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.

The Work

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

• Tree Surgeon/Arborist - from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Tree Surgeon/Arborist - from: GradIreland

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.

Apprenticeship Route

The official entry route for a Tree Surgeon/Arborist is through undertaking an apprenticeship.

Click here to find information on the Arboriculture apprenticeship

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 

Training & Development 

FET PLC Courses: Garden & Parks Supervision, Greenkeeping & Sportsturf Management, Horticulture (Landscaping), Forestry at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search our FET PLC Coursefinder

Apprenticeship: Arboriculture-Tree surgeon Apprenticeship NFQ level 6 Search Apprenticeships

Professional Development 

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.

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.

Last Updated: April, 2023

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

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

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.

• National Botanic Gardens

  • Glasnevin, Dublin 9
  • (01) 804 0201
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Teagasc - Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority

  • Head Office, Oak Park, Carlow
  • (059) 917 0200
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Arboricultural Association (Ireland branch)

  • Click Here

• The Tree Council of Ireland

  • (01) 493 1313
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Forest Industries Ireland

  • Click Here

• COFORD

  • Research Division, Department Agriculture, Food & Marine, Kildare St., Dublin, 2
  • (01) 607 2487
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

  • Agriculture House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
  • (01) 607 2000 Lo Call 1890 200 510
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here