Tree surgeon
Career outlook for tree surgeon
Average UK salary
£27,560
Currently employed in Scotland
1,800
"LMI for All" supplies our salary and employment status information. "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.
What's it like?
You would keep trees healthy by carrying out work including planting, care and hazard checks.
You would:
- Assess the health of trees
- Prune, fell and plant trees in streets or parks
- Check for potential dangers from trees
- Control pests
- Remove snow to take the weight off branches
- Follow health and safety rules carefully
You will usually work from a rope and harness. You might also use elevated work platforms known as ‘cherry-pickers’.
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
Travel
UK employment status
Full-time
60%
Part-time
0%
Self employed
40%
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- Cooperating
- Verbal communication
- Observation
- Managing resources
- Risk taking
- Taking initiative
- Time management
- Recalling
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Qualifications
There are no set qualifications to enter this job but qualifications at SCQF level 4/5 may be of value.
You could start a Modern Apprenticeship and work towards a Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) in Trees and Timber (SCQF Level 5).
You may also study a full-time course in arboriculture, amenity horticulture, forestry or related subjects.
National Certificate or National Qualifications (SCQF levels 4-6) may look for no formal qualification or three to four National 4/5 qualifications
To enter a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) you will need National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or a relevant NC/NQ/.
To enter a degree (SCQF level 9/10) you will require National 5 qualifications and four to five Highers or a relevant HNC/D.
Useful subjects
- English
- Maths
- Science subjects, in particular biological or environmental sciences
- Practical technologies such as woodwork
You will also need
- To have a natural love of nature and the outdoors
- To enjoy practical and physical work
- To not have a fear of heights
- To be physically fit
Helpful to have
Qualifications and experience that demonstrate physical fitness, understanding of health and safety and care of the natural environment
Work-based qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Trees and Timber (SCQF level 5/6) either in forestry or arboriculture can be achieved once in work.
It would be helpful to have a driving licence; some roles may require this.