Arborist Apprentice

Performs and trains tree maintenance procedures including pruning, planting, mulching, cabling, bracing, fertilizing, spraying and removals. 

About this Role:

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Perform and train at all phases of tree work including planting, pruning, cabling, bracing, fertilizing and removals 
  • Operate hand tools and power tools in a safe and proper manner
  • Perform some I.P.M. and P.H.C. duties
  • Plant trees, shrubs, and ground covers
  • Edge, mulch, and waters trees 
  • 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: 

  • High School Diploma and enrollment in an arboriculture or horticulture program preferred
  • Driver’s license required
  • Experience with maintenance of trees and shrubs
  • Grounds maintenance experience preferred
  • 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: 

  • Constantly operates a variety of hand tools and power equipment such as hand pruners, handsaws, pole saw and pole pruners, chain saws, brush chipper and sprayer
  • Heavy work that includes moving, adjusting, or carrying objects, including soil, mulch, fertilizer, trees, shrubs, and logs weighing up to 50 pounds on a frequent basis
  • The person in this position needs to move about all areas of the Cemetery grounds and buildings, including ascending and descending stairs, working in confined spaces, and moving about varied terrain 
  • Position involves moving in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments for extended periods of time including remaining in a stationary position and/or performing activities such as climbing, bending, twisting, reaching, and pulling

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

  • Works outdoors in all weather conditions 
  • Work can be stressful at times, especially when there are many storm-damaged trees 

About our 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. 

All employees of Mount Auburn Cemetery are “at will’ employees and must adhere to Mount Auburn’s “Business Ethics and Conduct.”

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter and resume (Microsoft Word document or PDF) and include “Sales Coordinator” in the subject area, to: jobs@mountauburn.org.  

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.