Make an impact
The Urban Forestry Division is seeking seasonal interns to support tree canopy assessment, inventory work, and community outreach efforts. Qualified candidates will also assist the Urban Forestry Division with tree maintenance operations, including watering, establishment, and routine care in areas identified by grant funding. Some tasks may involve collaborating with volunteers and staff to collect GIS data that informs strategic urban forest planning and management.
This is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference by enhancing the health of our urban forest helps clean the air, cool our neighborhoods, reduce stress, support mental well-being, provide wildlife habitat, and create safer, more livable streets.
Learn and grow
Learn to identify trees and assess their health while working alongside ISA Certified City Arborists. Grow your skills by collecting GIS inventory data that supports the management of our urban forest.
What you will do
Walk through city parks and along city streets to identify tree species, measure trunk diameter using DBH (Diameter at Breast Height) tape, calculate soil volume, and assess the condition and health of trees. The position schedule will be Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m., with potential for a 4/10 schedule.
Additional information on job responsibilities:
- Perfect role for those who enjoy working outdoors! You must be able to work in all weather conditions, as most of this job will be outside.
- Work throughout Salem and engage with residents, providing information about your activities and the mission of the Urban Forestry Division.
What can we offer you for all your hard work?
- Paid sick time in accordance with City policies.
- A fun team environment and the opportunity to make a difference in your community.
- Salary: $19.47 per hour.
- Full-time, 40-hour work week.
What are the minimum qualifications?
- Must be 18 years of age at time of hire.
- Must pass the pre-employment background check and drug test (including marijuana), depending on area of assignment.
- Must have an Oregon Driver license and a driving record that meets the City of Salem's driving standards (depends on area of assignment).
- Current standing as a graduate or undergraduate student at a college or university with major course work in public administration, business administration, or field related to area of project assignment and minimum of 6months of paid, unpaid, or volunteer experience, in the related area of project assignment, or any combination of experience and training that demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities as listed, and ability to perform the essential job functions.
- Applicants that graduated within the last 6 months will still be considered and encouraged to apply.
- Hiring managers do not have access to view resumes as part of the application review process, please make sure to give detailed information in your application that includes your experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as requested in the supplemental questions and job advertisement.
What you will bring along:
- Knowledge of tree identification, particularly urban and non-native species;
- Experience with field-based data collection and data management;
- Experience working independently in a field or outdoor environment;
- Knowledge of organizational practices and attention to detail;
- Experience performing physical tasks, including lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs with or without accommodation;
- Knowledge of effective communication strategies for engaging with diverse communities (e.g., across race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, economic background, religion, and ability).
About us:
Salem is the second largest city in Oregon and the capital city. Centrally located in the Willamette Valley, Salem is 49 square miles in size and extends across to counties, Marion and Polk. The community has well-established neighborhoods and carefully preserved historic buildings with wide diversity and a family-friendly ambiance. The city is home to nearly 180,000 residents. For a full community profile detailing demographics and housing statistics, visit the City of Salem website.
The City of Salem organization has eight primary departments: Community Services, Finance, Fire, Enterprise Services, Legal, Police, Public Works, and Community Planning and Development. Several departments also have functional divisions within their department. The City of Salem employs roughly 1,350 talented and dedicated staff members and works collaboratively with five labor unions.
Where can I find out more about the position?
Go to the menu option for class specifications and search for Intern.
How can I apply?
The City of Salem invites individuals of all diverse communities and backgrounds to apply for our available job opportunities as we strive to provide the best service to everyone. The City of Salem is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all and has a culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that by welcoming differences, encouraging new ideas and views, listening to, and learning from each other, we are better able to serve the community.
To apply, click on the green “Apply” button to complete your application. Make sure that you specify how you meet the qualifications outlined in the class specification and complete the application.
Applicants that meet the minimum qualifications as outlined above but not selected for this position may be placed on an eligibility list, and candidates may be hired from the list. Eligibility lists are valid for six months. The City will send email notifications to eligible candidates about potential hiring opportunities so please ensure your email settings accept our system generated email notifications.
You may subscribe for automatic notification of job openings at the City through the Job Interest Cards – sign up today!
If you would like more information about employment at the City of Salem, please visit our website at www.cityofsalem.net/jobs.
This announcement is not an implied contract and may be modified or revoked without notice.