Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Tree Surgeon/Arborist- from: Youtube Search
- Arboriculturist- from: YouTube Video
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
- Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
- Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Working Life
Tree Surgeons are responsible for supervising the planting, care and maintenance of trees, shrubs and woodlands in both the public and private sector. The arborist carries out site inspections and produces reports and supporting documentation on a range of sites and situations including topography, soil type, water table levels and other site constraints.
The arborist is also involved in carrying out tree surveys and inspections of local authority trees and those on development sites. The surveys include monitoring tree health and safety, and prioritising any work that needs to be done. Supervision of contractors and direct labour personnel may also be required.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Monitor contract compliance and results of forestry activities to assure adherence to government regulations.
- Plan and supervise forestry projects, such as determining the type, number and placement of trees to be planted, managing tree nurseries, thinning forest and monitoring growth of new seedlings.
- Establish short- and long-term plans for management of forest lands and forest resources.
- Determine methods of cutting and removing timber with minimum waste and environmental damage.
- Supervise activities of other forestry workers.
- Perform inspections of forests or forest nurseries.
- Plan and direct forest surveys and related studies and prepare reports and recommendations.
- Direct, and participate in, forest fire suppression.
- Choose and prepare sites for new trees, using controlled burning, bulldosers, or herbicides to clear weeds, brush, and logging debris.
- Procure timber from private landowners.
Further Information
- Arboriculturist- from: N.C.S. [UK]
- Arboriculturist- from: GradIreland
Qualities - Tree Surgeon/Arborist
As an arborist you should enjoy working outdoors. You should also have a thorough knowledge of different trees and shrubs. Good communication skills are useful if you have a supervisory role. You will need the skills necessary to produce clear and understandable reports. This type of work can be physically demanding at times including digging, lifting and carrying are regular tasks for arborists.
Interests - Tree Surgeon/Arborist
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Naturalist
Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.
Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Entry / Progression - Tree Surgeon/Arborist
As a Tree Surgeon/Arborist you need to have particular skills and competencies, so you need training.
Watch Arborist video for pathways as a Tree Surgeon Apprenticeship.
Some employers may require that you have a NPTC (National Proficiency Tests Council, UK) or ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) Certificate in Arboriculture, and a number of training providers in Ireland offer these.
Other related courses include forestry courses (degrees offered in WIT and DCU, and Teagasc offers NFQ level 5 and 6 certificates). Many tree surgeons also train on the job while taking a specialised course. With a number of years’ experience you can progress from a contractor to an Arboricultural Consultant.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: garden and parks supervision, greenkeeping, sports turf management, horticulture, landscaping, forestry.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include:
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples: Arboriculture
Search for Apprenticeships
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include:
Search for CAO Courses
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
Membership in professional bodies, such as the Arboricultural Association (Ireland branch), is a way of keeping up-to-date on events and continuous professional development courses.
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
Pay & Salary - Tree Surgeon/Arborist
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €30k - €50k
Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.
Data Source(s):
Indeed/ CIF Rates/Payscale/ Salaryband/ Excel/ WRC
Last Updated: March, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Tree Surgeon/Arborist
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Horticultural trades; Gardeners and landscape gardeners; Groundsmen; greenkeepers; Skilled workers in horse racing and related industries; Agricultural; and fishing trades n.e.c.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
Although the employment growth over the five-year period was negative for this occupation, employment levels have remained static since 2020. At 37%, the share aged 55 years or older was almost double the national average of 19%.
A relatively high share of persons employed in this occupation were employed part-time. The administrative and support services sector accounted for the largest share of employment for this occupation at almost two-fifths.
Useful Contacts - Tree Surgeon/Arborist
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National Botanic Gardens
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Teagasc - Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority
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Arboricultural Association (Ireland branch)
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The Tree Council of Ireland
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Forest Industries Ireland
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COFORD
- Research Division, Department Agriculture, Food & Marine, Kildare St., Dublin, 2
- (01) 607 2487
- [email protected]
- Click Here
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Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
