How to become an Arborist

Also called: Arboriculturist, Urban Forester

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

Main tasks

• Assesses and documents tree health and risk in urban areas
• Advises on tree species selection for urban environments
• Develops, implements and monitors tree management plans
• Collaborates with planners and architects on tree integration in urban design
• Ensures tree management aligns with environmental regulations
• Conducts tree surveys and inventories
• Makes recommendations for tree planting, pruning and removal

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Advanced Diploma of Arboriculture (AHC60524); Certificate III in Arboriculture (AHC30824); Diploma of Arboriculture (AHC50524); Graduate Diploma of Arboriculture (AHC80120); Certificate II in Arboriculture (AHC20520)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• About 87,200 people work in this job group now, and about 94,900 are projected by 2035. (+8.8%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Tree Worker
• Gardener (General)
• Florist
• Irrigation Technician
• Landscape Gardener
• Sports Turf Manager

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Questions people ask

How do I become an Arborist?

Ways in include: Advanced Diploma of Arboriculture; Certificate III in Arboriculture.

Is an Arborist a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 9% by 2035, from about 87,200 to about 94,900 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become an Arborist?

Usually not. Only 8% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Advanced Diploma of Arboriculture; Certificate III in Arboriculture.

Will AI change the work of an Arborist?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04