Arborist

Most arborists specialize in a particular area of tree care such as pruning, planting or tree health maintenance. Arborists' duties vary depending on where they are employed and their specialization. In general, however, they:

• prune trees to maintain tree health and improve structure
• evaluate trees for risk and treat splitting or breaking branches by securing cables and braces to large limbs
• install lightning protection on trees
• diagnose and treat problems
• plant recommended trees in appropriate locations
• fertilize trees and provide advice on tree care
• provide tree protection during construction activities
• remove trees, sometimes in confined spaces
• appraise the monetary value of trees
• plan and develop budgets for tree work
• provide information to the public
• supervise the work of tree crews or private contractors
• inspect work to ensure high standards
• provide related consulting services (for example, tree care, risk assessment, inventory, appraisal, tree forensics).

Some arborists are ground-based consultants who may have duties similar to those mentioned above but do not perform the physical work of a climbing arborist. Ground-based consulting arborists may:

• evaluate trees for risk
• appraise the monetary value of trees
• conduct tree inventories
• assess urban forest health and make recommendations on urban forest management.

Arborists generally work in urban settings in crews of two to six people. The work is performed primarily outdoors and, in many cases, work continues throughout the year. Long hours may be required in spring and summer, particularly after storms and emergencies.

Arborists use hand and power tools, specialized pruning tools and spraying equipment. They must observe safety precautions to avoid injury when working with tools and machinery, and dangerous chemicals. The work involves considerable physical exertion: climbing, bending and twisting, and lifting items weighing up to 20 kilograms.

Arborists need the following characteristics:

• the strength, stamina and agility required to climb trees and lift heavy objects
• steady nerves and no fear of heights
• good co-ordination and manual dexterity
• a keen interest in arboriculture (tree care)
• mechanical aptitude
• the ability to communicate with other workers and the public.

They should enjoy operating equipment, analyzing information to determine appropriate treatment methods, and advising and directing the work of others.

Arborists are employed by:

• municipal, provincial and national parks departments
• firms that contract tree care services to government departments
• utility companies
• large schools such as universities
• commercial or residential landscape management companies
• tree nurseries.

Advancement is based on the arborist's ability to keep up to date with new developments in the field and willingness to take on greater responsibilities. Arborists who have considerable experience and additional training may advance to technical management positions. Some establish their own companies or work as self-employed consultants.

Arborists are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2225: Landscape and Horticultural Technicians and Specialists. In Alberta, 84% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Information, Culture and Recreation (PDF)
• Business, Building and Other Support Services (PDF)
• Agricultural (PDF)
• Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (PDF)
• Public Administration (PDF)

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• time of year (for seasonal jobs)
• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth(work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Industrial Vegetation Management Association of Alberta (IVMAA) website: www.ivmaa.com

International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Prairie Chapter website: www.isaprairie.com

Landscape Alberta Nursery Trades Association (LANTA) website: www.landscape-alberta.com

For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.