Hennepin County's Environment and Energy Department is seeking one forestry intern to assist with forestry work, primarily assisting with an exhaustive tree inventory of county rights-of-way and researching internal agreements to assign tree ownership. Work will also include utilizing ArcGIS Pro to assist in documentation of ownership, maintenance schedules, and other analysis. A portion of the work may also include assistance with tree planting, maintenance, monitoring, surveying, or other field work efforts associated with forestry projects.
Hennepin Country's forestry program’s goal is to ensure that the county's tree canopy is diverse, equitable, healthy, maintained, protected, and flourishing. Ability to identify trees to a species level year-round and ArcGIS Pro experience is required. Prior experience in urban forestry or silvicultural tree survey work is highly encouraged. Other training to complete job tasks will be provided. The intern will have the opportunity to gain experience in community forestry at a county-wide scale.
Current Hennepin County employees who refer a candidate hired into an open competitive position may be eligible for a
$500 referral bonus.
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Location and hours:
This position is hybrid and will be performed both on-site at 625 4th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55415 and remote as job duties require. The intern is scheduled to work an 8-hour shift between 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., shift Monday through Friday. When school is in session, the intern may work 20-40 hours per week depending on student interest and availability. This internship will start August 2026 and last 6 months in duration. While this position is designated as hybrid, based on current requirements hires must reside or relocate to Minnesota or Wisconsin.
About this position type:
This position is limited duration, non-benefit earning internship.
This position is internally classified as an Intern II.
Click here to view the job classification specification.
Note: You must attach a resume with your application materials to be considered for this position.
In this position, you will:-
Use internal software to complete an exhaustive inventory of trees in the county’s rights of way.
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Utilize ArcGIS Pro for data analysis and editing of the tree inventory.
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Assist with data standardization and standard operating procedure development.
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Assist with the development of maintenance calendars.
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Assign ownership of trees based on historic agreements and contracts.
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Plant trees on Hennepin County’s road and facility projects.
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Assist with the maintenance of the county's gravel-bed tree nursery as needed. This may include watering, tracking inventory, caring for young seedlings, overall upkeep, weed control and mowing.
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Drive county vehicles and pull trailers to job sites.
Need to have:-
One of the following:
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Enrollment for the fall 2026 academic school year in a vocational, technical, associates, or bachelor's degree program in Forestry, Urban Forestry, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, or another related field.
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Recent graduate (within 6 months) in a vocational, technical, associates, or bachelor's degree program in Forestry, Urban Forestry, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, or another related field.
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Must be 18 or older by July 2026
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A valid driver's license and the ability to obtain a Hennepin County driver's permit.
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Access to reliable internet connection and self-support hybrid office space.
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Lift up to 50 lbs. repeatedly.
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Work primarily outside. This includes working in inclement weather e.g. rainy or snowy weather conditions, during low and high temperatures and can include hard to access locations.
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Ability to:
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Identify trees to the species level in leaf-off conditions.
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ArcGIS Pro experience.
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Identifying signs and symptoms of common tree diseases.
Nice to have:-
Experience:
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Collecting tree inventory data.
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Planting and maintaining trees.
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Ability to:
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Work independently to complete assigned tasks.
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Strong organizational, time- and task-management, and problem-solving skills.
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Interest in learning about urban and municipal forestry and natural resource management.
About the department:
The Environment and Energy department protects and preserves the environment to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations. We engage communities to develop and enact sustainable solutions. We focus on reducing and responsibly managing waste, protecting and preserving ecosystems, delivering clean energy and promoting environmental stewardship.
About Hennepin County:
Hennepin is the largest county government organization in Minnesota. Our employees work every day to improve the health, safety and quality of life for our residents and communities. All of our jobs align with our mission to serve residents through transformative services that eliminate disparities, eliminate inequities, and create opportunity for all and our vision of a community where all people are healthy, all people are valued, and all people thrive.
Hennepin County envisions an organization where our commitment to diversity and the elimination of disparities is fundamental in providing excellent service to our community.
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Watch this video for application best practices and tips.
This posting may be used to fill current and future vacancies.
Invitations to interview will be based upon an assessment of education and experience.
Hennepin County values employee retention and engagement through a culture of individual development. If you are a current employee looking for an internship you are responsible for communicating and seeking approval from your supervisor/manager on an arrangement on schedule and workload prior to accepting the paid internship position. The compensation for the internship will be paid at the amount advertised in this posting.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Talent Acquisition division
Hennepin County Human Resources department
Submit a request at hennepin.us/ask-hr or 612-348-7855
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