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

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 $16.56.

Selection Process

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job-related and will consist of one or more of the following : an evaluation of education, experience, and / or responses to supplemental questions, a written or performance test, a structured interview, or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to structured interviews and performance examinations. Structured interviews may include written exercises. Selection process component weights will be determined by further analysis of the job.

INITIAL FILING DATE - The selection process will be held as soon as practical after the deadline listed above. Receipt of applications may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the City's needs are met. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the selection process components. Unless otherwise required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative selection process dates or times. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

Additional Information

Conclusion

EEO Code=704

The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.