Arborist
Comprehensive Sites
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Conservation Scientists and ForestersCreated by the U.S. Department of Labor, this career profile introduces you to the training, work qualifications, employment data, and job outlook for foresters and related occupations, such as ecologists. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to find links to important professional organizations in the field, or click on detailed earnings data and learn more about these careers in nature conservation.
ISeek: Conservation ScientistsAt ISeek, sponsored by the State of Minnesota, you will find a comprehensive overview to conservation careers, including work activities, skills and abilities needed, preparation for these careers, and an online video to guide you through a day in the life of a consecration scientist. Find out about licenses and certifications, as well as alternative career titles you may encounter in a job search.
TreesAreGoodLearn all about the benefits and values of trees at this page, which offers comprehensive tree care information. Learn about new tree planting, or click on the information about arborists, so you can find out more about this career and all their responsibilities in tree healthcare and management.
U.S. Forest ServiceA U.S. Department of Agriculture division, this organization manages public land in national forests nationwide. Find out about employment with the organization and its parks, maps, brochures, a photo and video gallery, research activities, and other projects and information on forestry conservation and management.
Occupational Titles
Arborist
Aerial Lift Specialist
Climber Specialist
Commercial Arborist
Master Arborist
Tree Climber
Tree Trimmers and Pruners
Tree Worker
Utility Specialist
Accredited Academic Programs
National Park Service: Arborist Training ProgramsThe Olmsted Center of the U.S. Department of the Interior’s National Park Service provides field-based educational programs for landscape maintenance and sustainable tree care skills. A description of the arborist training program is offered here, in addition to arboriculture links.
Princeton Review: Schools Offering Natural Resources ConservationLook at the list of colleges here, and connect to any one of their home pages to learn about their programs in natural resources conservation and related degrees. Click on your selections, and be taken to contact information and websites for schools and programs you are interested in.
Salary Levels
Payscale: ArboristMedian salary by years of experience for an arborist is shown at this page, with additional information further down on the median salary by employer type and city of employment in the U.S.
Professional Organizations
American Society of Consulting ArboristsThis organization of qualified experts in arboriculture offers a designation for arborist professionals, as well as news of the profession, conference information, and publications in the field of tree care.
International Society of ArboricultureEnter this international organization’s site, and read the content in one of 10 languages. The global resources here provide information to foster a greater appreciation of trees, including research, technology, and professional practice guides. Unusual links include information on the tree climbing championship, as well as fun facts and record-setting trivia about trees.
Tree Care Industry AssociationFormerly the National Arborist Association, this organization will give you plenty of information on the tree care industry and qualifications of professionals. A lengthy list of publications is offered, with informative articles on soil biology, safety, and training issues, to name a few topics. The TreeWorker newsletter is full of articles written by and for field employees.
Job Opportunity Sources
Environmental Career GuideFrom a vocational center, this career guide links to many environmental career sites from college departments around the country and other useful sources. Find a host of ecolinks and an environmental career corner, as well as information on becoming an environmental engineer. Each site has unique features that tell you more about job descriptions, education, what you can earn, and where to find opportunities. Click on job market for literally hundreds of career-related links, as well as state-by-state information.
Landscape Career SearchLandscaping and arborist jobs are the focus of this career database, where you can register for a confidential career profile. Search jobs, add your resume, and select a job title, from arborist to landscape supervisors, across all states and levels of expertise.
Licensing & Certification
International Society of Arboriculture: ISA Certification CredentialsIn order to raise the standards of professional tree care, this organization provides a credential for certified arborists. A full career path in arboriculture is outlined here, from climber specialists all the way to board certified master arborist. Check out the pyramid and details at the site to learn more.
Publications
American Society of Consulting Arborists: PublicationsThe publications available here are for arborists who have decided to become private consultants. You can learn about the business of consulting as a tree care professional, as well as legal issues you may encounter and a photographic guide to evaluating hazardous tree conditions.
Arboriculture and Urban ForestryThis professional journal is dedicated to knowledge about the art of establishing and maintaining trees and forests in conjunction with human settlement. Open access is available, which allows you to read older issues at no cost.
Arborist NewsFeatured articles are found in this bimonthly newsletter, including a climbers’ corner, managing risk in the urban forest, and professional tips and advice.
Online Forums & Blogs
ArboristSiteArborists and related professionals gather here to discuss tree climbing, tree care, firewood and heating, and related plant health issues. This is a very active arborists’ forum and includes videos, employment information, and equipment departments.
ArbTalkThis is an international society of arborists that includes featured videos, a scrolling view of active discussion threads, and forums on climbing, training, videos, tree health, landscaping, and forestry and woodlands management.
The TreehouseThe Master Blaster Lounge of the Treehouse offers you slideshows of trees, cranes, treehuggers, and tools, as well as video files. Go to the forums to learn about tree climbing, gear, tree felling, rigging, and tree care and health.
TreeBuzz.comEnter TreeBuzz.com to find articles on safe and efficient tree management and care. Find biographies of professional arborists, or link to the Tree Buzz spotlight or the Buzz Board, which contain general discussions, information on rigging and roping, jobs, gear, and details on the arborist business.
TreeWorldTree work graphics can be downloaded from this site, including videos of work provided for comment. Members of this site go to great lengths to show and tell with words and footage about their experiences as arborists. You can find tree-related chat that includes tree gear and machinery, as well as a general “ask the arborist” room.
Career Videos
Tree World Video ForumJoin this free community, and gain access to member footage of arborist activities, including typical office days, tree demolition, tree healthcare, and working safely.
YouTube: Forest and Conservation WorkersLearn about nature’s systems and the wildlife they shelter. The job of conservation workers, such as planting, surveying and mapping natural areas, or developing programs to protect nature are discussed in this video, which offers a comprehensive overview to conservation and wildlife careers.
