Product Operations Intern Jobs in Springfield, MO

Connect to a career at City Utilities! CU has been connecting our community to the services they need for every day life since 1945. From electricity to power our lives, clean water to be healthy, natural gas to stay warm, internet to keep businesses connected, to transit services to get them where they need to go.
This position requires an employee to work between 20-25 hours per week during the school semesters, and 40 hours per week during summer, not to exceed 1,500 hours in a calendar year. Each semester, undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours and graduate students must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours.
INTERN GUIDELINES:
Students who have completed at least one year of college and are enrolled as a full-time student may apply. Must be enrolled full-time in a degree seeking program. A student's intern position will end within three months after graduation.
Pay Details:
$15.00 - $19.00/hour
*Depends upon classification
Work Schedule:
Between the hours of Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4:30pm, 20-25 hours per week.
Job Description:
PURPOSE OF POSITION:
Under the direction of the Supervisor-Vegetation Management, the Forester Intern expands CU's field and planning capacity by supporting inspections, customer notifications, substation mowing oversight, bare grounding checks, and essential documentation tasks. This role strengthens CU's ability to stay ahead of production crews, take on new responsibilities, and maintain reliable electric service. By handling foundational field and administrative work, the intern enables CU foresters and contractors to focus on higher priority planning and operational needs while gaining hands on experience in utility forestry.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
1. Assists with customer notification activities for tree trimming and vegetation management work, including door hangers, follow ups, and basic customer engagement.
2. Assists with basic field inspections to support work planning, including identifying access issues, confirming previously planned work, and documenting site conditions.
3. Supports substation mowing oversight by performing routine site checks, documenting conditions, and reporting maintenance needs.
4. Assists with bare grounding inspections, including visual assessments, photo documentation, and reporting of compliance issues.
5. Provides administrative support such as updating databases, organizing trimming packets, and assisting with recordkeeping for Tree Line USA and other vegetation management program goals.
6. Performs simple vegetation assessments, including identifying obvious hazards, noting tree species, and documenting growth patterns under guidance from CU foresters.
7. Assists with contractor coordination by relaying basic information, confirming site readiness, and supporting communication between CU staff and field crews.
8. Supports outage restoration activities in a limited capacity by assisting contractor assistance personnel with documentation and communication tasks.
9. Performs other related duties as required or assigned by management.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience:
Must be pursuing a bachelor's degree in Forestry, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Biology, or a related field from an accredited college or university. Coursework or work experience in arboriculture, forestry, or environmental fieldwork is preferred. Experience with customer interaction and outdoor work is preferred. While not required, experience in utility environments or an interest in utility vegetation management is considered beneficial.
Licensing/Certification:
Must have a valid driver's license (minimum Class F).
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Basic knowledge of:
  • Tree identification, growth characteristics, and common utility compatible- species.
  • Fundamentals of utility vegetation management and required clearances around electric facilities.
  • ISA pruning principles and ANSI A300 standards at an introductory level.
  • Safe work practices around utility environments.
• Ability to:
  • Learn and apply CU vegetation management procedures and digital tools.
  • Follow instructions, ask clarifying questions, and work safely in field environments.
  • Communicate effectively with customers, contractors, and CU staff.
  • Use mobile devices, mapping tools, and basic software platforms for documentation.
  • Work independently in the field while maintaining situational awareness.
  • Effectively utilize a range of digital tools and platforms, including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite, enterprise software, artificial intelligence-enhanced applications, and self-service systems. Must possess a willingness and capacity to learn and adapt to emerging technologies, including mobile devices, cloud-based systems, and data-driven platforms relevant to utility operations.
• Maintain adherence to all company policies.

Physical Requirements:
Ability to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken word and receive detailed information through oral communication. Physical requirements include sitting, standing, grasping, bending, crouching, reaching, balancing, twisting, kneeling, pushing, pulling, and climbing. Ability to lift at least 50 pounds and to climb poles, towers, and fixtures, and to work at heights. Work within the rated capacity of the Utility's aerial lifts, ladders, fall restraint devices, and/or other related equipment. Requires a large amount of climbing, walking, and working from a standing position.
Safety Sensitive Position:
A safety-sensitive position involves the performance of duties which may have a direct and immediate impact on the safety of the public and other public employees. This is a safety sensitive position.
Working Conditions:
Work is divided between indoor and outdoor activities with regular exposure to cold, heat, noise, and machines/equipment.
Miscellaneous Requirements:

• Subject to Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Program requirements.
• Required to wear uniform clothing provided by City Utilities, including flame retardant/arc rated clothing. Management retains the right to require replacement due to wear or staining.
• Must wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment.
• Employee must remain alert and aware of their surroundings at all times and maintain the ability to respond to changing circumstances in a timely manner.
• Must be able to work successfully with diverse groups of people.

TESTING
Testing may be required.
EEO
City Utilities offers equal employment opportunities to individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, genetic information or marital status. Learn more about CU and EEO.