An Arboricultural Surveyor could work for a local authority, a private company, or be self-employed. Within a local authority the role may sit within the planning or parks section. This position requires a strong working knowledge of arboriculture.
Duties include:
- Providing a specialist arboricultural service
- Surveying managing and maintaining trees
- Producing site reports
- Managing trees in relation to planning applications and on construction sites
- Advising on Tree Preservation Orders and Conservation Areas.
Surveyors may also need to help with things like landscape advice and providing support to clients or other departments on large scale projects.
Working Conditions
You must be fit and able to work outdoors in poor weather conditions and a range of terrains.
Arboricultural surveyors typically work a standard full-time week. However, the hours may vary and weekend or Bank Holiday work can be required.
Depending on the area covered, there may be a significant amount of travelling between different sites.
Salary
Salaries vary with experience, qualifications and between companies, but here's a guide to what you can expect.
£22,000
£35,000
Getting started
Relevant qualifications
Arboricultural Officers will have significant experience as a Groundworker or Climber. Some additional training may be needed particularly in respect of health and safety requirements.
Employers are looking for people who:
- Enjoy working outside
- Have good communication skills
- Can manage and motivate people.
What experienced workers can do
- Tree identification
- Survey and inspect trees
- Monitor and evaluate the management of planted areas
- Monitor and maintain tree health
- Managing the planting and maintenance of a woodland
- Co-ordinate activities, resources and plans
- Give arboricultural advice to internal or external clients
- Evaluate plans and site drawings
- Evaluate trees for legal protection
- Prepare reports and documents.
Personal qualities you should have
- Flexibility
- Able to solve problems
- Able to work in a team/with others
- Energetic.
Next steps
Experienced Arboricultural Surveyors may be able to progress to consultancy or to become an assistant Arboricultural Officer.