Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Arborist

🎯 Role Definition

As an Arborist, you will deliver professional tree care services on residential, commercial, and municipal sites, combining technical tree science with safe rope-and-rigging operations, equipment mastery, and customer-facing communication. The role focuses on tree health assessment, pruning, removal, planting, pest and disease management, storm response, and the safe operation and maintenance of chainsaws, chippers, stump grinders, and aerial lifts. This position requires adherence to ANSI A300 and ISA best practices, strong situational hazard assessment skills, and the ability to document and communicate findings in clear reports and estimates.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Groundskeeper / Landscape Laborer with tree work experience
Tree Climber / Line Clearance Trainee
Landscaping Technician or Equipment Operator

Advancement To:

Lead Arborist / Crew Supervisor
ISA Certified Arborist or Municipal Urban Forester
Operations Manager / Plant Health Care Specialist

Lateral Moves:

Tree Inspector / Municipal Tree Technician
Vegetation Management or Utility Arboriculture Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conduct comprehensive tree risk assessments and create written Tree Risk Assessment (TRAQ-style) reports that document defects, failure potential, and recommended mitigation options for property owners and municipal clients.
Perform precision pruning to ANSI A300 standards for structure, clearance, and safety, including crown reduction, deadwood removal, and corrective pruning to improve tree health and longevity.
Execute safe and efficient tree removals of small and large trees, including sectional lowering techniques, rigging complex removals, and appropriate use of cranes when required.
Climb trees using rope and saddle techniques or operate aerial lifts (bucket trucks) to perform work at height while maintaining fall protection protocols and rescue readiness.
Operate chainsaws, chippers, stump grinders, and other specialized arboriculture equipment in a safe, OSHA-compliant manner, performing daily pre-shift equipment inspections.
Install cabling and bracing systems to support structurally compromised trees following industry best practices and manufacturer guidelines.
Diagnose and treat common tree pests, pathogens, and physiological disorders, recommending integrated pest management (IPM) strategies and appropriate chemical or cultural controls.
Prepare and present written estimates, work scopes, and proposals for tree work, including cost breakdowns, timelines, and permit requirements for clients and municipal authorities.
Execute emergency storm response duties, assessing hazards, performing emergency removals, and restoring safe access while coordinating with internal teams and public safety agencies.
Supervise and train apprenticeship-level crew members in safe climbing, rigging, and equipment operation, ensuring correct procedural adherence and continuous skill development.
Maintain accurate inventory and GIS/tree inventory records using tree inventory software and mobile data collection tools, including tagging, measuring DBH, and recording species and condition.
Plan and execute tree planting, transplanting, and root management projects with correct species selection, hole preparation, mulching, watering plans, and post-planting monitoring.
Perform soil assessments and recommend amendments, aeration, mulching, and fertilization programs tailored to species-specific nutrient needs and site conditions.
Administer and maintain pesticide and fertilizer applications in compliance with state and federal regulations, including proper mixing, application, and recordkeeping for commercial applicator licenses.
Coordinate traffic control and public safety measures on work sites, including signage, flagging, and lane closures when operating roadside equipment or performing removals near roadways.
Implement arboricultural best practices in urban environments, balancing utility clearance, infrastructure protection, and preservation of tree canopy.
Maintain professional client relationships by communicating work plans, safety measures, and post-job recommendations clearly and courteously to homeowners, property managers, and municipal clients.
Conduct root collar excavation, root pruning, and corrective measures for compacted soils and girdling roots to improve tree stability and root health.
Oversee wood waste management including chipping, logging, firewood preparation, and proper disposal or recycling in accordance with local regulations.
Ensure compliance with local permitting processes, environmental regulations, and protected species or heritage tree ordinances, preparing documentation and applications as required.
Perform routine maintenance and record-keeping for company trucks and trailers, including scheduling repairs, maintaining maintenance logs, and ensuring tools remain serviceable and safe.
Produce post-job reports and documentation including photos, risk mitigation verification, and recommendations for long-term plant health care and monitoring.

Secondary Functions

Assist estimating and sales teams by providing technical detail, scope clarification, and现场 cost assessments for complex tree projects.
Participate in professional development and continuing education to stay current with ISA standards, new equipment, and agronomic practices.
Support community outreach, educational programs, and municipal tree inventories or volunteer tree planting events.
Contribute to safety committee meetings, incident investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce workplace injuries and near-misses.
Maintain inventory of parts, rigging hardware, PPE, and consumables, coordinating reorders and supplier relationships.
Provide seasonal planning input for workload forecasting, crew scheduling, and equipment allocation.
Support quality assurance by performing final site inspections, client walkthroughs, and follow-up visits to ensure customer satisfaction and warranty compliance.
Assist in grant applications or municipal funding proposals by preparing technical attachments and species/site analyses when required.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

ISA Certified Arborist credential preferred; demonstrated knowledge of ISA best practices and ANSI A300 pruning standards.
Proficient in rope-and-saddle climbing techniques and/or aerial lift operation with documented fall protection training.
Advanced chainsaw operation and maintenance skills, including bucking, felling, and safe limb removal.
Skilled in rigging systems, hardware selection, mechanical advantage setups, and knot-tying for complex removals.
Competency operating chippers, stump grinders, mini-excavators, and skid-steer loaders with appropriate attachments.
Experience conducting Tree Risk Assessments (TRAQ-informed) and producing professional risk mitigation recommendations.
Ability to diagnose pest, disease, and abiotic stressors and recommend integrated plant health care (IPM) treatments.
Licensed pesticide applicator or ability to obtain state commercial applicator license for woody plant treatments.
Experience with tree inventory/GIS tools, mobile data collection apps, and basic mapping workflows.
Familiarity with local permitting requirements, protected tree ordinances, and environmental compliance processes.
CDL or commercial vehicle experience preferred for safe transport of equipment and large limb/wood loads.
Strong record-keeping skills for maintenance logs, chemical application records, and client documentation.

Soft Skills

Strong situational awareness and commitment to safety culture with proven ability to follow and enforce safe work procedures.
Clear, professional client-facing communication and ability to explain technical recommendations to non-technical stakeholders.
Leadership and crew supervision skills including mentoring, delegating, and performance feedback.
Problem-solving ability to evaluate complex tree systems and propose practical, cost-effective solutions.
Physical stamina, dexterity, and the ability to work in variable weather conditions and at heights.
Time management and organizational skills to balance fieldwork, reporting, and customer follow-up.
Collaborative mindset to work effectively with municipal leaders, landscape architects, utility companies, and contractors.
Attention to detail for accurate measurements, diagnoses, and documentation.
Adaptability and willingness to respond to emergency storm work and flexible scheduling demands.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:
High school diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Education:
Associate degree or certificate in Arboriculture, Urban Forestry, Horticulture, or a related environmental/agricultural discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Arboriculture
Urban Forestry
Horticulture
Forestry
Environmental Science / Plant Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:
2–7 years of progressive arboricultural field experience, including climbing, rigging, and equipment operation.

Preferred:
5+ years experience with demonstrated crew leadership, complex tree removals, formal ISA certification, and commercial pesticide applicator license.