Arborist

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

• 2006 NOC: Arborists and Tree Service Technicians (2225.1) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Landscape and Horticultural Technicians and Specialists (C125) 
• 2011 NOC: Landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists (2225) 
• 2016 NOC: Landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists (2225) 

Most arborists specialize in a certain type of tree care like pruning, planting, or tree health. Their duties depend on their specialty and employer. In general, they:

• Prune trees to maintain health and improve structure
• Assess trees for risk
• Treat split or broken branches by securing cables and braces
• Clear power lines in urban and forest settings
• Install lightning protection on trees
• Diagnose and treat problems
• Plant and fertilize trees
• Advise on tree care
• Protect trees during construction
• Remove trees, sometimes in tight spaces
• Appraise trees’ monetary value
• Plan and develop budgets for tree work
• Provide information to the public
• Supervise tree crews or contractors
• Inspect work to ensure high standards
• Provide related consulting services like inventory, appraisal, or tree forensics

Some arborists are ground-based consultants. They have similar duties, but do not perform the physical work of a climbing arborist. Ground-based consulting arborists may:

• Evaluate trees for risk
• Appraise trees’ monetary value
• Conduct tree inventories
• Assess urban forest health
• Make recommendations on urban forest management tree protection plans
• Write reports

Arborists generally work in cities, but rural work is becoming more common. They work in crews of 2 to 6 people. They work outdoors, often throughout the year. They may work long hours in spring and summer, especially after storms and emergencies.

Arborists use hand and power tools. They also use specialized pruning tools and application equipment. They must take care to avoid injury when working with tools, machinery and chemicals, and be aware of electrical hazards around power lines. Their work involves climbing, bending, twisting, and lifting and can be physically tiring. 

Under Part 39 of Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety Code, employers must develop and implement safe work practices and procedures that include:

• The assessment of hazards at the worksite
• Worker training, including hazard recognition
• The selection, limitation, operation, and maintenance of tools and equipment
• Work positioning and fall protection
• Emergency rescue

Arborists need:

• Steady nerves
• A keen interest in arboriculture (tree care)
• Physical strength, stamina, and agility
• Co-ordination and manual dexterity
• Mechanical aptitude
• Communication skills

They should enjoy:

• Operating equipment
• Analyzing information
• Advising and directing others’ work

Arborists should not fear heights.

Arborists work for:

• Government parks departments
• Contracting firms
• Utility companies
• Large schools such as universities and colleges
• Landscape management companies
• Tree nurseries

Advancement is based on the arborist’s ability to keep up to date with new developments and willingness to take on responsibility. At least 2 to 3 years of extensive on-the-job training is generally needed before an arborist can lead a crew. Those with a lot of experience and extra training may advance to management positions. Some start their own companies or work as 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 [pdf] in this occupation is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
• Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industries listed above
• Location in Alberta
• Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
• Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
• Size of the occupation

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

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

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

Professional Vegetation Managers Association (PVMA) website: www.pvma.ca

For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.