The Team Leader is often the Senior Climber but in some companies it may be a very experienced Groundsman. The Team Leader will be responsible for the work on site, organising the team, making sure all necessary equipment is available to complete the job, ensuring all safety requirements are observed and dealing with any on site enquiries from the client, members of the public or others. These duties will be in addition to their work as Climber or Groundsman on site.
The Team Leader will usually be in charge of a working team of 2-4 workers. They will have gained a good deal of experience as a Climber or Ground Worker and will be responsible for the safe completion of the job on the site. This will include ensuring that all the equipment needed to complete the task is available.
On site they will organise the team to complete the job safely and efficiently. This will include making sure that everyone is aware of the hazards on site and work in accordance with the risk assessments. This may include delivering ‘tool-box’ talks to the members of their team. They may also be required to complete the job specific risk assessments at the site.
Individuals must be fit and able to perform physical labour outdoors in any weather conditions.
Arboricultural workers typically work a standard full-time week. However, the hours may vary and weekend or Bank Holiday work can be required. There may be self-employed and consultancy opportunities available for well experienced arborists.
Regardless of the season, workers need to be prepared to work in all weathers. Depending on the area covered, there may be a significant amount of travelling between different sites.
Arboricultural workers are likely to be provided with protective clothing, tools and equipment required to undertake the job.
- The National Occupational Standards for this role are currently under development
- Team working
- Attention to detail
- Safety awareness
- Communication Skills - Listening
- Communication Skills - Verbal
- Communication Skills - Written
- Management / Leadership Skills
- Planning / Organizing Skills
- Customer Care / People Skills
- HR Skills
- Decision Making Skills
There are a variety of qualifications and training courses that can help you:
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Find employment
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Improve your current skills
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Gain promotion
Individuals entering at this level will have significant experience in arboriculture and will have completed all relevant certificates of competence for their work area. These may include chainsaw use, working from a rope and harness and aerial rescue. They may also have been trained in the use of ladders and work platforms. Those working in Utility Arboriculture, will also need to undertake training specific to the work area, for example working close to live electrical cables.
Team leaders will usually also have completed a full first aid certificate.
Apprenticeships
An Apprenticeship and an Advanced Apprenticeship are available in Arboriculture. There are no set entry requirements for these Apprenticeships. Apprenticeships are open to all age groups (above 16yrs) whether you are just leaving school, have been working for years or are seeking to start a new career.
Further information on Apprenticeships in Arboriculture can be found on the Apprenticeship website.
A variety of relevant courses/qualifications are available including:
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First Diploma in Arboriculture
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National Diploma in Arboriculture
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ABC Certificate in Arboriculture
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ABC (RFS) Technician’s Certificate in Arboriculture
For a full list of qualifications available and FE providers check out the Landex (Colleges specialising in land-based courses) websites.
There are also many courses available which provide essential skills for those looking to enter or progress in the industry. Many of these courses will lead to a certificate of competence in specific skills such as Chainsaw Operation, Use of Work Platforms, Working at Heights and Manual Handling.
Read more about all types of qualifications available in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Know what course you want? Search for a training course with Lantra’s CourseFinder.
If you are interested in becoming an Arboricultural Team Leader it is important that you:
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Enjoy working outside
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Enjoy practical/physical work
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Have good communication skills
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Can manage and motivate people
Individuals becoming a Team Leader will have significant experience as a Ground Worker or Climber. Some additional training may be needed particularly in respect of health and safety requirements.
Experienced Arboricultural Ground Workers and Climbers may look to progressing as a Team Leader where they are prepared to take on the added level of responsibility. Often Team Leaders will be expected to have completed all relevant training such as tree bracing, tree dismantling (sectional felling), felling of large trees and various other skills. They may also be required to complete a full first aid certificate.
Further training may be required on man management and organisational skills such as risk assessment.
You can find out about other progression opportunities in this industry here
Although the career structure will vary depending on the organisation, there may be scope for progression into a supervisory position, managing the work a several teams of workers.
For further support and information on careers you can contact the Lantra Connect Service:
Tel: 02476 69 69 96 or e-mail treesandtimber@lantra.co.uk
Industry Information
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International Society of Arboriculture UK and Ireland, 148 Hydes Road, Wednesbury, West Midlands WS10 0DR. 0121 556 8302
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The Arboricultural Association, Ullenwood Court, Ullenwood, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL53 9QS. 01242 522152
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The Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF), 59 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2JG. 0131 240 1425
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Landex
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The Royal Forestry Society (RFS), 102 High Street, Tring, Hertfordshire HP23 4AF. 01442 822028
Further reading
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A Guide to Qualifications and Careers in Arboriculture
Magazines/journals:
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Chartered Forester - ICF
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Forestry Journal
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Horticulture Week
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Newsletter - Arboricultural Association
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Quarterly Journal of Forestry - Royal Forestry Society
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Treeline - International Society of Arboriculture UK and Ireland