Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library encompasses an unrivaled museum of American decorative arts in its mansion and galleries and a magnificent 60-acre naturalistic garden—all set on 1,000 gorgeous acres.
Winterthur employs a wide array of positions in the areas of curatorial, horticulture, education, conservation, library, maintenance, marketing, development, technology, and administration.
At Winterthur, employment is more than just work. The Winterthur employee is offered a unique and rewarding experience that is rich in culture and natural beauty. Winterthur considers its employees and volunteers to be among its greatest assets and welcomes applications from candidates who will contribute their specific skills to its mission “to inspire, enlighten, and delight all of its visitors while preserving and enhancing [Winterthur]” and also uphold its core values of agility, excellence, innovation, integrity, inclusion, and transparency.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Arboriculture Intern will learn and apply fundamental arboricultural concepts and skills through active participation with Winterthur’s arborists in various aspects of tree care throughout the Winterthur property, including pruning, climbing, and proper equipment usage.
Compensation: $12.00/hour
Benefits: 403b with employer match for eligible employees; discounts in the museum store and cafe; free general admission for you and your immediate family members. Limited free housing is available on site.
Work Schedule: Approximately May 22, 2023 – August 11, 2023; Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 2:30 pm (35 hours/week plus optional 5 extra hours).
Application requires cover letter and resume - should you advance in the interview process, we will require a copy of your most recent transcript and two letters of recommendation.
Applications will be considered as they are received. Interviews and hiring will begin as soon as qualified applications are received and will close once a suitable candidate has been identified, with a final deadline of March 17th, 2023.
Responsibilities:
- Tree Maintenance: Work with trees to ensure their health, safety, and overall appearance within the Winterthur Estate (e.g., tree inspection, evaluation, tree pruning, storm cleanup, and ground support for climbers). Use appropriate equipment and methods to perform work on trees.
- Equipment Operation and Maintenance: Learn proper operation, maintenance, and storage of job related equipment (e.g., chainsaws, chipper, and climbing and rigging gear).
- Tree Evaluation/Inventory: Research and document tree problems or concerns. Maintain information on treatments performed on trees or relevant information in a computerized database (e.g., tree hazard assessments and tree condition information).
- Land Stewardship: Develop an awareness of the principles of conservation, environmental management, and land stewardship and how they shape Winterthur’s philosophy towards arboricultural practices.
- Continuing Education: Participate in a variety of trainings, plant identification classes, and field trips in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the wider field of public horticulture.
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
Minimum Experience: Minimum of three months of practical, hands-on experience in horticulture or a related field. At minimum, an enrolled student or recent graduate of an accredited college or university. One semester of completed coursework in horticulture, or a related field.
Preferred Experience: One year of practical, hands-on experience in horticulture, with some time devoted to tree care. Two years of completed coursework in arboriculture or a related field preferred.
Knowledge/Skills:
- Ability to execute oral and written directions.
- Basic knowledge of environmental terminology & practices.
- Ability to express ideas clearly orally and in writing
- Good interpersonal skills
- Working knowledge of computers and Microsoft systems
Essential Functions:
- Ability to operate horticultural hand-tools and power equipment safely.
- Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
- Ability to work with manual shift vehicles/various large and small power equipment--mowers, backpack blower, weed eater, bobcat
- Ability to stand, kneel, and bend for long periods of time.
- Able to traverse uneven ground/inclines
- Work outdoors in all temperatures/conditions and emergency situations
- Exposure to biting insects, poison ivy, herbicides and fertilizers
- Able to lift 50 lbs.
- Have adequate hearing and sight in order to be aware of nearby guests and staff when the employee is using or is around equipment such as mowers, weed-eaters, blowers and sprayers.