Tree surgeon

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

University

You can study for a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

• forestry
• arboriculture
• countryside management
• forest management
• woodland ecology and conservation

Entry requirements:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

College

You could do a college course to get some of the skills and knowledge you need as a tree surgeon.

Relevant subjects include:

• Level 2 Certificate in Arboriculture
• Level 3 Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture
• T Level in Agriculture, Land Management and Production

Entry requirements:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level

Apprenticeship

You could begin your career by doing an apprenticeship.

For example:

• Arborist Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Forest Craftsperson Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

These usually take a minimum of 2 years to complete.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Work

You may be able to start as a forest labourer or groundworker, helping a qualified tree surgeon. You could then complete further training on the job in the use of chainsaws, ropes, ladders and harnesses.

These types of courses are offered by private training providers and further education colleges.

Volunteering

You might find it useful to get some experience of tree work before applying for jobs.

You can contact organisations like The Tree Council , Forestry England and the Woodland Trust about volunteering opportunities.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• physical skills like movement and co-ordination
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• concentration skills
• the ability to work well with your hands
• knowledge of public safety and security
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• customer service skills
• sensitivity and understanding
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• thinking and reasoning skills
• leadership skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• observation and recording skills
• knowledge of biology
• knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
• active listening skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning

What you'll do:

Tree surgeons work in towns and the countryside, assessing tree health, removing branches, planting new stock and felling unsafe trees.

As a tree surgeon, you'll:

• identify hazards caused by trees
• climb trees to cut back or remove branches
• cut down and remove trees and stumps
• plant trees and assess their health
• work with clients to produce tree survey reports

Location : You could work in parks and gardens, on the streets, in woodland or on rail tracks.
Environment : Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers, at height, dusty and physically demanding.
Uniform : You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Salary:

Starter : £21,000
Experienced : £34,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

41 - 43 hours a week

Working Pattern is weekends at short notice

Career Path:

With experience you could:

• become a supervisor or manager
• train to be an arboricultural officer
• start your own business
• move into recreational tree climbing and take people into treetops as an outdoor activity