What does a Utility Arborist (444B) do?

Utility arborists prune and clear vegetation that is close to energized electrical equipment, structures, and conductors. They also prune, fell and remove trees that could potentially come into contact with power lines.

Job Related Skills, Interests and Values

  • Analysing, evaluating and diagnosing a wide variety of woody plants for disease or disorder
  • Preparing recommendations for treatment and written estimates of cost
  • Selecting and using treatment applications that may include use of pesticides, biological controls, cabling, pruning, transplanting or tree removal
  • Repairing splitting or broken limbs or branches and other tree wounds
  • Operating and maintaining safety equipment, and both manual and power tools including chainsaws, specialized pruning equipment and spraying equipment
  • Working independently or as a team member, in work that requires concentration and physical effort

What Preparation and Training Do You Need?

  • Completion of a secondary school diploma or equivalent
  • Completion of 5,340 hours of on-the-job training
  • Completion of a 12-week in-class technical training sessions
  • Passing an exam to obtain Certificate of Qualification

What's Your Future as a Utility Arborist (444B)?

  • Most workers in this occupation work full-time, outdoors, with many hours in peak seasons or after storms and other emergencies

Wage Rate

Apprentice wage increases with skill and experience. Fully qualified workers earn an average of $27.00-$35.00 per hour.

Self-Rating

Utility Arborist (444B)

Ask Yourself: Yes No
Do you have good hand-eye coordination?
Are you able to work indoors and outdoors? Are you comfortable working at all heights?
Are you able to follow Health & Safety guidelines?
Do you have a driver’s license and a clean driving record?
Do you have strong reading and writing skills?
Are you detail-oriented?
Are you comfortable using different machinery?


If you checked YES to the majority of these questions, a career as a Utility Arborist (444B) may be for you!

You might want to look at these similar trades as well;

  • Horticultural Technician
  • Industrial Woodworker
  • Carpenter

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