Intern – Tree Inventory and Processing
ENCAP, Inc.
Campus Sustainability, Office of the President
Position Description
This is a 120-hour internship with ENCAP, Inc. and Campus Sustainability, Office of the
President, reporting to ENCAP, Inc. and Director of Campus Sustainability. This internship is
anticipated to run from May 12, 2025 to June 13, 2025 (5 weeks). In this role, the intern will
assist with conducting a comprehensive tree inventory of the NIU Main Campus in DeKalb, IL.
The anticipated length of the inventory will take place over 8-10 days (May 12 – May 23). After
the inventory has been completed, the intern will assist ENCAP, Inc. with data analysis.
Additional labors could include benchmarking and research for Urban Forestry Management
Planning, research and knowledge building of trees for a virtual arboretum database, and other
duties as assigned.
General Duties and Responsibilities
1. Tree Inventory
Working with ENCAP, Inc., you will assist an Arborist in the data collection process of existing
trees located across campus. The inventory is anticipated to take place over 8-10 business days.
This process requires business to be conducted outside, rain or shine, walking over potentially
uneven terrain, and over the distance of the main NIU campus.
2. Data analysis
After the Tree Inventory has been conducted, the intern will assist with data analysis of the data
collected during the inventory. After data analysis, ENCAP, Inc. will suggest new trees for
planting.
3. Urban Forestry Management Plan
The creation of an Urban Forestry Management Plan will be explored after the tree inventory is
conducted. The intern may assist in benchmarking, research, and informational interviews for an
Urban Forestry Management Plan for NIU.
4. Engagement
Another goal is to begin developing a virtual arboretum for the NIU website. This database will
consist of general forestry information, facts about our current trees, and anticipated additions to
the campus. The intern may have the opportunity to compile research and assist in the co-creation of this database.
5. Other Duties as Assigned
To reach the 120 hours of this internship, the intern may be asked to perform other duties as
assigned in relation to naturalist work or research and engagement. These duties would be
assigned by the Director of Campus Sustainability.
Qualifications
- Current NIU student
- GIS experience strongly preferred
- Passion for ecological restoration
- Ability to follow instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members
- Ability to work in a team environment
- Meet the physical requirements of the position
Pay
The intern will earn $15/hour for the 120-hour internship. This pay is subject to tax withholding.
The intern may also receive course credit when working with their academic advisor and the
Director of Campus Sustainability for approval.
