Arborist Apprentice

ORGANIZATION:

Mount Auburn Cemetery comprises 175 acres and is situated in Watertown and Cambridge near Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 1831, and now visited by over 200,000 people each year, Mount Auburn is a National Historic Landmark, recognized as the first “rural cemetery” and the inspiration for the American Parks Movement during the 19th century. As an active cemetery, Mount Auburn inspires all who visit, comforts the bereaved, and commemorates the dead in a landscape of exceptional beauty.

As an accredited arboretum, Mount Auburn features 5,000 trees and more than 20,000 plants overall.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Aids arborist(s) in performing basic tree maintenance for the diverse 5,000+ tree collection at Mount Auburn. This includes pruning, planting, mulching, cabling, bracing, fertilizing, spraying and removals. Includes on-the-job-training for tasks associated with tree work.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform at all phases of tree work including planting, pruning, cabling, bracing, fertilizing and removals. Will be trained in these tasks while in the field.
• Operate hand tools and power tools in a safe and proper manner.
• May perform some duties associated with tree pests and tree health.
• Edge, mulch, and waters trees.
• May periodically be assigned to assist other horticulture teams in their daily work.
• May perform any variety of duties as requested by supervisor to maintain or improve the Cemetery.
• Adhere to Mount Auburn’s “Code of Conduct”.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Driver’s license required.
• Experience with maintenance of trees and shrubs preferred.
• Grounds maintenance experience preferred.
• Must have at least one season of work outdoors in an aspect of horticulture or arboriculture.
• Ability to work with other members of the Arboriculture and Landscape Horticulture Dept.
• Ability to communicate successfully with staff, lot owners and visitors.
• Must present a good professional image in dress, grooming and personal hygiene per the Cemetery’s dress code policy.

REQUIRED PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Position involves moving in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments for extended period of time including, remaining in a stationary position and/or performing activities such as climbing, bending, twisting, reaching and pulling and using a variety of horticultural tools and equipment such as hand-held blowers, and hand-pruners.
• Heavy work that includes moving, adjusting, or carrying objects, including shoveling soil and mulch, weighing up to 50 pounds on a frequent basis.
• Ability to work in all seasons, including harsh weather conditions.

Mount Auburn Cemetery is an equal-opportunity employer. It does not discriminate in employment opportunities on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, gender, national origin, age, pregnancy, citizenship status, physical or mental ability, military status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law.