How to become an arboricultural officer
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
- a graduate training scheme
University
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:
- forestry
- arboriculture
- countryside management
- forest management
- woodland ecology and conservation
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
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College
You could take a course at an agricultural college to learn some of the skills and knowledge you need for this job.
Relevant courses include:
- Level 2 or 3 Certificate in Arboriculture
- Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture
- T Level in Agriculture, Land Management and Production
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level
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Apprenticeship
The following apprenticeships may help you get into this role:
- Arborist Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
- Arboriculturist Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
- Professional Arboriculturist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
These apprenticeships typically take 24 to 30 months to complete and are a mix of on-the-job training and some study.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
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Work
You could join an organisation, like a local authority or landscaping firm, as an assistant arboricultural officer. You'll need some qualifications or experience, for example as a tree surgeon or groundworker.
Volunteering
You may find it useful when looking for jobs to have some relevant practical experience. You can find volunteering opportunities with conservation bodies like:
Direct Application
You could apply directly to become an arboricultural officer.
You'll usually need:
- experience of working in a related job, like an arboricultural assistant, tree surgeon, ecologist or landscape architect
- a nationally recognised arboricultural qualification like the Level 4 Certificate in Arboriculture
Other Routes
If you have a degree in a relevant subject, you can apply for a graduate training scheme place with Forestry England. Check with them for application dates.
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Professional and industry bodies
You could join the Institute of Chartered Foresters for professional development.
Further information
You can find out more about working in arboriculture from The Arboricultural Association and the Royal Forestry Society.