Arboricultural Worker/Tree Surgeon

The Job and What's Involved

Arboricultural workers/tree surgeons work with trees and shrubs in cities, the countryside and conservation areas. They work as planters, climbers/tree surgeons or ground staff.

Their main tasks may include:

* planting trees and shrubs following the instructions of an arboriculturist or landscaper
* pruning trees, removing diseased or weakened branches, and cutting down dead trees and those that are a danger to the public
* making sure a work site is safe by keeping people and vehicles away from it, and helping tree surgeons by passing tools, refuelling chainsaws and clearing away dead branches and debris
* preparing sites for new trees and shrubs and applying pesticides and fertilisers.

Arboricultural workers might do some or all of these activities.

They work with different types of hand and power tools including chainsaws, hedge cutters and strimmers. They also regularly clean and maintain all their equipment.

The starting salary for an arboricultural worker/tree surgeon may be around £11,000 a year. Some employers provide the protective clothing needed for the job.

Arboricultural workers/tree surgeons usually work around 35 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. There may be overtime, including evening and weekend work. Some are on call for emergencies.

Most of the work is outdoors, in all weathers, in a wide range of locations. These include urban and country parks, public woodlands, highways and privately-owned gardens.

The work can be very noisy, and they might be exposed to sawdust and fumes from tools, pesticides and fertilisers. Arboricultural workers/tree surgeons wear protective clothing such as helmets, ear protectors and chainsaw protective boots, trousers and gloves. Climbers/tree surgeons use specialist rope access and positioning systems.

Arboricultural workers/tree surgeons work as part of a team. They may need to travel up to 50 miles from their base to where they work, but employers usually provide transport. Occasional periods may be spent away from home.

Getting Started with this Career Choice

Work in arboriculture is expanding as interest in the environment and conservation of the countryside and woodlands grows.

Arboricultural workers/tree surgeons work for local government, organisations such as The National Trust and The Forestry Commission, specialist contractors, private landowners and businesses. Many employers are very small, employing one or two workers, but some have up to 200 employees or more.

In some areas of the UK, especially south east England, there is a shortage of climbers/tree surgeons.

Jobs may be advertised in local newspapers and on websites that hold details of public sector vacancies. The Arboricultural Association newsletter and website have job vacancy information, as do the trade magazines Horticulture Week and Treeline.

Education and Training

Although there are no set academic entry requirements, some employers may prefer people with some GCSEs/S grades. Applicants need to be physically fit. It also helps to have some voluntary experience with national and local conservation organisations or horticultural groups.

Useful qualifications include:

* BTEC National Award/Certificate/Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture
* Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Arboriculture
* Arboricultural Association Technicians Certificate in Arboriculture
* Royal Forestry Society (RFS) Certificate in Arboriculture.

For some of these courses the entry requirements are at least four GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3).

The National Proficiency Training Council (NPTC) and Scottish Skills Testing Service (SSTS) award competency certificates for chainsaw and tree machinery operators, as well as in pesticide application. These organisations, or local agricultural/horticultural colleges, can provide more information.

Apprenticeships which may be available in England are Young Apprenticeships, Pre-Apprenticeships, Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships. To find out which one is most appropriate log onto www.apprenticeships.org.uk or contact your local Connexions Partnership.

It is important to bear in mind that pay rates for Apprenticeships do vary from area to area and between industry sectors.

There are different arrangements for Apprenticeships in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. For further information contact Careers Scotland www.careers-scotland.org.uk, Careers Wales www.careerswales.com; and for Northern Ireland contact COIU www.delni.gov.uk.

A Few More Exams You Might Need

Arboricultural workers usually train on the job under the supervision of a manager or another experienced colleague. New workers and tree surgeons must get the National Proficiency Training Council or Scottish Skills Testing Service competency certificates before being able to work with machinery, or on their own.

NVQs/SVQs are available in Forestry and Arboriculture at Levels 1 and 2. These qualifications can be worked towards while in a job, and include workplace assessment.

The Royal Forestry Society and Institute of Chartered Foresters can provide details of specialist centres offering professional arboricultural qualifications for workers wishing to progress and develop their skills.

The Arboricultural Association also runs training workshops, seminars, a trade fair, and an annual national conference.