative Action Statement Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.
Special Requirements Background check may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.
Penn has a long and proud tradition of intellectual rigor and pursuit of innovative knowledge, begun by Benjamin Franklin in 1740. That tradition lives today through the creativity, entrepreneurship, and engagement of our faculty, students, and staff. Academic life at Penn is unparalleled, with an undergraduate student body of 10,000 from every U.S. state and around the world. The entering class of 2015 is the most talented and diverse in Penn's history. Consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the country, Penn welcomes an additional 10,000 students to our top-ranked graduate and professional schools.