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Arborist

Kaitiaki Rākau

Arborists plant and remove trees, prune branches and treat disease.

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Secondary education

A minimum of three years of secondary education is recommended. Useful subjects include agriculture and horticulture, and biology.

Year 11 and 12 students can learn more about the horticulture industry, and study towards a National Certificate in Agriculture or Horticulture (Level 1 or 2), with a Trades Academy.

Year 12 and 13 students can learn more about the horticulture industry, and gain NCEA unit standards, through the Primary ITO Gateway programme.

Study fields

Study levels

  • Up to NCEA Level 3
  • Certificate

Useful experience

Useful experience for arborists includes:

  • horticulture or gardening work
  • climbing with ropes 
  • customer service
  • working at heights.

What you will do

Arborists may do some or all of the following:

  • identify, inspect, maintain, prune, plant and move trees
  • identify and remove hazards created by trees
  • assess trees for potential risks
  • use and maintain abseiling equipment to climb trees
  • operate EWPs (elevated work platforms), chippers, chainsaws and trucks
  • give advice on trees suitable for planting or removal, and tree care
  • give advice on treatments for pests and diseases
  • plan and carry out pest and disease management.

Utility arborists will also clear trees and vegetation from around powerlines.

Skills and knowledge

Arborists need to have knowledge of:

  • plant and soil biology, tree species identification and pest and disease control
  • tree planting, pruning and landscaping techniques
  • tree climbing and tree removal techniques
  • operating chainsaws, rigging and climbing equipment, EWPs and chippers
  • safe work practices and first aid.
Pay

Arborists with up to five years' experience usually earn

$23-$25

per hour

Arborists with more than five years' experience usually earn

$25-$35

per hour

Job opportunities
Good
Chances of getting a job as an arborist are good due to high demand for their services and a shortage of trainees.
Length of training
1-3
years of training usually required.

Industry

Agriculture and Horticulture

Arborists plant and remove trees, prune branches and treat disease.

Similar jobs in this industry

Entry requirements

To become an arborist you need to complete one of:

  • a New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Services (Level 4) with a strand in aboriculture
  • an apprenticeship to gain a New Zealand Certificate in Primary Industry Skills (Horticulture)(Arboriculture)(Level 4).

You need to have a full driver's licence and pass drug and alcohol tests.

A Class 2 truck licence and a First Aid Certificate are useful.

Chances of getting a job

Demand for arborists strong

Demand for arborists is strong due to high demand for their services, and a shortage of trainees.

As a result, arborist appears on Immigration New Zealand's regional skill shortage list. This means the Government is actively encouraging skilled arborists from overseas to work in New Zealand.

According to the Census, 1614 arborists worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Types of employers varied

Arborists may work for:

  • city and regional councils
  • arborist companies
  • power companies.

Find out more about training

New Zealand Arboricultural Association
(04) 472 6330 - info@nzarb.org.nz - www.nzarb.org.nz
Primary Industry Training Organisation
0800 20 80 20 - info@primaryito.ac.nz - www.primaryito.ac.nz

Progression and specialisations

Arborists may progress to set up their own arboriculture business, or move into supervisory or management roles.

Arborists may also progress to become consultants on tree disease and risk management, or on planning trees for public spaces.

Arborists may specialise in:

  • climbing – using equipment to climb and prune trees
  • diagnostics – identifying and treating tree diseases
  • EWP operation – using an elevated work platform to prune trees
  • utility arboriculture – pruning and clearing trees near power lines or cables.

Working conditions

Arborists:

  • may work nights and weekends and on call
  • work outside on private properties, roadsides, parks and farms
  • may work in hazardous conditions in bad weather and at heights.

Physical Requirements

Arborists need to have excellent fitness and must be strong to lift trees and branches. Arborists must be comfortable working at heights.

They should also have good balance, hand-eye co-ordination, hearing and eyesight (with or without corrective lenses).

Useful personal qualities

Arborists need to be:

  • practical 
  • able to follow and give clear instructions
  • able to keep calm in risky situations
  • good at communicating with a wide range of people
  • alert and observant, with an eye for detail
  • safety conscious and responsible
  • good at planning and organising.

Related Wintec courses

Industry

Agriculture and Horticulture

Arborists plant and remove trees, prune branches and treat disease.

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