YOUTH ARBORIST APPRENTICE

Introduction

TREES MAKE A DIFFERENCE!”

Are you currently a high school sophomore or junior

interested in an urban forestry career? Consider applying for this exciting

apprenticeship opportunity to participate in the City of Milwaukee’s urban

greening activities! The apprenticeship begins in the summer of 2026, and is for

students who will be high school juniors or seniors in the Fall of 2026. If you

enjoy being outdoors, performing physical activities, being part of a welcoming

team, and making a difference every day, this may be the opportunity for

you!

Selected students will enroll in the State of Wisconsin

Department of Workforce Development Youth Apprenticeship Program (DWD-YAP)

through their school-appointed consortium.

Purpose

Under the direction of Forestry management and job site

mentors, Youth Arborist Apprentices participate in forestry work activities,

including light to heavy manual labor associated with the propagation,

planting, maintenance, and removal of trees on City of Milwaukee green spaces

and at the City nursery. Youth Arborist Apprentices will also be introduced to

basic tree climbing techniques.

The Forestry Youth Arborist Apprentice is the first step in a

career in Forestry. Successful candidates who have graduated from High School

and turned eighteen will be eligible for promotion to the Urban Forestry

Arborist Apprentice position. Completion of this state apprenticeship qualifies

employees for promotion to Urban Forestry Specialist.

Youth Arborist Apprentices work full-time during the summer

and part-time during the school year.

Essential Functions

Year 1 Overview :

• Plant, maintain, and remove trees and shrubs on City greenspaces and in the City nursery, including engaging in site preparation and planting, pruning small trees and shrubs, and providing ground-level support for tree maintenance crews performing technical tasks on City trees (e.g., pruning, tree removal, stump grinding, and emergency storm response).
• Inspect, maintain, and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Conduct basic pre-trip inspections on vehicles and towed units.
• Inspect trees before climbing to assess for any hazards.
• Inspect equipment used for tree climbing, such as saddles, ropes, hand and pole saws.
• Establish safe work zones in assigned work areas by placing and removing cones and signs, following established emergency and command and response procedures, and identifying hazards and obstacles.
• Climb trees using ropes, saddles, and other equipment.

Year 2 Overview :

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are

interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the

hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of

1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA)

of 2008.

Conditions of Employment

Work 15-20 hours per week during the school year and full-time during the summer. Minimum of 450 work hours at the end of year 1 and 900 hours at the end of year 2.

Minimum Requirements

NOTICE : Please do not attach your academic transcripts to

your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates’

education as part of the background screening process prior to extending any

job offers.

Additional Youth Arborist Apprentice Requirements for

Students Selected : Level 1 Requirements

Youth Arborist Apprentices must

complete all of the items listed below :

Level 2 Requirements

Youth Arborist Apprentices must complete all of the items

listed below :

Career Preparation

Youth Arborist Apprentices must complete one of the

following during Youth Arborist Apprenticeship participation :

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics

TECHNICAL

INTERPERSONAL AND PROFESSIONALISM

Current Salary

The current starting hourly wage (Pay Range 9MN) is $15.92

and the resident incentive hourly wage is $16.40.