Arborist Career Profile - Level 2

What the role involves

A Level 2 arborist is generally expected to move beyond basic ground duties and take on more skilled tree-care work. This may include pruning, climbing support, operating equipment, assessing tree condition, helping plan safe work methods and contributing to decisions about how trees should be maintained or protected.

Depending on the employer, the role may still be hands-on and field-based, but it often requires stronger judgement, better plant knowledge, more safety awareness and the ability to work with less direct supervision than an entry-level arboriculture role.

Typical employers

Level 2 arborist roles in Australia may be found with:

• local councils and urban forest teams
• tree care and arboriculture contractors
• utility vegetation management companies
• parks, gardens and open-space maintenance teams
• landscape construction and maintenance firms
• consulting arborists and environmental consultancies
• road, rail, powerline and infrastructure vegetation programs
• large property owners, universities, hospitals and schools
• construction or development projects requiring tree protection work

Key tasks

• inspecting trees for health, structure, pests, disease and safety issues
• carrying out pruning, planting, formative pruning or tree maintenance work
• supporting climbing, rigging, elevated work platform or chainsaw operations where qualified
• helping prepare and follow safe work method statements and site safety procedures
• identifying tree species and understanding how site conditions affect tree health
• assisting with tree removals, storm response or hazardous tree work where required
• communicating with clients, supervisors, residents or council staff on site
• recording work completed and reporting tree issues or hazards
• supporting junior workers, trainees or ground crew with safe work practices

Skills and qualities

A Level 2 arborist needs a stronger mix of practical skill, plant knowledge and safety judgement. Useful qualities include:

• sound knowledge of trees, pruning principles and plant health
• good physical fitness and comfort working outdoors
• strong safety awareness around traffic, machinery, heights and powerlines
• practical judgement when assessing tree condition or worksite risks
• ability to use arboriculture tools and equipment responsibly
• clear communication with supervisors, clients and team members
• confidence working in a team and supporting less experienced workers
• attention to detail when following permits, specifications and safety procedures
• respect for tree protection, urban canopy value and environmental outcomes

Qualifications and pathways

A Level 2 arborist will usually need more training, experience and practical competence than an introductory arboriculture role. Pathways may include a traineeship, Certificate III in Arboriculture and additional tickets or short courses depending on the work being performed.

• Traineeship in Arboriculture
• Certificate III in Arboriculture for practical arborist roles
• chainsaw, climbing, rigging or elevated work platform training, where required
• first aid, traffic control, white card or truck licence, depending on the employer
• tree identification, pruning, plant health and tree risk assessment training
• Certificate IV or Diploma-level study for consulting, supervisory or urban forest roles

With experience, Level 2 arborists may progress into climbing arborist, crew leader, consulting arborist, vegetation management officer, tree risk assessor, arboriculture supervisor, urban forest officer or business owner roles.

Salary and job outlook

Arborist salaries can vary depending on qualifications, experience, climbing ability, consulting skills, location, employer, licences, safety tickets and whether the role is ground-based, climbing, supervisory or consulting. Salary information changes over time, so it is best to check current Australian salary, occupation and award resources before applying or negotiating pay.

Where jobs are usually found in Australia

Level 2 arborist jobs are found across metropolitan, suburban and regional areas. Demand is often linked to council tree programs, urban forest management, storm response, utility vegetation management, private tree work, construction sites, infrastructure corridors, parks and open-space management.

Tips for getting started

• build from ground crew or trainee arborist experience into more skilled tree work
• complete arboriculture training such as Certificate III in Arboriculture
• gain tickets that match the work you want to do, such as chainsaw, EWP, climbing or traffic control
• learn common Australian urban tree species, pests, diseases and structural defects
• develop strong safety habits and understand safe work around powerlines, roads and machinery
• ask experienced arborists to help you improve pruning, rigging and site assessment judgement
• consider consulting arboriculture training if you want to move into reports and advisory work

Related environmental careers

• Bush Regenerator
• Horticultural Tradesperson / Gardener
• Vegetation Management Officer
• Urban Forester
• Conservation Officer
• Natural Resource Officer
• Landcare Worker
• Environmental Consultant