Scott Natter, general manager, L.I.D. Landscapes, Inc., Boulder, says his college internship experience set a benchmark for his own career. Now he wants to do the same for other young people entering Colorado’s landscape industry. He’s a willing speaker at colleges to promote the industry and opportunities waiting for students.

During the 2015 season, Natter and L.I.D. provided internships to two students – one from Colorado State University and the other from Front Range Community College. Both are back again this year.

CSU intern George Solis completed his internship after his sophomore year. Now, between his junior and senior years, he is finishing up a seasonal role as part of L.I.D.’s design team. The summer internship for FRCC student Diego Acevado resulted in Acevado working part-time during the winter while still in school. He is now in a full-time position.

During his summer internship, Acevado experienced a wide range of positions. “I got a taste of everything we do in the field,” he says, “by working my way through maintenance, small landscape renovations and projects with the design/installation team.” 

The internship “felt good,” says Acevado. “Everyone was so welcoming to someone without all their skills sets. They stopped what they were doing and showed me the ropes.”

Acevado began his full-time employment this season in a supervisory role as an enhancement foreman. With his education, his internship and new responsibility under his belt, his career is taking off.

Before finding his passion in the landscape industry, Acevado worked in customer service. “But being inside at a desk is not what I wanted to do.” He says his long-range plan is to hone his bidding and estimating skills and work toward a management position.

Acevado’s internship came about from Natter being a guest speaker at a landscape class at FRCC’s Westminster campus. Natter says he enjoys sharing career opportunities and “what young people can aspire to do themselves.” He hopes more young people will find a career doing what he calls, “beautifying the world around us.” 

Read more in this issue of Colorado Green NOW:
ALCC members climb the Inc. 5000
Golf tournament is fun for a good cause
Before you recruit, understand your employee needs
Do you lock your digital doors at the office?