Arboriculturist
Manage trees - inspection, surveys, planting and tree-related planning advice.
This UK arboriculturist career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £22,000 - £28,000
- Mid-career salary
- £30,000 - £42,000
- Senior salary
- £45,000 - £60,000
- Work environment
- Outdoors, all weathers
- Time to entry
- 1 - 4 years
- Degree required
- Often helpful
- Category
- Green Energy and Sustainability
What a Arboriculturist does
Manage trees - inspection, surveys, planting and tree-related planning advice.
- Tree Surveys for Development - BS5837 surveys for planning applications.
- Tree Risk Management - Inspect trees for risk on highways and estates.
- Local Authority Arb Officer - Tree officer role in council planning.
- Consultancy and Expert Witness - Independent reports and expert evidence.
How to become a Arboriculturist
- Look up Arboriculturist roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
- Talk to someone already working as a Arboriculturist - even a 15-minute call helps
- Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
- Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
- Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month
Key skills
- Tree biology
- Surveying
- Risk assessment
- Reporting
- Driving licence