Green Workforce Apprentice

Position Information: The Green Workforce Apprenticeship Program is a paid 8-week training program with the City of Norwalk.

Participants will work two days per week with the Recreation & Parks Department to learn about trees, plants, landscaping, and outdoor work.

This program is designed for adults (18+) who are interested in paid job training and hands-on experience.

Those who may not have had easy access to opportunities in green jobs like tree care, landscaping, and environmental work are encouraged to apply.

During the program, participants will learn both in the classroom and outdoors while working alongside a certified arborist and trained staff.

Apprentices will help plant and care for trees in Norwalk neighborhoods while also building job skills such as teamwork, communication, and workplace readiness.

General Duties: * Participate in a one-day UniversiTREE orientation event with the community * Attend weekly classroom and field sessions on topics like tree biology, planting standards, and urban forestry best practices * Gain practical skills in: * Tree and plant identification * Tree planting and mulching * Tree pruning, watering and care * Learn how to safely use basic landscaping and tree care tools * Work as part of a team to complete outdoor projects * Help with watering, weeding, and general landscape maintenance * Follow safety instructions and participate in daily safety briefings Additional Duties: * Practice job readiness and career development skills such as resume writing * Take a practical exam to test your knowledge at the close of the program Supervised By: Receives general supervision from the Arborist/Horticulturist and/or their designee.

* Ability to lift and carry materials weighing up to 50 pounds * Ability to work on uneven terrain and in various weather conditions * Ability to safely use hand tools * •Ability to understand and follow spoken and written safety instructions, training directions, and basic worksite communications, with or without reasonable accommodation * Must be at least 18 years old * Must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire * Priority given to Norwalk residents * Ability to commit to the full 8-week program (2 days/week, Tues & Thurs, 6 hours/day from April 7th through May 28th) * No prior experience necessary - we will train you!

License or Certificate: * None required to qualify * Certificate of Completion awarded upon successful completion of the program Note: * Work Location: Throughout the City of Norwalk, with primary work location at the Recreation & Parks office at City Hall: 125 East Ave, Norwalk, CT * Work Hours: Up to 12 hours per week * Duration: April 7th 2026 through May 28th 2026 * In addition to hourly pay, participants who successfully complete the program and attend at least 14 of the 16 training days will receive a completion stipend from Keep America Beautiful upon completion of the course.

The above is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities.

It is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Funding provided by the USDA, Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Equity Grant administered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and supported by the Inflation Reduction Act.