Forestry Intern

Forestry Intern

Holden Arboretum

Internship

Opportunity:

The Community Forestry & Conservation department is seeking summer interns. The Forestry Intern will support sustainable forest management and woodland health through fieldwork, research, and assisting in community engagement and education activities. Work areas will include invasive plant management, management activities related to demonstration sites, data collection and entry, and other tasks including, but not limited to, writing newsletters, assisting in workshops & trainings, attending webinars, and submitting social media posts.

Additionally, they will assist our Consulting Foresters with landowner site visits and services offered. The Forestry Intern will work closely with other Holden Forests & Garden departments for large project efforts in Urban Forestry, Conservation, and Research with opportunities for cross-training. This internship will have the opportunity to work closely with other interns in the Community Forestry department along with participating in professional development experiences.

All Holden Forests & Gardens' interns and will have the opportunity to develop and present their research at HF&G's SEARCH symposium. This position is based at the Holden Arboretum campus in Kirtland, OH with occasional travel to the Cleveland Botanical Garden.

Position Details:

* Internship begins on May 19, 2026, flexibility in start date with academic scheduling needs

* Applications are due March 1, 2026.

* 12-week internship

* 40 hours per week

* Pay $14.00/hour

* Low-cost housing at Holden Arboretum may be available

* Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents

* Open to undergraduate or recent graduates

Key Responsibilities:

Key responsibilities of the Forestry Intern include, but are not limited to:

* Complete field work such as data collection & monitoring, planting, watering, and invasive species control

* Safely operate tools and equipment

* Assist with education and outreach in the form of mailings, tabling, newsletters, workshops, trainings, and virtual and physical content

* Assist with our consulting forestry business and interact with landowners as needed

* Work with supervisor to develop and complete an independent project which will be presented at the SEARCH symposium at the end of the internship

Qualifications and Skills:

* Support Holden Forests & Gardens' mission, vision, and values

* Passion for connecting people with the wonder, beauty and values of trees and plants to inspire action for healthy communities along with a strong interest in natural resource management and conservation

* Pursuing or recently completed an undergraduate degree in Environmental Education, Urban Forestry, Forestry, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Plant Science, Environmental Justice or related field

* Strong communication, organizational skills, adaptability, and critical thinking skills highly desired

* Able to work well in a diverse team

* Able to work independently when needed

* Willing to use pesticides after undergoing required training

* Native and invasive plant , a plus

* An interest in working outdoors performing manual labor in all weather conditions

* Familiarity with Microsoft 365 products, specifically Teams, Outlook (email and calendar), Word, Excel, and PowerPoint or the ability to learn

* Managing social media

* Photography skills

* Working with or managing volunteers, a plus

* Maintain a valid Driver's License with acceptable driving record

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to perform with or without reasonable accommodation:

* Perform required tasks in all weather conditions

* Ability to learn and safely operate small-engine machinery e.g. brush cutter or weed-whip

* Effective vision and hearing

* Hand and arm dexterity

* Walking and working on wet, uneven, slippery terrain

* Occasionally lifting and carrying of up to 50 lbs.

* Kneeling, bending, stooping, grabbing, and reaching

* Ability to hike up to 3-5 miles per day in variable terrain

Apply:
Would YOU like to join us and play an integral part at this exciting time for HF&G and add a competitive edge to your resume and experience? Applications are due March 1, 2026.

Qualified…