Hire Faster With an Arborist Job Description [+ Free Template]

Seth Richtsmeier

Feb 20, 2026 12 min read

Articles /
Arborist Job Description

Key takeaways:

If you want to hire quality arborists faster, having a detailed and well-structured job description is essential.

Use and tailor a job description template for efficiency. Save time by adapting a free arborist job description template to your specific business, ensuring you cover all the essential details to attract top talent.
Clearly define the arborist role and responsibilities. Outline what the job entails, including tree planting, maintenance, removal, client interaction, and safety practices to attract the right candidates for your business needs.
List specific education, skills, qualifications, and experience required for the role. Include years of industry experience, relevant licenses and certifications, technical knowledge, physical requirements, and soft skills like teamwork and communication.
Be transparent about compensation, benefits, and working hours. Share salary ranges and highlight perks such as health insurance, paid time off, bonuses, and work schedules to set clear expectations with applicants.
Include your company overview to showcase your culture and opportunities. Let candidates know about your mission, values, training, and career development to help them understand why they should work with you.

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If your arborist business is ready to branch out and start hiring employees, you need a detailed job description that attracts qualified tree experts.

Download our arborist job description template below. You can also jump ahead for our guide on writing a description of your own. You’ll be interviewing and hiring tree service professionals in no time.

Your guide to writing an arborist job description:

What does an arborist do?
Arborist job description example
Arborist duties and responsibilities
Arborist skills and experience
Arborist education and training
Arborist salary
Arborist working hours
Tree care company overview

What does an arborist do?

Arborists determine which trees will thrive in a specific environment, plant and maintain trees and woody plants, and remove dead or unwanted trees as needed.

Arborists can work as independent contractors, at tree care service companies, for private grounds and institutions, and for parks and urban forestry departments.

Start your arborist job description with a role summary. This is a brief overview of the arborist position you’re hiring for. Make sure to include details like:

Tree company name
Position title
Supervisor
Seniority level
Responsibilities

Quickly describe what the role is and what kind of person would do well in that role. Be accurate so qualified candidates know they’re the right fit—and unqualified candidates know they aren’t.

Here’s a sample of what an arborist role summary could look like:

Arborist, Full Time (Seasonal)

Aspen Arbors Tree Care is hiring an experienced, dedicated arborist to join our team. Reporting to our arborist crew leader, the successful applicant will be responsible for planting new trees, maintaining mature trees, and removing dead or diseased trees for our residential clients.

Your goal is to provide an overview of the role and the kind of person who will thrive. It filters out the candidates who aren’t quite built for tree work. At the same time, it gives the right arborists the confidence to apply.

Instead of taking a step back and taking a breath, we hire the first warm body. Sometimes that first warm body is a great person, and sometimes they’re not.

So, one of the things I tell people is, “Do not hire out of desperation.”

Doni Jones Don’s Tree Services

Arborist job description example

Use this template to write your own arborist job description. Change the role summary, responsibilities, qualifications, hours, compensation, and company to fit your business needs.

Arborist, Full Time (Seasonal)

Aspen Arbors Tree Care is hiring an experienced, certified arborist to join our team. Reporting to our arborist crew leader, the successful applicant will be responsible for planting new trees, maintaining mature trees, and removing dead or diseased trees for our residential clients.

Job responsibilities:

Advise clients on tree varieties, maintenance, and soil and space requirements
Plant new trees and transplant young trees (backfill, stake, water, mulch)
Test, monitor, and maintain soil conditions
Inspect trees and shrubs for damage, disease, pests, and risks
Assess tree size, age, and value
Repair damaged trees and treat diseased trees
Identify hazardous trees and make recommendations for removal
Trim tree branches and prune tree limbs
Remove dead, damaged, hazardous, and unneeded trees
Provide stump grinding as needed
Apply fertilizer and pesticide as needed
Follow occupational health and safety rules
Load and unload tree trimming equipment from work vehicles
Prepare cost estimates and project budgets
Coordinate service with customers and handle complaints professionally
Accurately log billable hours using a time tracking app
Manage job details, review daily tasks, and follow up with customers using our tree care app

Skills and experience:

3+ years of experience as an arborist
License to apply pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides
Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and reliable transportation
Knowledge of workplace safety and risk assessment
Technical knowledge of shrub and tree biology, anatomy, types, and growth patterns
Knowledge of soil biology and pesticide/fertilizer compositions
Comfortable using hand tools, power tools, and heavy machinery for pruning, shearing, or spraying trees
Familiar and comfortable with climbing equipment
Able to climb, work at heights, and lift 50+ pounds
Great attention to detail, positive attitude, and strong work ethic
Can work independently and as part of a team environment
Can communicate well (multiple languages are a plus)
Friendly and works well with others

Education and training

High school diploma or GED
Post-secondary diploma, degree, or other certification in agronomy, arboriculture, biology, botany, horticulture, landscaping, or environmental science
Working at heights safety training is preferred (training can be provided)
Experience using scheduling apps or routing apps preferred (training can be provided)

Compensation:

$25–30/hour (based on experience)
Signing bonus and year-round bonus opportunities
Health insurance, including dental and vision
Paid holidays, time off, and parental leave
401(k) matching and life insurance

Working hours:

Full-time, April–November
Mon–Fri, 7:00am–3:00pm
Overtime available but not required

This position will require a background check upon hire.

About Aspen Arbors Tree Care

Aspen Arbors Tree Care provides exceptional tree maintenance services to Raleigh, NC. Our team of certified arborists is highly trained and experienced in tree pruning, trimming, removal, and stump grinding. We also offer emergency tree removal services after storms and other urgent situations.

Our mission is to preserve Raleigh’s arboreal growth for generations to come. Our skilled arborists assess tree conditions and recommend the best ways to treat disease, control pests, and ensure healthy long-term growth. We are also dedicated to sustainability, which is why we use environmentally friendly practices and plant two trees for every tree we remove.

Aspen Arbors Tree Care offers regular training, certification, and professional development to help our arborists stay up to date with industry best practices and grow their careers. We use state-of-the-art equipment for improved safety and efficiency, and we provide annual training to identify safety hazards and avoid incidents on the job.

To apply for this position, send your resume to [company email address].

Arborist duties and responsibilities

Arborists advise clients on which new trees to plant, examine and treat existing trees for disease, remove dead or unneeded trees, and deal with fallen or damaged trees after a storm.

Depending on the business’s needs, an arborist may also need to estimate tree trimming and pruning jobs, send tree service invoices, and collect payment from clients.

For inspiration, here are some common responsibilities for different arborist roles.

Arborist assistant

Potential duties to include in an arborist assistant job description include:

Rake, drag brush, and clean up job sites
Assist climbers and equipment operators with rope handling, rigging, and signaling
Load and unload tools and materials from trucks
Cut, stack, and move wood and debris
Set up and maintain work zones, including cones, signs, and basic traffic control
Fuel and clean chainsaws, blowers, and chippers
Prepare and organize tools and PPE before each job
Assist with stump grinding, debris hauling, and dump runs
Support basic job documentation

Utility arborist

Potential duties to include in a utility arborist job description include:

Perform line-clearance pruning around conductors
Inspect line corridors for vegetation hazards and clearance violations
Fell or remove hazard trees that threaten conductors, poles, or rights-of-way
Use bucket trucks and specialized equipment to access trees near lines
Document completed work, clearances, and site conditions
Operate and maintain equipment such as chain saws and chippers
Set up and maintain traffic control and work-zone protection

Climbing arborist

Potential duties to include in a climbing arborist job description include:

Climb trees using rope and saddle systems to perform pruning and removals
Prune branches and thin canopies to industry standards
Rig and lower limbs and wood safely over structures, landscapes, and utilities
Remove dead or hazardous trees and limbs at height
Inspect trees for structural defects and decay before and during work
Use chainsaws, hand saws, and rigging gear in the tree and on the ground
Install cabling and bracing when specified
Complete basic job notes and take before-and-after photos

Plant health care (PHC) arborist

Inspect trees and shrubs for insects, diseases, nutrient deficiencies, and site stress
Diagnose common tree and shrub problems
Apply fertilizers and soil amendments
Perform trunk injections, soil drenches, and foliar sprays
Monitor customer properties on a recurring schedule and adjust treatment plans as needed
Take soil samples or simple field tests to assess soil conditions and compaction
Maintain accurate treatment records, mix logs, and service reports

Municipal arborist

Inspect public trees along streets, parks, and facilities
Schedule tree planting, pruning, and removals based on risk and service requests
Respond to hazard and damage calls, coordinating field work
Maintain and update tree inventories, maps, and work records
Oversee contractors performing pruning, removals, and planting on public trees
Review and approve tree work permits and construction plans
Develop tree planting plans, pruning cycles, and canopy goals for the community
Prepare reports, budgets, and recommendations related to urban forestry operations

Your job description

Put together a list of job responsibilities and day-to-day duties for the arborist you’re looking to hire. To make sure you don’t forget any important tasks, take the time to answer questions like:

What types of trees do your employees normally work on?
What tools and equipment do they use (e.g., chainsaw, stump grinder)?
What are your most requested arborist services (e.g., pruning trees, applying specialized tree fertilizers)?
Will this person be doing any non-arboreal tasks (e.g., customer service, scheduling tree work, invoicing clients)?

An arborist’s job responsibilities could include:

Sample job responsibilities:

Advise clients on tree varieties, maintenance, and soil and space requirements
Plant new trees and transplant young trees (backfill, stake, water, mulch)
Test, monitor, and maintain soil conditions
Inspect trees and shrubs for damage, disease, pests, and risks
Assess tree size, age, and value
Repair damaged trees and treat diseased trees
Identify hazardous trees and make recommendations for removal
Trim tree branches and prune tree limbs
Remove dead, damaged, hazardous, and unneeded trees
Provide stump grinding as needed
Apply fertilizer and pesticide as needed
Follow occupational health and safety rules
Load and unload tools and equipment from work vehicles
Prepare cost estimates and project budgets
Coordinate service with customers and handle complaints professionally
Accurately log billable hours using a time tracking app
Manage job details, review daily tasks, and follow up with customers using our tree care app

Understand the role that you’re looking to fill. Market it to potential employees in a way that they can see the benefit and the positive aspects of working for you… before they ever speak to you.

Danielle Rossi The Tree Lady Company

Arborist skills and experience

A professional arborist needs a solid working knowledge of different tree species, as well as experience climbing trees. You should also consider whether your new hire needs qualifications and skills like:

A certain number of years of arborist experience
Arborist license, if required in your state
College or university degree in a field related to tree care (e.g., horticulture, landscape design)
Physical demands (e.g., working at heights, lifting and moving heavy equipment)
Soft skills (e.g., customer service, communication, problem-solving)
Valid driver’s license and clean driver’s record, if they’ll be required to drive company vehicles

If you’d like, you can add extra skills that aren’t necessary but might give a candidate an edge, like having climbing safety certification or experience with tree care software.

Sample qualifications and skills:

3+ years of experience as an arborist
License to apply pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides
Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and reliable transportation
Knowledge of workplace safety and risk assessment
Technical knowledge of shrub and tree biology, anatomy, types, and growth patterns
Knowledge of soil biology and pesticide/fertilizer compositions
Comfortable using hand tools, power tools, and heavy machinery for pruning, shearing, or spraying trees
Familiar and comfortable with climbing equipment
Able to climb, work at heights, and lift 50+ pounds
Great attention to detail, positive attitude, and strong work ethic
Can work independently and as part of a team environment
Can communicate well (multiple languages are a plus)
Friendly and works well with others

Arborist education and training

A high school diploma or GED is usually enough classroom experience for an arborist. Your best hire is usually someone who’s picked up skills while on the job.

However, it’s possible you might want someone with post-secondary education or specialized training. Describe what this education or training should include so the reader knows whether they’re qualified for the job.

Sample education and training:

High school diploma or GED
Post-secondary diploma, degree, or other certification in agronomy, arboriculture, biology, botany, horticulture, landscaping, or environmental science
Working at heights safety training is preferred (training can be provided)
Experience using scheduling apps or routing apps preferred (training can be provided)

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Arborist salary

For most applicants, pay is what matters most. So, listing a salary (or range) builds trust and sets expectations.

The mean annual wage for arborists is $52,850/year (USD). This amount can vary depending on factors like:

Geographic area
Local service demand and competition
What industry they work in (e.g., government, energy, home services)
Experience level

Be up-front about how much the arborist job pays. This keeps you from getting to the final interview with a candidate, only to learn that they’re out of your budget.

Your job description should include other compensation that isn’t part of their wages. This could include an employee bonus program, paid time off, health insurance, or retirement plan matching.

Sample compensation:

$20–25/hour (based on experience)
Signing bonus and year-round bonus opportunities
Health insurance, including dental and vision
Paid holidays, time off, and parental leave
401(k) matching and life insurance

Arborist working hours

Include working hours or shift choices in your arborist job description. You’re more likely to hire an employee who stays long-term if they already know your schedule works for their needs.

You should also state whether the arborist role is full-time or part-time, seasonal or year-round, and permanent or temporary. This sets expectations for candidates early in the hiring process.

It’s also important to highlight scenarios where an employee may be asked to work overtime, even if it’s uncommon.

Sample working hours:

Full-time, April–November
Mon–Fri, 7:00am–3:00pm
Overtime available but not required

Pro Tip: If you have slower periods during the year that don’t require full-time hours, tell applicants about any other work that might be available. Running a seasonal business is a great way to keep your employees busy (and keep them around) all year long.

Tree care company overview

Applicants may not have heard of your business before. Include a company overview to introduce your tree service business and explain why candidates should work for you.

Focus on details like:

How many years you’ve been in business
Company mission, vision, and values
What kind of employee experience you offer
Why your employees work with you
Professional development and long-term career opportunities

Make sure you’re hiring for culture. If you have certain core values and you hire someone that doesn’t align, that might be a problem.

Doni Jones Don’s Tree Services

Here’s an example of what your company overview could look like:

About Aspen Arbors Tree Care

Pro Tip: Save your tree care company overview and reuse it for future job postings.

Ready to hire an arborist and grow your business?

Your next step is to share the arborist job posting on your arborist website and social media profiles, as well as job boards like Indeed. Include the application deadline and whether you need an arborist resume, cover letter, and list of references.

With the right arborist or tree trimmer job description, you should start getting applications from qualified arborists. You’ll be growing your team and scaling your business in no time.

Originally published April 2023. Last updated on February 20, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

: Arborists are known by lots of different titles, including tree specialist, tree surgeon, tree cutter, and tree trimmer/pruner.

All these titles mean the same thing—someone who maintains trees in private and public spaces to keep them safe, healthy, and looking great.

However, depending on where you live, the job title “arborist” may require extra certification. Check your state’s arborist licensing guidelines to see the rules in your area.
: To become an arborist and legally offer tree care services, tree care professionals typically need to earn a post-secondary degree or diploma in forestry, horticulture, botany, biology, landscape design, or a similar program.

Tree service businesses tend to hire arborists with 2–3 years of previous experience. Some areas may also require arborists to have an arborist’s license to operate.

Extra certification is also available through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA).
: Good arborists know a lot about tree anatomy, types of trees, and soil biology. They’re comfortable using a variety of tools and heavy machinery for planting, maintaining, and removing trees.

Arborists should be physically strong enough to climb trees and cut through large limbs. They spend most of their time up in trees, so they should be comfortable working at heights.

They also understand the risks of the job and follow workplace safety standards.
: Look for applicants with post-secondary education and previous experience as an ASCA or ISA certified arborist.

They’ll also need to prove their skill with tree climbing equipment and tree maintenance tools. To reduce training time, they should already know how to work with the trees you normally service.
: As an employer, you’ll get the best results by combining larger, high-traffic job boards with smaller, industry-specific options. Post on job boards like:

– Indeed (largest volume of arborist postings)
– ZipRecruiter (widely used for blue-collar and field roles)
– LinkedIn (useful for municipal, PHC, and consulting roles)
– Arbjobs (long-running, arboriculture-only job board)
– ClimbingArboristJobs (dedicated to contract climber roles)