Parks & Forestry Co-op

The Town of Needham is seeking an engaged and eager to learn individual to fill the part-time, temporary position of Parks & Forestry Co-op within the Department of Public Works. This student learning opportunity will provide insights on grounds maintenance, tree care and planting, as well as seasonal equipment installation. This position is ideal for a student looking to grow their expertise supported by experienced professionals in the field.

Work Schedule: 40 hours/week, every other week; designed to fulfill co-op requirements for vocational/technical schools

• Monday - Thursday, 6:30am - 3:30pm
• Friday, 6:30am - 12:30pm

Applicants must be currently enrolled in a vocational/technical school.

More About the Division

The Parks and Forestry Division provides for the care and maintenance of public shade trees, including tree pruning, removal of public trees that are deemed to be hazardous or diseased, and roadside brush control. The division conducts the annual tree planting, maintains parks and athletic fields, provides support for athletic and recreational programs, and maintains the grounds at Ridge Hill Reservation.

CON #26046

These duties are a general summary and not all inclusive:

• Supports tree care inspection, maintenance, and removal including inspecting for disease and structural issues, pruning, removing hazardous or dead trees, and assisting with stump grinding.
• Assists team in planting including selecting species, proper planting, and watering.
• Helps maintain grounds and landscaping including mowing lawns and athletic fields, string trimming, leaf removal, mulching, and weeding.
• Assists with inspecting benches, picnic tables, fences, signage, minor carpentry, and painting.
• Supports athletic field maintenance and installation of seasonal equipment.
• Maintains work area and any equipment used in safe and operable condition, adhering to all applicable safety and health rules and regulations.

The following requirements may be substituted by any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job:

• General knowledge of parks and forestry practices (planting, pruning/trimming, etc.) and their purposes.
• General knowledge of equipment safety standards.
• Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers and the general public.
• Ability to work outside in all weather conditions for frequent and extended periods, requiring the ability to lift, carry, and position heavy objects.
• Coursework in field maintenance, landscaping, agriculture, or a related discipline is helpful but not required.

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter by clicking "Apply."

Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on April 21, 2026.

The Town of Needham is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and encouraging workplace. There shall be no discrimination on the basis of race, age, gender, national origin, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, veteran status, or any other protected class. We are an inclusive organization and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We welcome all applications from a wide range of candidates. Selection for roles will be based on individual merit alone.

For general employment inquiries, please contact us at personnel@needhamma.gov.

The Town of Needham will endeavor to provide reasonable accommodation to a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you believe you require such assistance to complete this form or to participate in an interview, please contact us at tswanson@needhamma.gov.