Job Descriptions

Arboriculturist Job Description

What is the job description of an Arboriculturist? What are the duties and responsibilities of an Arboriculturist? What does an Arboriculturist do?

Job description of an Arboriculturist

Arboriculturists cultivate and manage trees, hedgerows and shrubs. The work is undertaken in both rural and urban settings and includes all aspects of felling, preserving, planting and protecting trees, sometimes using heavy equipment.

They also provide information and advice on specific tree-related issues. There is an increasing focus on maintaining a safe relationship between the trees, their immediate environment and the general public. Arboriculturists who do only hands-on tree and shrub maintenance may be called arborists.

This Arboriculturist job description example includes the list of most important Arboriculturist duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Arboriculturist profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Arboriculturist Duties and Responsibilities

Arboriculturist job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • Undertake thinning and tree surgery using a range of equipment;
  • An arborist works at a practical level and visits a range of sites in order to:
  • Plant trees and shrubs;
  • Undertake groundwork using a chainsaw and a chipper.

An arboriculturist may be involved in the same activities as an arborist, but works at a supervisory/managerial level and will also be involved in:

  • Following and negotiating clients’ requirements;
  • Carrying out tree inspections and surveys;
  • Managing tree care and tree planting contracts;
  • Providing training for junior colleagues and volunteers;
  • Selecting plants and designing landscaping schemes;
  • Reviewing and responding to planning applications;
  • Applying knowledge of tree biology for effective tree maintenance;
  • Conducting development site surveys and giving pre-planning advice on topics such as the effect a proposed development may have on trees in the area, and how best to retain them and incorporate them into the finished project.
  • Writing reports for engineers, solicitors, mortgage and insurance companies, providing information relating to trees, for example if a tree root system is damaging or likely to damage a building or cause subsidence;

In urban areas, the work involves improving the relationship between the environment and urban development through activities such as:

  • Pruning tree growth away from electrical cables and public access routes;
  • Reclaiming abandoned industrial sites;
  • Advising on suitable trees for development sites.
  • Developing practical solutions to environmental issues;

Arboriculturist Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Arboriculturist job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • A degree in any of agriculture, arboriculture, biology, ecology, forestry, horticulture/plant sciences, land/estate/property management, woodland ecology and conservation.
  • A good level of physical fitness
  • Confidence working at heights
  • Stamina for holding equipment, such as a chainsaw
  • A driving licence for working in different locations and transporting equipment
  • An aptitude for working outdoors.

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Arboriculturist starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Arboriculturist job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of an Arboriculturist may also reference it in preparation for the interview.