Arborists, also called tree care specialists or tree service technicians, maintain healthy trees and treat or remove injured and diseased trees.
Job Related Skills, Interests and Values
- Analyzing, evaluating, and diagnosing a wide variety of woody plants for disease or disorder
- Preparing recommendations for treatment and written estimates of cost
- Selecting and carrying out treatment applications including pesticides, biological controls, cabling, pruning, transplanting, or tree removal
- Repairing splitting/broken branches and other tree wounds
- Operating and maintaining safety equipment and tools including chainsaws, specialized pruning equipment, and spraying equipment
- Working independently or as a team member to complete work requiring concentration and physical effort
What Preparation and Training Do You Need?
- Secondary school diploma with math and English credits
- Completion of a 5,400-hour apprenticeship, plus two 12-week in-school sessions
- Exam to obtain Certificate of Qualification
What's Your Future as a Arborist (444A)?
- Full-time, outdoors; many hours in peak season or after storms/emergencies
- Physical stamina required to climb and descend trees (using safety equipment)
- Employers include private residential/commercial landscape management companies, tree nurseries, tree care contractors, municipal governments, national or provincial parks departments, and utility companies
Wage Rate
Apprentice wage increases with skill and experience. Fully qualified workers earn an average of $26.00-$34.00 per hour.
Self-Rating
Arborist (444A)
| 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? | ||
| Do you have a driver’s license and a good driving record? | ||
| Are you able to follow Health & Safety guidelines? | ||
| Do you have strong reading and writing skills? | ||
| Are you detail-oriented? | ||
| Do you consider yourself a good problem solver? |
If you checked YES to the majority of these questions, a career as an Arborist (444A) may be for you!
You might want to look at these similar trades as well;
- Horticultural Technician
- Industrial Woodworker
- Carpenter
General Carpenters work mainly with wood, wood substitutes, and materials like drywall, plaster, steel, copper, and tiles. They may construct, install, maintain, or repair structures and be responsible for framing and forming or finishing cabinets, doors, stairs, and other major wooden structures.
Fruit Growers prepare land for planting by laying out a land use plan, analyzing soil, tilling the soil, and planting or transplanting fruit trees and vines. They are also responsible for irrigating, weeding, fertilizing, pruning, and training plants to ensure maximum growth and harvest yields.
Horticulturists use their gardening knowledge and skills in a variety of ways and in many different settings. While some may work to maintain formal gardens, others may spend their time tending to golf courses, cemeteries, or parks.
Cabinetmakers construct and repair wooden cabinets, furniture, fixtures, and related products.