Arborist Apprentice

Company: Proprietors of the Cemetery of Mount Auburn
Location: Cambridge
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

ORGANIZATION: Mount Auburn Cemetery comprises 175 acres and is situated in Watertown and Cambridge near Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 1831, and now visited by over 200,000 people each year, Mount Auburn is a National Historic Landmark, recognized as the first “rural cemetery” and the inspiration for the American Parks Movement during the 19 th century. As an active cemetery, Mount Auburn inspires all who visit, comforts the bereaved, and commemorates the dead in a landscape of exceptional beauty. As an accredited arboretum, Mount Auburn features 5,000 trees and more than 20,000 plants/massed plantings overall. POSITION SUMMARY: The Arborist Apprentice aids the two staff arborists in performing basic tree maintenance for the diverse 5,000 tree collection at Mount Auburn. This includes pruning, planting, mulching, cabling, bracing, fertilizing, spraying and removals. The apprentice will learn tree identification, tree physiology, understand differences between trees of different ages, and will receive on-the-job-training for tasks associated with tree work. This apprenticeship is a great opportunity to explore the world of tree care in a nationally recognized tree collection. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Participate in all phases of tree work including planting, pruning, cabling, bracing, fertilizing and removals. Will be trained in these tasks while in the field. Will be introduced to basic principles of climbing. Operate hand tools and power tools in a safe and proper manner. May perform some duties associated with tree pests and tree health. Edge, mulch, and water trees May periodically be assigned to assist other horticulture teams in their daily work. May perform any variety of duties as requested by supervisor to maintain or improve the Cemetery. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Driver’s license required. Experience with maintenance of trees and shrubs preferred. Grounds maintenance experience preferred. Must have at least one season of work outdoors in an aspect of horticulture or arboriculture. Ability to work with other members of the Arboriculture and Landscape Horticulture Dept Ability to communicate successfully with staff, lot owners and visitors. REQUIRED PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Use a variety of horticultural tools and equipment such as hand-held blowers, hand-pruners, and bend, walk and/or stand for long periods of time. Shovel soil and mulch and lift up to 50 pounds. Work in all seasons, including harsh weather conditions. Mount Auburn Cemetery is an equal-opportunity employer. It does not discriminate in employment opportunities on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, gender, national origin, age, pregnancy, citizenship status, physical or mental ability, military status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law.

Keywords: Proprietors of the Cemetery of Mount Auburn, East Hartford , Arborist Apprentice, Construction - Building Trades , Cambridge, Connecticut