Arborists provide specialist assessment and advice on individual trees and tree management in urban environments, including risk assessment, species selection and site planning. Works with allied professionals such as Urban and Regional Planners, Landscape Architects and Environmental Consultants to provide strategic planning for urban forest preservation, protection, and management.

Skill Level

2

Alternative Titles

• Arboriculturist
• Urban Forester

Unless you are exempt in very limited circumstances, you are required to have a positive Skills Assessment to apply for the visas listed above.

Skills Assessment authority for Arborist is Trades Recognition Australia (TRA). To have a positive skills assessment, you must meet the following criteria:

• Three Programs for skills assessment with TRA.
  • Program A-  Offshore Skills Assessment (OSAP)
    • If your passport is on this OSAP Nominated Occupation and Country list next to your occupation (Arborist) you must apply through OSAP. If your passport is not on this list, apply through Program B or C.
    • OSAP Pathway 1– for applicants who do not hold an Australian qualification in their trade but hold a qualification which is equivalent to an AQF cert
    • OSAP Pathway 2 –  for applicants who hold:
      • a relevant Australian qualification, or
      • a current identified Australian occupational licence
    • To be eligible to apply for the skills assessment program, you must be able to show you have completed full-time paid employment in your nominated occupation, or an occupation that is directly related to your nominated occupation.
  • Program B Migration Skills Assessment
    • You must have a qualification directly related to your nominated occupation (i.e. Certificate III in Arboriculture) or at least 3 years of relevant experience
    • If you have obtained a qualification internationally or an Australian qualification that was not through the Australian Recognition of Learning process, you are required to demonstrate 3 years full time or equivalent post-qualification experience
    • If you have obtained an Australian qualification issued through the Australian Recognition of Learning process, you are required to demonstrate 3 years full-time or equivalent post-qualification experience OR 6 years full-time or equivalent experience which can be either pre- or post-qualification
  • Pathway B- Temporary Skills Shortage Skills Assessment
    • For applicants who require a skills assessment to apply for the Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)

Did you know?

As part of the OSAP program you will be required to participate in a technical assessment of your skills and knowledge. This will be conducted by a qualified assessor who will also be a qualified tradesperson in your nominated occupation.

Arboriculture Workers maintain and care for individual trees and shrubs and provide specialist assessment and advice on trees and tree management in urban environments.

Tasks

• Advising on species selection, site planning and overall tree management and care
• Examining individual trees to assess their condition, potential risks associated with limbs or trees falling, and determine treatment
• Climbing trees using ropes and harnesses and elevated work platforms to reach limbs and branches
• Maintaining and caring for trees and shrubs by pruning limbs and shaping branches using chain and handsaws
• Removing dead and decaying trees, and grinding out tree stumps
• Clearing trees from overhead electricity and telecommunications lines

Skill Level

In Australia:

• AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma, or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)

In New Zealand:

• NZQF Diploma (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)

Occupations in this Group

• 362511 Arborist
• 362512 Tree Worker