Arboriculturist Job Information | National Careers Service

The work

As an arboriculturalist, your duties will primarily include street or park tree pruning and removals. In some situations, work duties can also include tree planting, hazard tree assessment, diagnosis, and pest control. Work may also include other landscape and non-arboricultural duties.

An arboriculturist's work really begins once they have climbed into the tree. In addition to tree pruning, branch removal and felling, arboriculturists may also undertake work such as cable bracing to maintain the health of trees and inspections to assess the health of trees. Work is usually done from a rope and harness but may involve the use of elevated work platforms (‘cherry-pickers’).

An arboriculturist's duties may also include landscape and other non-arboricultural responsibilities such as tree and shrub planting and maintenance and snow removal.

Hours

Individuals must be fit and able to perform physical labour outdoors in any weather conditions.

Arboriculturists typically work a standard full-time week. However, the hours may vary and weekend or Bank Holiday work can be required. There may be self-employed and consultancy opportunities may be available for experienced arboriculturists. Some arboriculturists can be called out of hours to deal with emergencies.

Regardless of the season, workers need to be prepared to work in all weathers. Depending on the area covered, there may be a significant amount of travelling between different sites.

Arboriculturists are likely to be provided with protective clothing, tools and equipment required to undertake the job.

Income

Arboriculturalists can earn between £18,000 and over £25,000 a year.

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Entry requirements

If you are interested in becoming an arboricultural climber it is important that you:

• enjoy working outside
• have a good head for heights
• enjoy practical/physical work.

Individuals becoming climbers are likely have worked in the industry, usually as a groundworker or general arboricultural worker. Some may enter the industry having undertaken a full-time training programme and so already have some experience of climbing.

Training and development

There are a variety of qualifications and training courses that can help you:

• find employment
• improve your current skills
• gain promotion.

Individuals entering at this level have certificates of competence relating to chainsaw use, working from a rope and harness and aerial rescue. They may also have been trained in the use of ladders and work platforms.

Those wishing to work in specialist areas, such as utility arboriculture, will also need to undertake training specific to the work area, for example working close to live electrical cables.

Apprenticeships

An Apprenticeship and an Advanced Apprenticeship are available in Arboriculture. There are no set entry requirements for these Apprenticeships. Apprenticeships are open to all age groups (above 16yrs) whether you are just leaving school, have been working for years or are seeking to start a new career.

Further information on apprenticeships in Arboriculture can be found on the Apprenticeships website.

• Apprenticeships

A variety of relevant courses/qualifications are available including:

• First Diploma in Arboriculture
• National Diploma in Arboriculture
• ABC Certificate in Arboriculture
• ABC (RFS) Technician’s Certificate in Arboriculture.

There are also many courses available which provide essential skills for those looking to enter or progress in the industry. Many of these courses will lead to a certificate of competence in specific skills such as Chainsaw Operation, Use of Work Platforms, Working at Heights and Manual Handling.

Skills and knowledge

To be an arboriculturalist you should have:

• an interest in conservation and the environment
• a good knowledge of tree biology and pathology
• practical skills
• the ability to read plans and maps
• good communication skills
• confidence and a professional image
• the ability to prioritise your workload
• physical fitness and a head for heights.

More information

Lantra
Lantra House
Stoneleigh Park
Nr Coventry
Warwickshire
CV8 2LG
Tel: 0845 707 8007
www.lantra.co.uk

Royal Forestry Society (RFS)
www.rfs.org.uk

International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
www.isa-arbor.com

Institute of Chartered Foresters
59 George Street
Edinburgh
EH2 2JG
Tel: 0131 240 1425
www.charteredforesters.org

The Arboricultural Association
Ullenwood Court
Ullenwood
Cheltenham
Gloucestershire
GL53 9QS
Tel 01242 522152
www.trees.org.uk

Opportunities

You could be employed as an arboriculturist by:

• local authorities
• private landowners
• forest management companies
• contracting companies (tree surgery firms).

With experience you could progress from technical, supervisory or management posts to director level. Alternatively, you could become self-employed.

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