Arboricultural officer

Arboricultural officers manage and maintain trees for local councils and arboricultural contractors.

In this guide

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

You could:

  • advise on tree preservation orders in planning applications
  • manage trees in parks, on housing estates and at the roadside
  • assess tree damage after storms
  • train new staff and volunteers
  • give talks on arboriculture and woodlands to schools and other groups
  • carry out tree surveys, monitor numbers and organise tree planting schemes

We've identified this as a green job

As an arboricultural officer, you can manage tree planting in cities. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, trap harmful pollutants and improve air quality. This can have a positive impact on the environment.

Find out more about green careers

Working environment

You could work on the streets, in parks and gardens, in woodland or in an office.

Your working environment may be at height and outdoors in all weathers.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could:

  • manage a team of arboricultural officers and co-ordinate work with outside contractors
  • work as a consultant, advising organisations on tree management, conservation and safety
  • find teaching opportunities with training providers who offer courses in arboriculture

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • the ability to use your initiative
  • knowledge of geography
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with others
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • administration skills
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Most relevant

  • Biology - Arboricultural officers need a deep understanding of tree biology, including how trees grow, reproduce, and respond to disease and environmental stress. This knowledge is essential when carrying out tree surveys, diagnosing damage after storms, and planning tree planting schemes that will thrive in specific conditions.
  • Environmental Science - Arboricultural officers work directly on environmental issues – trees absorb carbon dioxide, trap pollutants, and improve air quality in urban areas. Understanding ecosystems, biodiversity, and the impact of human activity on the natural world helps them make informed decisions about tree conservation and management.
  • Geography - Arboricultural officers use geographical knowledge when assessing how land use, soil types, climate, and urban development affect trees. They carry out tree surveys and advise on planning applications, which requires understanding of maps, landscapes, and how natural and built environments interact.

Also relevant

  • Design and Technology - Arboricultural officers plan and organise tree planting schemes, which involves practical problem-solving and understanding how materials and structures interact with natural environments. They also use specialist tools and equipment for tree management and need to think through safe, effective approaches to physical tasks.
  • Law - Arboricultural officers advise on tree preservation orders and work within planning regulations set by local councils. Understanding how legislation and legal frameworks protect trees and green spaces is an important part of their day-to-day decision-making.
  • Business - Arboricultural officers manage budgets, co-ordinate work with outside contractors, and handle administrative tasks for local councils or private firms. Those who progress to consultancy roles need to understand how to run projects, manage clients, and organise resources effectively.
  • Chemistry - Arboricultural officers benefit from understanding soil chemistry, nutrient cycles, and how pollutants affect tree health. This knowledge helps when assessing why trees are struggling in certain locations and deciding what interventions – such as soil treatment – might help.
  • Geology - Arboricultural officers need to understand how different soil types and underlying rock formations affect tree root systems and growth. This is particularly important when advising on tree planting in urban areas where ground conditions vary significantly.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly
  • a graduate training scheme

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:

  • forestry
  • arboriculture
  • countryside management
  • forest management
  • woodland ecology and conservation

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

You could take a course at an agricultural college to learn some of the skills and knowledge you need for this job.

Relevant courses include:

  • arboriculture
  • forestry and arboriculture
  • T Level in Agriculture, Land Management and Production

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

You could apply for a place on an apprenticeship to get into this career. These include:

  • Arborist Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
  • Arboriculturist Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
  • Professional Arboriculturist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

These apprenticeships take from 2 to 3 years to complete and are a mix of on-the-job training and some study.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

You could join an organisation, like a local authority or landscaping firm, as an assistant arboricultural officer. You'll need some qualifications or experience, for example as a tree surgeon or groundworker.

You may find it useful when looking for jobs to have some relevant practical experience. You can find volunteering opportunities with conservation bodies like:

You could apply directly to become an arboricultural officer.

You'll usually need:

  • experience of working in a related job, like an arboricultural assistant, tree surgeon, ecologist or landscape architect
  • a nationally recognised arboricultural qualification like the Level 4 Certificate in Arboriculture

If you have a degree in a relevant subject, you can apply for a graduate training scheme place with Forestry England. Check with them for application dates.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Institute of Chartered Foresters for professional development.

Further information

You can find out more about working in arboriculture from:

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