Urban Forestry Intern

URBAN FORESTRY INTERN

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The goal of this program is to provide a robust educational workforce development experience that exposes participants to a wide range of urban forestry career paths in a paid, supported setting. 

This internship will begin in the summer with Rocky Mountain Youth Corps (RMYC) where the interns will develop skills related to conservation work. Together, the interns will work alongside different local conservation crews on projects that focus on habitat restoration, trail construction, and field data collection. While working with RMYC, the interns will serve as AmeriCorps members and will earn an education award at the end of the summer. In the fall, the interns will spend time shadowing urban forestry projects at host organizations including Tree New Mexico, City of Albuquerque Open Space, Trees of Corrales, SIG-NAL, and State Forestry. 

This is a competitive opportunity and we are seeking only two individuals to fulfill this internship program. 

POSITION TYPE:  Seasonal AmeriCorps member (summer) / hourly, non-exempt (fall) 

SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday from 7:00am-3:30pm, occasional Saturdays in the fall, full and part time options available

DATES:    May 18, 2026 - October 30, 2026

STIPEND:   $1,440.00 biweekly stipend ($18.00/hr equivalent)

EDUCATION AWARD:   $1,565.08 upon completion of 300-hour AmeriCorps Service Term 

REPORTS TO: RMYC Summer Coordinator (summer) / Tree New Mexico (fall)

LOCATION:   Host organizations are located throughout the Albuquerque area. Participants must have reliable transportation   

to and from these locations, according to their work schedule for the duration of the season. Participants 

may drive or ride in vehicles owned by host organizations during work hours. 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work on a rotating schedule with multiple host organizations to learn about different urban/community forestry and conservation initiatives in the Albuquerque area 

• Follow professional expectations set forth by each host organization

• Work on projects in both office-based and field-based settings

• Maintain a professional and positive attitude while working with crews, staff, volunteers, and members of the general public

• Set professional development goals and work with program staff to ensure progress in professional development focus areas

Specific certifications available: CPR/AED, Wilderness First Aid, Defensive Driving, Mental Health First Aid, Leave No Trace, OSHA Blood Borne Pathogens, Tree Stewards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• At least 18 years of age as of May 18, 2026

• Able to complete entire length of term (May 18 - October 30, 2026) 

• US Citizen, National, or Lawful Permanent Resident of the United States

• Satisfy the National Service Criminal History Check

• Strong work ethic and willingness to work within a team of diverse individuals 

• Legal and insurable Driver’s License and ability to drive RMYC program vehicle to access project sites

• Comfortable spending full days outdoors in all weather conditions

• Organized, reliable, and able to manage time and deadlines

• Interest in urban forestry, conservation, environmental, and sustainability initiatives in the Albuquerque area

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE / EDUCATION / CERTIFICATION:

• Previous experience working with urban forestry, conservation, environmental, or sustainability initiatives in the Albuquerque, New Mexico, or greater Southwest region

• Familiarity with tree planting and/or pruning

• Knowledge of basic hand tool use and safety

• Proficient driving trucks with trailer attachment

• Familiarity with techniques and concepts of safety and risk management

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Lift or move up to 50 pounds occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds constantly.

• Frequently traverse uneven terrain; balance, stoop, kneel, reach, push, pull, and/or grasp.

• Have visual acuity to operate motor vehicles and to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of work assigned.

• Receive detailed information through oral or signed communication; convey important instructions accurately and effectively.

• Work outdoors, subject to outside environmental conditions for extended periods of time in heat, rain, snow, elevation, etc.

• Work inside at a desk using GIS and other apps to map trees and prepare tree monitoring data

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Rocky Mountain Youth Corps is available to all and we will not discriminate or refuse services to any staff or member because of perceived or actual race, color, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, military service or pregnancy.

RMYC is a drug free workplace.  All RMYC positions depend upon funding availability. 

Tree New Mexico will not discriminate or refuse services to any staff or member because of perceived or actual race, color, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, military service or pregnancy. TNM is a drug free workplace.  All TNM positions depend upon funding availability.