Tree surgeon
Keep trees healthy by carrying out work including planting, care and hazard checks.
Also known as: tree climber, arborist
About the job
Salary
Source: LMI for All
Weekly
£530
Average
Monthly
£2,296
Average
Yearly
£27,560
Average
1,600
people are currently employed
Low growth
No change in number of jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
What it's 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’.
Hours
Environment
Travel
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- recalling
- time management
- taking initiative
- risk taking
- managing resources
- observation
- verbal communication
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Biology
Chemistry
Environmental Science
Practical Craft Skills
Skills for Work: Rural Skills
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.
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.
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
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