Career Paths in

Tree Climber (Residential | Commercial)

J OB DESCRIPTION Tree Care

C LIMBERS IN RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL tree care segments have as main duties trees of vari- ous sizes and types, and identifying pruning needs.

Climbers also must be skilled in removal techniques, cabling and bracing, and sometimes the installation of lightning protection. A climber must also be profi- cient with a chain saw and should possess all of the skills and training of a groundworker.

T YPICAL BACKGROUND With few exceptions, climbers begin their careers in arboriculture as groundworkers. State Penn Commons; Flickr E LIGIBILITY REQUIREMENT Although not required, most climbers have a high school diploma. Many companies will require a Commer- cial Driver’s License (CDL). Climbers must be in excellent physical condition.

E DUCATION/TRAINING NEEDS EDUCATION TRAINING MATERIALS  Advanced chain saw use and  An Illustrated Guide to Pruning (Gilman) techniques  ANSI A300 Standards for Tree Care Operations  Advanced climbing techniques and equipment (or applicable national standards)  Back injury prevention  ANSI Z133 Safety Standard for Arboricultural  Basic knots and rope operation for rigging Operations (or applicable national standard)  Basic tree biology  ’ Certification Study Guide (ISA)  Beginning diagnostic training  Arborists’ Knots for Climbing and Rigging DVD  Cabling and bracing and Workbook (ISA)  Chipper use and safety  ArborMaster® Training Video Series (ISA)  Electrical hazards training  Best Management Practice Series (ISA)  Emergency procedures  Chain Saw Safety and Field Maintenance (Eckert)  General work site safety  Electrical Hazards Awareness Program  Hazard recognition  Manual of Woody Landscape Plants (Dirr)  Job briefings  To Fell a Tree: A Complete Guide to Successful  Lightning protection Tree Felling and Woodcutting Methods (Jepson)  Pruning principles and techniques  The Art and Science of Practical Rigging – DVD  Rope operation for rigging and Book Set (ISA)  Selection and use of appropriate PPE  Tree Climbers’ Guide (ISA)  Tree identification  Tree Risk Assessment Manual (ISA)  Understanding work orders and plans  Vehicle safety, safe operation, and driving

CERTIFICATION/LICENSES ISA Certified ®, ISA Certified Tree Worker Climber Specialist® and ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qual- ification credentials are recommended. CDL is required. T YPICAL FUTURE CAREER PATHS Climbers usually progress to the position of foreperson/supervisor, or switch to aerial lift operator.

For information on ISA Certifications and additional education training materials, please access http://www.isa-arbor.com/certification/benefits/credentialsExplained.aspx Career Paths