Consulting Arborist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In this era of environmental awareness, the role of consulting arborists is gaining increased recognition.

As we strive to coexist with nature, there is a growing demand for proficient professionals who can manage, protect, and enhance our tree landscapes.

But let’s delve deeper: What is truly expected from a consulting arborist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to grasp the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the complexities of arboriculture,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable consulting arborist job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Consulting Arborist Duties and Responsibilities

Consulting Arborists are tree care professionals who provide expert advice on the planting, maintenance, preservation, and overall health of trees.

They possess a high level of knowledge about arboriculture and often work with individuals, businesses, and municipalities.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Conducting detailed tree assessments and surveys, identifying potential tree hazards and diseases
• Preparing and presenting reports and recommendations based on tree assessment
• Providing advice and guidance to clients on tree care, including planting, fertilization, pest control, pruning, and disease management
• Designing and implementing tree management plans to ensure tree health and safety
• Working closely with other professionals such as landscape architects, planners, and engineers on tree-related projects
• Assisting in the resolution of disputes involving trees, including boundary and insurance issues
• Maintaining current knowledge of regulations and standards related to arboriculture
• Providing expert witness testimony in legal proceedings involving trees
• Educating the public and clients about the importance of trees and proper tree care practices

 

Consulting Arborist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are in search of a knowledgeable consulting arborist to provide expert advice and management services for our clients’ trees and shrubs.

The consulting arborist will be responsible for conducting tree health assessments, pest and disease identification, and prescribing appropriate treatment or care.

They will also make recommendations regarding tree removal or conservation.

The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of botany and forestry, particularly as it pertains to urban environments.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct tree and shrub health assessments and risk evaluations
• Identify pests and diseases, and prescribe appropriate treatment or care
• Advise on tree conservation or removal
• Provide guidance on suitable tree and shrub species for specific environments
• Develop tree management plans in line with environmental regulations
• Assist in dispute resolution involving trees and boundary issues
• Provide training and workshops to clients or the public on tree care
• Prepare reports and documentation as required

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a consulting arborist or similar role
• Strong knowledge of botany and forestry, particularly as it pertains to urban environments
• Familiarity with local and national environmental regulations
• Proficient in the use of GIS and other related software
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills
• ISA Certified Arborist or equivalent
• Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Botany, Environmental Science, or related field

 

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement plan
• Comprehensive health insurance
• Dental and vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Continuing education opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Consulting Arborist
• Work Environment: Fieldwork with regular office-based tasks. Travel is often required to assess client sites.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Arboriculture or Arboriculture Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $60,000 minimum to $90,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Consulting Arborist Do?

Consulting Arborists are tree care professionals who typically work independently or for environmental consulting firms.

They can also be hired by corporations, municipalities, or government agencies to manage and maintain green spaces.

They conduct comprehensive tree assessments, inspecting trees for diseases or structural problems and prescribing appropriate treatment.

They also identify potential risks posed by trees in relation to nearby buildings or infrastructure.

Their job includes designing and implementing tree management plans, which may involve pruning, removing, or planting trees.

Consulting Arborists also provide expert advice on tree selection and placement for new landscaping projects, taking into account factors such as local climate, soil conditions, and the specific requirements of different tree species.

Additionally, they may be called upon to provide expert testimony in legal cases involving trees, such as disputes over tree damage to property or injury claims.

Another part of their role is to educate clients and the public about the importance of trees and proper tree care, promoting an understanding and appreciation of arboriculture.

In all their work, Consulting Arborists aim to balance the needs and safety of people with the health and preservation of trees.

 

Consulting Arborist Qualifications and Skills

A qualified Consulting Arborist should possess a set of skills and qualifications to effectively evaluate and advise on tree health, preservation, and risk assessment.

These skills include:

• Extensive knowledge in botany, horticulture, and arboriculture to accurately identify tree species, understand their physiology, and diagnose tree health issues.
• Excellent observational and analytical skills to spot signs of disease, pest infestation, or environmental stress in trees.
• Strong communication and presentation skills to effectively convey assessment findings, recommendations, and strategies to clients, stakeholders, and the general public.
• Ability to develop and implement comprehensive tree management plans that take into account the local ecosystem and regulatory requirements.
• Problem-solving skills to address complex issues related to tree health and safety, including risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
• Experience in using a variety of field equipment and technology tools for tree assessment, such as resistographs, sonic tomographs, and aerial lift equipment.
• Commitment to continued education and staying updated with the latest research and best practices in arboriculture.
• Understanding of local, state, and national regulations and standards related to tree preservation and removal.

 

Consulting Arborist Experience Requirements

Consulting Arborists typically require a bachelor’s degree in a field such as forestry, horticulture, environmental science or a related field.

This formal education provides the fundamental knowledge and skills in tree care, plant pathology, soil science, and botany.

In addition to this, they often require a minimum of 3 to 5 years of practical experience in tree care or a related field.

This experience can be acquired through full-time positions, part-time roles, internships, or cooperative education programs in fields such as urban forestry, landscape architecture, or plant health care.

Candidates with certifications like Certified Arborist, Board Certified Master Arborist or Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) are particularly sought after, as these certifications demonstrate a high level of competence and experience in the field.

Consulting Arborists with more than 5 years of experience often have a thorough understanding of arboriculture and may have specific areas of expertise such as tree risk assessment, tree valuation, or tree conservation.

They may also have experience supervising and mentoring less-experienced staff members, which is valuable for higher-level roles.

Those with more than 10 years of experience may be ready for senior consulting roles or may consider starting their own consulting arborist business.

They have a comprehensive understanding of tree care and consulting and are experienced in managing complex projects, client relations, and business operations.

 

Consulting Arborist Education and Training Requirements

Consulting Arborists typically require a bachelor’s degree in forestry, horticulture, environmental science, or a related field.

Core coursework often includes plant identification, tree structure and biology, disease diagnosis, and integrated pest management.

Additionally, a Consulting Arborist needs to have a deep understanding of local tree laws and regulations, as well as the ability to assess and manage risks related to trees.

Most Consulting Arborists gain certification from the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA) or the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).

To achieve this certification, arborists usually need a few years of experience and must pass an exam.

Some positions may prefer candidates with a master’s degree in arboriculture or a related field, especially for more complex projects or managerial roles.

Continued education is important in this role due to the evolving nature of environmental science and regulations.

Hence, many Consulting Arborists pursue additional courses or attend workshops and seminars to stay updated with the latest industry practices.

 

Consulting Arborist Salary Expectations

A Consulting Arborist can expect to earn an average salary of $66,307 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can differ based on factors like years of experience, certifications, location, and the organization that they work for.

 

Consulting Arborist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Consulting Arborist need?

Consulting Arborists should have a thorough understanding of botany and arboriculture to assess the health and condition of trees.

They should possess strong communication and interpersonal skills to liaise with clients, convey findings and provide expert recommendations.

Problem-solving, critical thinking, and attention to detail are also crucial to diagnose tree diseases and pests and plan appropriate interventions.

 

Do Consulting Arborists need a degree?

Most Consulting Arborists possess a bachelor’s degree in arboriculture, forestry, horticulture, or a related field.

Some positions may also require ISA certification (International Society of Arboriculture) or equivalent.

In addition to formal education, extensive field experience is often necessary for this role.

 

What should you look for in a Consulting Arborist resume?

Look for a solid educational background in relevant fields and professional certifications such as ISA Certified Arborist or Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA).

Experience in tree care, tree risk assessment, and tree preservation planning is also essential.

Additionally, it can be beneficial if the candidate has experience in project management and has good knowledge of local tree regulations and ordinances.

 

What qualities make a good Consulting Arborist?

A good Consulting Arborist should be passionate about the environment and committed to preserving and improving the health of trees.

They should have excellent analytical abilities to accurately assess tree health and strong communication skills to effectively convey their findings to clients.

Attention to detail, patience, and physical fitness to handle fieldwork are also important traits.

 

Is it difficult to hire Consulting Arborists?

The hiring process for Consulting Arborists can be challenging due to the specialized nature of the role.

While there are many arborists, finding one with the right combination of academic qualifications, practical experience, and professional certifications can take time.

Moreover, Consulting Arborists must be able to effectively communicate complex arboricultural concepts to clients, further narrowing the pool of suitable candidates.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve rooted out the core essence of what it means to be a consulting arborist.

And here’s a revelation:

It’s not just about caring for trees.

It’s about fostering the green future, one tree at a time.

With our streamlined consulting arborist job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to branch out.

But why limit yourself?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your key to crafting precise job listings or pruning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every tree is a part of the bigger ecosystem.

Let’s cultivate that future. Together.

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