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Arborist
Outdoor & AdventureYou're a tree doctor and tree surgeon rolled into one. You'll climb 80-foot oaks with a chainsaw strapped to your harness, diagnose diseases by looking at leaves, and remove trees that are dangerously close to houses, power lines, and angry homeowners. Every day involves heights, heavy equipment, and the knowledge that gravity and chainsaws don't give second chances.
Salary Range
Low
$32k
Median
$46k
High
$70k
10-Year Growth
faster than average
US Workers
60K
Education
ISA Certified Arborist credential + climbing and chainsaw training
Environment
outdoor
Tools & Technical Skills
- ▸Tree climbing and aerial rescue techniques
- ▸Chainsaw operation and maintenance (ISA standards)
- ▸Tree health assessment and disease identification
- ▸Rigging and crane-assisted tree removal
- ▸Pruning techniques (ISA best practices)
- ▸Stump grinding equipment operation
People & Mindset Skills
- ▸Safety-first mindset
- ▸Physical fitness and endurance
- ▸Customer communication
- ▸Problem-solving in the field
- ▸Teamwork during removals
What you'll actually do
- 01Climb trees using ropes and harnesses while carrying a chainsaw — as casually as most people carry a laptop
- 02Diagnose tree diseases and prescribe treatments that range from pruning to removal
- 03Remove dead or hazardous trees without hitting houses, cars, or power lines
- 04Operate wood chippers, stump grinders, and aerial lifts that all require serious respect
- 05Educate homeowners about tree care and talk them out of 'just topping it'
- 06Work in storms and emergencies when trees decide to become road decorations
Related Shifts
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