Simply put, an arborist is a tree surgeon. A doctor of trees, if you will. While hanging about in trees all day may sound like a simple (and ideal) job, there is much more to becoming an arborist than merely cutting the occasional branch. Arboriculture is a specialised, licensed trade, in which one must be able to correctly identify varieties of trees and bushes, and then recommend the relevant advice for maintaining each variety.\u00a0Believe us, it\u2019s more complicated than it sounds.<\/p>\n
Most people will think of an arborist as the bloke who comes to remove the giant Eucalypt branch that’s hanging over their yard and threatening the house. But there are many other services that your local arborist can provide. These include, but are not limited to, tree care & maintenance, planting, site & hazard assessment, and tree & vegetation identification (for protection orders etc.) Still sound like your kind of career? Then, read on!<\/p>\n
Unlike a tree lopper, an arborist can be required to have a certified qualification to operate legally. Be aware though, this requirement varies from state to state within Australia. Discerning consumers can easily check with a number of directories, such as the Arboriculture Australia\u2019s Directory of Australian Consulting and Practicing Arborists<\/a> to ensure that you are qualified. Not having a relevant certification may make becoming an arborist fairly difficult, as you’re less likely to be hired by clients and arboriculture firms alike!\u00a0If you’re a novice with no prior experience and looking to get into this field, there are a couple of options for you:<\/p>\n If you are not required to have a license in your home state, you can seek to begin working as an arborist with an existing firm who are hiring workers. Here, you can learn from the experts who are already working in the trade and you get first-hand experience by getting your hands dirty. Be sure to seek out a reputable firm, and check that their managers are qualified in the industry. If you want to give yourself the best chance of learning this complex trade while on the job, the smart choice\u00a0is to do so with a professional and experienced team of experts. While you are learning, you can begin studying in horticulture or arboriculture through any number of certified training organisations. More about those below!<\/p>\n To be considered a qualified arborist, you will need to complete at least a AQF Level 3 (Certificate III) in either horticulture or arboriculture. To find out more about the requirements for these courses, you can visit training.gov.au<\/a>.<\/p>\n Both the horticulture and arboriculture courses will train you in the following elements, as well as a number of electives of your choice:<\/p>\n Furthermore, while undergoing your qualification, you will earn your license to operate a boom-type elevation platform, which will help to set you up for success by making you more employable. Electives are many and varied, and include courses from installing irrigation systems, to implementing bio-security measures. You\u2019ll be able to choose electives that suit your interests and help prepare you for the specific kind of arborist work you\u2019re hoping to get involved in.<\/p>\n Ensure that you train with a registered training organisation (RTO) who are certified to provide you with your qualification. There are quite a few dodgy under-the-radar training organisations out there these days, so be careful to check here<\/a> to make sure you\u2019re on the right track.<\/p>\n Some of the major trainers in this field are:<\/p>\n In order to be recognised as a qualified arborist, it is a good idea to register with the relevant industry associations. As mentioned above, it is now quite easy for potential clients to search for you or your company, to ensure that they\u2019re hiring a professional. The fees for memberships vary between organisations, but it is definitely something to consider. Some of the associations you may like to take a look at\u00a0are:<\/p>\n If you\u2019re working for an established arborist firm, you may find that much of your gear is provided for you; however you might be required to bring along your own safety equipment. On the other hand, you may be wanting to head out and make a go of it on your own! Here is a list of the equipment you are most likely to need:<\/p>\nLearn on the Job<\/h4>\n
Complete a qualification<\/h4>\n
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Find a training organisation<\/h4>\n
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Register with an industry body<\/h4>\n
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\nWhat equipment will you need?<\/h3>\n