Arborist job description template
If you are hiring for this role, start here. This free template is our detailed definition of the position, with everything you need to find and hire the right person. Copy it, add your own requirements, and post it.
What is an Arborist?
An Arborist is a type of landscaper responsible for maintaining the health, safety, and beauty of trees and woody plants in urban or private areas.
They plan new trees at appropriate locations, test soil conditions, and assess soil, watering, and other requirements for trees.
Arborists also inspect trees for damage, disease, or infestation and create treatment plans by applying pesticides and fertilizers.
They are also responsible for removing branches and pruning trees if they recognize they can be potentially dangerous for the surroundings due to decay, damage, or disease.
The top Arborist skills.
Five things separate a strong hire from a résumé that reads well. Use these as your scorecard criteria.
The job description, ready to post.
Copy it as written, or edit it until it sounds like your company. Both work.
We are searching for an Arborist who will take care of trees at private and public properties. You will be responsible for maintaining the health, beauty, and safety of trees. Other responsibilities include inspecting trees for diseases, damage, decay, and infestation, cutting and removing such trees and branches, and applying appropriate pesticides and fertilizers for treatment purposes.
Additionally, you will test soil conditions, water, and prune trees, and plant new ones at selected locations. You will also consult will clients on their individual tree maintenance needs. Your job will also be to identify potentially hazardous trees and branches and take appropriate actions to remove them and ensure safety.
To be successful as an Arborist, you should be knowledgeable about safety procedures, plant classification, and various types of diseases and pests, as well as the usage of specialized equipment. You should also have excellent communication and problem-solving.
Duties and responsibilities
- Maintain the health, safety, and beauty of trees on public and private properties
- Plant new trees at selected locations when needed
- Inspect trees for diseases, damage, decay, and infestation
- Cut and remove damaged and diseased trees and branches
- Assess soil, watering, and other requirements for trees and plants
- Test soil conditions and apply tree fertilizers and pesticides
- Prune trees by removing branches using specialized equipment such as handsaws or chainsaws
- Consult with appropriate departments or clients regarding suitable tree species for different environments
- Consult with individuals or businesses on the installation, maintenance, and removal of trees in a particular area
- Recognize plant problems and create treatment plans
- Identify and take care of potentially hazardous trees and branches
- Maintain records of work performed, actions, and inspections
Requirements
- Degree in botany, arboriculture, horticulture, or forestry
- Certificate III in Arboriculture
- Previous working experience as an Arborist, Tree Groundsman, or a similar position
- Extensive knowledge of tree classification, diseases, pests, and treatment plans
- Strong knowledge of different types of soil and fertilizer compositions
- The ability to safely operate chainsaws and other specialized equipment
- Willingness to work long hours and in various weather conditions
- Excellent physical fitness
- Great communication and problem-solving
Take the template with you
Copy it straight into your job board or ATS, or have it emailed to you with the interview questions for this role.
Degree first, then the certification.
Arborists typically need a degree in botany, arboriculture, horticulture, or forestry to pursue this career path.
Candidates can also earn a Master’s degree to increase their hiring potential.
A common educational requirement for Arborists is a Certification III in Arboriculture.
This course teaches them about all the necessary skills and knowledge to become a successful
Arborist, such as tree pruning and maintenance, safe tree climbing, applying chemicals, and other aspects of the job.
Certificate III in Arboriculture
Demonstrates foundational skills in arboriculture practices and tree maintenance.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)Sample interview questions for an Arborist.
Once you have gathered the applications, work through these in order. Twelve questions across four areas, enough to tell your shortlist apart.
- Why did you decide to pursue this type of career?
- Do you have a favorite type of tree or plant?
- What do you enjoy doing when you are not at work?
- What qualifications do you have that make you suitable for this position?
- How long have you been working as an Arborist?
- Do you have any questions for us?
- How comfortable are you working at heights?
- Do you have any special ways of staying in good physical condition?
- Could you tell us about your most challenging project as an Arborist?
- What is your experience using tree climbing and other safety equipment?
- How do you determine the health of a tree and if it should be removed?
- What equipment would you use to reshare a tree?
How much to pay when hiring.
Annual pay by percentile. Where you land depends on the size of the cycle they will own, and the 25th percentile is usually where a first analyst hire sits.
Hourly equivalents run from $12 at the 10th percentile to $34 at the 90th.
Candidates may apply under a different name.
Post the title your industry uses and keep the rest of the description. These three roles overlap enough that the same posting usually reaches all of them.
Three titles, one description.
Search behavior varies by industry, so the same job is advertised under several names. If you are unsure which one your candidates search for, run two titles and see which fills.
Groundskeeper
Landscape Tree Trimmer
A Landscape Tree Trimmer is a skilled professional responsible for maintaining the health, appearance, and safety of trees in various landscapes.
$52,920 medianFrequently asked questions.
What do Arborists do?
Arborists are professionals who maintain the health, safety, and beauty of trees on private and public properties.
Some of their duties are identifying diseases, infestations, and damage, removing those trees and branches, and planting new trees at selected locations.
Where do Arborists work?
Arborists typically work for landscaping companies, private clients, or government organizations.
Who do Arborists work with?
Arborists commonly work with professionals who have similar duties as they do, such as landscapers, groundsmen, gardeners, tree trimmers, etc.
What are the essential skills for Arborists?
Arborists must be highly knowledgeable about various types of trees, diseases, soil types, and treatment plans for diseases or damaged trees.
They must also demonstrate excellent knowledge of how to safely operate specialized equipment.
They are also required to have great communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
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