Arboriculturist : Career development

Progression routes will depend on the point at which you enter the field but those who undertake the academic, vocational and professional training available can progress their careers in the following order:

• arborist craftsperson;
• arboriculturist supervisor;
• arboriculture manager.

A range of opportunities exists within this careers structure for individuals with the right combination of qualifications and experience.

Entry to the profession is usually as an arborist or arboricultural assistant with a commercial tree care company, commercial contracting company or local authority. With necessary experience, certificates of competence and vocational qualifications, it is possible to progress to management, specialist or consultancy work.

Many qualified arboriculturists progress to running their own consultancies, whilst others gain work as arboriculture managers, working in areas such as utility arboriculture and community woodlands.

Membership of the relevant professional bodies, such as the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF)  and the Arboricultural Association , may also help career development at higher levels. As well as providing structured progression routes, membership provides valuable networking opportunities and professional recognition. Membership of other organisations may also be beneficial and, in some cases, may be a prerequisite for sitting their examinations.