Arborist

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Arborist
Branch out in this rewarding career

If climbing trees and taking care of the largest plants on earth sounds like fun, then a career in arboriculture is perfect for you. With a focus on the health, safety and maintenance of woody plants and trees, arborists care for trees and shrubs of all sizes, particularly in urban settings.
 
Pruning, fertilizing and monitoring trees for insects and diseases are just some of the tasks taken on by arborists. With plants in North America ranging in size from 2-foot shrubs to over 300-foot Coast Redwood trees, much of the tree maintenance occurs high up in the air in a lift or fastened tightly to the tree with ropes. So if you're not afraid of heights, put on your climbing gear and choose this career!


Click on a Career Path below...

  • Many arborists compete annually in local and international tree climbing events such as aerial rescue, throwline, speed climb, foot lock and work climb.

  • According to the USDA Forest Service, a healthy tree cools the air equivalent to ten room-sized air conditioners operating at 20-hours a day.

  • According to the U.S. Department of Energy, trees reduce noise pollution by acting as a buffer and absorbing 50% of urban noise.



Groundsman

Duties:
  • Identify trees
  • Prune trees and shrubs
  • Prepare chemicals for fungicides and pesticides
  • Handle and maintain vehicles and equipment
  • Secure the area and operate equipment for climbers
Education:
  • High school education preferred
  • Two-year technical college certificate a bonus
  • Training and certification provided by employer, but experience is helpful
Pay:
  • Seasonal positions: $14 to $18 per hour
  • Full-time, year-round positions: $29,000 to $90,000 per year (plus benefits)
Tree Care Technician

Duties:
  • Identify pests
  • Mix fungicides and insecticides
  • Spray, drill and inject trees with fungicides and insecticides
  • Repair soil compaction (make the soil less dense and more porous)
  • Maintain safety procedures
Education:
  • High school diploma
  • Two-year technical college certificate a bonus
  • Training and certification provided by employer, but experience is helpful
Pay:
  • Seasonal positions: $14 to $18 per hour
  • Full-time, year-round positions: $29,000 to $90,000 per year (plus benefits)
Foreman

Duties:
  • Identify insect and disease problems
  • Climb trees to prune and remove limbs (requires knowledge of all knots, ropes and rigging devices)
  • Maintain chemical inventory
  • Train and manage employees
  • Oversee equipment distribution and ordering
  • Maintain safety and emergency procedures
Education:
  • High school diploma
  • Two-year technical college certificate or 4-year degree encouraged
  • Extensive experience required (2-4 years minimum)
Pay:
  • Seasonal positions: $14 to $18 per hour
  • Full-time, year-round positions: $29,000 to $90,000 per year (plus benefits)
Production Manager

Duties:
  • Direct all aspects of tree care operations
  • Develop and manage operating budget
  • Oversee scheduling
  • Manage and resolve client issues
  • Maintain training manuals and coordinate safety programs
  • Assist in employee recruiting and hiring processes
  • Manage inventory
Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in urban forestry (or related field)
  • 5+ years of experience preferred
  • Industry certifications encouraged
Pay:
  • Seasonal positions: $14 to $18 per hour
  • Full-time, year-round positions: $29,000 to $90,000 per year (plus benefits)
Additional Career Possibilities
Salesperson or Marketing Specialist
Production Scheduler
Quality Control Specialist
Customer Service
Business Owner









AmericanHort AAHS National Association of Landscape Professionals