Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay Offers Urban Forestry Internship in Lancaster, PA
The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, a regional nonprofit dedicated to restoring the Chesapeake Bay watershed, is seeking a motivated Urban Forestry Intern to join its team in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. This term position provides hands-on experience in urban and community forestry, with opportunities for professional development, and training.
About the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay
Founded in 1971, the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay works to build partnerships and consensus to protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers and streams. The organization has offices in Annapolis, Maryland, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, and Richmond, Virginia. Learn more about the Alliance’s mission and work.
Internship Overview
This flexible position is designed to accommodate students actively engaged in higher education, though it is not a strict requirement. Hours will vary between 10 hours per week during the spring (February-May) and fall (August-November) semesters, and up to 32 hours per week during the summer (May-August). The internship runs approximately 28 weeks, starting around May 11, 2026, and ending November 21, 2026.
Key Responsibilities
The Urban Forestry Intern will assist with a variety of tasks related to urban forestry endeavors in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Specific duties include:
- Assisting with tree planting projects and early tree establishment in the field.
- Providing routine maintenance for newly planted urban trees.
- Assisting with community tree inventories and analysis.
- Supporting tree-related education and the development of outreach materials for the public.
- Learning about arboriculture and urban forestry practices.
- Collaborating with Alliance staff on other programs as directed.
Qualifications
Candidates should have an interest in pursuing a career in arboriculture, urban and community forestry, environmental education, conservation, or a related field. The ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and reliable transportation within Lancaster County (with a focus on Lancaster City and Columbia) are essential. A willingness to learn plant identification and management techniques is also required.
Skills Gained
Interns will have the opportunity to develop skills in:
- Tree and native flora identification
- Community tree inventory methodology
- Invasive plant identification and management
- Urban forestry and arboriculture techniques
- Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Tree Tenders training
- Conservation communication
- Applied watershed restoration
Compensation and Logistics
The Urban Forestry Intern will be compensated at a rate of $17.00 per hour. This is a temporary hourly position, and employee benefits such as paid time off and health insurance are not provided. Reimbursement for approved travel and business expenses will be provided. The intern will be based at the Alliance’s Lancaster, Pennsylvania office, with flexibility to work in the field and potentially from home. Some evening and weekend work may be required.
Supervision
The Urban Forestry Intern will report directly to the Forests Projects Manager, with additional oversight from the Green Infrastructure &. Forests Projects Coordinator.