Ornamental Arborist Intern

Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association; Salem (MA); On-site; USD 6,800 - 8,400; Full time

Job summary

Peabody Essex Museum seeks an Ornamental Arborist Intern for a 12-week spring program in Salem, MA. You will gain hands-on experience in arboriculture and horticulture, working with staff and volunteers on the arboretum campus and assisting with IPM logging and record-keeping.

You will participate in pruning, tree health assessments, and historical research, with mentorship from experienced staff in a vibrant museum setting. This in-person internship emphasizes safety and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Enrolled or planning to enroll in a program related to horticulture or arboriculture.
• Capable of lifting 50 pounds and performing strenuous tasks outdoors.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word) for documentation and cataloging maintenance records.

Responsibilities

• Perform planting, pruning, field assistance, and soil improvements.
• Assist with arborist assessments of tree/woody shrub health on campus.
• Maintain arboretum records and IPM logging; conduct historical research.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Physical fitness

Education

Horticulture/Arboriculture program (enrolled or planning)

Tools

PC / data logging

Job description

Check back often for various job opportunities in the green industry throughout Massachusetts!

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES Perform duties as directed, including planting, trimming, pruning, field assistance, and soil improvements of gardens and landscapes Work with the Manager and Arborist to devise an assessment of the tree and woody shrub health maintenance needs on campus. This may involve inspecting for signs of safety hazards, pests, diseases, or nutrient deficiencies. Utilize various basic landscaping tools effectively and safely, such as shovels, rakes, hand pruners and loppers, hedge shears, and soil knives. Assist with administrative tasks such as maintaining records/ collecting data for the arboretum, IPM logging, and historical research. Ensure a safe environment for museum patrons and staff by adhering to safety and health regulations Work with staff to identify and pursue a professional development interest during the internship Other duties may be assigned

Qualifications

• Academic: Enrolled or planning to enroll in a program related to horticulture or arboriculture.
• Experience and Abilities: Must be capable of lifting 50 pounds, working from ladders, and performing strenuous physical tasks under various conditions.
• Ability to use a PC, including proficiency in Microsoft applications (Excel, Word), is required for accurate documentation and cataloging of maintenance records and work performed.
• Willingness and ability to work outdoors consistently in all weather conditions while enduring long periods of sitting, standing, and bending, along with repetitive motions.
• Outstanding professional, interpersonal, and communication skills are required
• Valid Massachusetts motor vehicle license with an excellent driving record.
• Horticultural experience is a plus but not required
• Scheduling: You must be able to commit to 15 hours per week for 12 weeks, between Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM. Thursday attendance is mandatory.

Please note that this position is based at the Museum in Salem.

Description

Founded in 1799, PEM is the country’s oldest continuously operating museum. Its mission is to enrich lives by broadening perspectives on both the self and the world. The museum’s renowned collection spans global and historical works, including American, Asian, Maritime, Oceanic, Native American, and African art. PEM's campus features 24 historic structures, such as Yin Yu Tang, a 200-year-old Chinese house.

The PEM campus is an accredited arboretum, showcasing a diverse collection of trees and plants, including a 100+ year old Copper Beech (Fagus sylvatica). The museum’s gardens and green spaces reflect horticultural efforts from the 17th century to today and cover 4.1 acres in the downtown area and McIntire Historic District of Salem, MA. An additional 5.3-acre campus in Rowley, MA is home to PEM’s James B. and Mary Lou Hawkes Collection Center and its associated grounds. Among its many features, select gardens function as certified wildlife habitats, providing a serene environment for local fauna in an urban environment, including the expansive 5,000-square-foot Museum Expansion Garden. As well as, the Ropes Mansion Garden, with its charming colonial revival design, where visitors can wander through an array of beautifully landscaped annual beds amounting to more than 5,000 individual plantings.

OVERVIEW

As an Ornamental Arborist Intern, you will immerse yourself in an engaging 12-week spring program emphasizing hands‑on experiences in the fascinating field of arboriculture. This opportunity is specially designed for students and early career professionals eager to deepen their understanding and skills. Throughout the program, you will benefit from valuable on-the-job training and dedicated mentorship from the experienced staff at the Peabody Essex Museum.

In this role, you will gain practical experience by engaging in various arboriculture and horticulture tasks across the Peabody Essex Museum Arboretum campus. Your responsibilities may include pruning, field assistance, arboretum record-keeping, IPM logging, tree health assessments, and historical research. This position offers a unique opportunity to work in diverse landscapes that range from the 17th to the 21st century, each with its own style and maintenance requirements.

Moreover, you will work closely in small groups with volunteers and employees, gaining insights into teamwork and leadership while supporting special events and various educational programs. This internship not only enhances your hands‑on skills but also allows you to contribute to the community and learn the art and science of horticulture and arboriculture in a vibrant and dynamic setting.

Salary & Benefits

The 2027 Spring Internship Program will run from January 21 through April 26, 2027, or through an alternative end date mutually agreed upon by the intern and hiring manager. A mandatory, in-person orientation will be held at the museum on Thursday, January 21, 2027, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. In addition, interns are required to participate in professional development sessions held on Thursdays throughout the internship. These sessions are typically scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and will continue through April 15, 2027. Please note that session times are subject to change, and some sessions may be offered in a hybrid format. Regardless of format or scheduling adjustments, all professional development sessions will take place on Thursdays and are required for all interns.

This internship provides a $2,000 stipend and requires the completion of 180 hours, which includes participation in professional development programming. This equates to approximately 15 onsite hours per week over the course of twelve weeks. All internships are fully in person and take place on site. Please note the location where each internship will take place.

PEM strives to create a community of belonging that draws upon the widest pool of talent, embracing individuals of all backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives. We seek candidates who can contribute to helping us achieve our goals and encourage you to apply for our open positions identifying the contributions you can make.

PEM considers all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy related condition or any other characteristic protected by law.