Arborist

Arborists manage and take care of trees, often in public areas, in order to make the environment look attractive. They plan and maintain woodlands, plant and nurture trees, carry out tree surgery and treat diseases.

The Work

You could be:

• planning new areas of woodland or conserving existing ones


• carrying out surveys and assessing trees using specialist equipment


• taking a variety of measures to control or get rid of diseases
• recruiting and training staff


• growing seedlings or cuttings, planting young trees and shrubs and caring for them


• pruning and carrying out tree surgery, including climbing trees (with safety equipment) and using a chainsaw to cut branches


• felling trees


• giving advice on how to look after trees.

Conditions

• Many posts are in urban districts, but in some posts you would work in a rural area.


• Most of your working time would be spent outdoors.


• Your working conditions could be wet, cold or windy.


• You would have to work high up in some trees (using safety equipment).


• Working hours are normally 35-40 a week, but vary at different times of year.


• In summer, hours may be longer, including evenings and weekends.

Getting In

• There are several routes into this job.


• You could start as an arboricultural worker and study for qualifications to allow you to move up to more senior positions.


• You may get in through a Modern Apprenticeship leading to a Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) at Level 3.


• Full-time courses in arboriculture, amenity horticulture, forestry and related subjects are available at a variety of levels - from National Certificates (NCs) and National Qualifications (NQs) to Higher National Certificates and Diplomas (HNCs and HNDs).


• The entry requirements for NC and NQ courses vary from no formal requirements to 4-5 Standard grades. For HNC/HND courses, the normal requirement is 1-2 Highers and Standard grades, or other equivalent national qualifications.
  
• You could take a degree in arboriculture or forestry or a similar subject. Entry requirements are normally 3-4 Highers, sometimes including 2 maths, science or technological subjects.


• Previous work experience in a tree nursery, or in forestry or agriculture is helpful.


• You often need a full, clean driving licence.


• You need to be fit as there is a lot of active work including climbing.


• You should not be allergic to the chemicals used.

What Does It Take?

You need to be:

• fit, healthy and agile


• good with your hands


• able to work alone as well as part of a team


• safety conscious, responsible and reliable.

• a head for heights


• a knowledge of different trees and shrubs
  
• a scientific interest


• a sense of design, to use trees and shrubs to make an attractive display


• good communication skills, particularly if supervising staff.

Training

• You would train and gain experience on-the-job.


• You would also study part-time for qualifications at a level appropriate to you.


• There are various relevant short courses at local colleges.


• Modern Apprenticeships normally lead to a Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ).


• You might be able to take a part-time or distance learning course leading to an SVQ, a degree or a postgraduate qualification.


• You could study for one of the qualifications awarded by the Arboricultural Association or the Royal Forestry Society (RFS).

Getting On

• With experience, you may get a supervisory job, with responsibility for other staff.


• You might be able to set up your own business, but this can require quite a lot of money.


• There are good opportunities in parts of Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the USA for well qualified and experienced arborists.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work


• the size of company or organisation you work for


• the demand for the job.

More Information

Addresses

The following organisation(s) may be able to provide further information.