Arborist

What is an Arborist?

• Manage and maintain trees and shrubs in the urban forest
• Focus on the health and safety of trees and the urban landscape

Typical Duties

• Identify trees and shrubs
• Prune trees and shrubs
• Implement Integrated Pest Management methods
• Operate equipment (chainsaws and chippers)

 Apprenticeship Info

• Arboriculture apprenticeship program, includes Arborist Techinician, Climbing Arborist and Field Arborist
• Click here to find out how to become an Arboriculture apprentice

Sponsor Info

• Click here to find out how to become a Sponsor
• For information to apply for Sign-Off Authority, click here
• For information to challenge the Arborist Techician exam, click here

Job Titles

• Climbing Arborist
• Groundsman
• Field Arborist
• Tree Care Technician

Additional Certifications

• International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist - These professionals have a minimum of three years experience in some aspect of tree care and have passed an exam developed by an international panel of experts. The exam extensively covers every aspect of tree care and the individuals must have an acceptable level of knowledge in all areas of arboriculture.
• WUAA/HEBC Falling and Bucking Endorsement.
  • Western Utility Arborist Association (WUAA) is incorporated under the Society Act and is a not for profit organization. Member companies are representative of the majority of Utility Arborists and are supported by the major utilities in British Columbia that require Utility Arborists. The WUAA along with HortEducationBC, as the administrative partner, is responsible for the WUAA/HEBC Falling and Bucking Endorsement for Certified Utility Arborists (CUA) and Certified Arborist Technicians (CAT). This endorsement has been developed in conjunction with WorkSafeBC. WorkSafeBC has approved both the theoretical and practical components of this endorsement. Those who have their Certificate of Qualification as a Utility Arborist or Certificate of Qualification as an Arborist Technician are eligible to apply for the "WUAA/HEBC Falling and Bucking Endorsement".
  • The WUAA/HEBC Falling and Bucking Endorsement is a form of the BC Forest Safety Council certificate that has been modified to be appropriate for Certified Utility Arborists working in utility line clearing operations, or Certified Arborist Technicians in similar environments. Successful completion of the endorsement certifies a CUA or CAT to fall a tree that is larger than 15 cm in diameter at a height of 30 cm from the base. Failure to complete the certification will mean that existing CUAs or CATs will be excluded from some falling activities in there day-to-day work. WorkSafeBC is actively addressing endorsement with companies onsite.  
    • Click here for the application.
    • Current test dates and location;
      • More locations and dates still to be determined.  Contact Annika Ingram at aingram@horteducationbc.com or 604-812-5530.
  • Individuals who are a current BC Certified Faller from the BC Forest Safety Council and are CUAs or CATs can apply for the WUAA/HEBC Falling and Bucking Endorsement and do not need to complete the field evaluation.  
    • Click here for the application.
  • Any questions can be directed to WUAA@horteducationbc.com