Career Paths in Arboriculture Tree Climber (Residential | Commercial) J OB DESCRIPTION Tree Care C LIMBERS IN RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL tree care segments have as main duties pruning 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 felling 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 Arborists’ 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 Arborist®, 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 .