How to Be Urban Forestry Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Oct 16, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

Urban Forestry Technicians play an important role in the health of urban forests and the communities that rely on them. By evaluating the condition of trees, assessing the effects of development on trees, and providing tree care guidance, they help to maintain healthy, safe, and sustainable urban forests. Their efforts are essential to preserving urban forests and preventing the negative effects of deforestation and urbanization, such as soil erosion, air pollution, and habitat loss.

In addition, Urban Forestry Technicians help to mitigate the impacts of climate change by planting trees that absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. Thus, their work is critical to creating a healthier environment for people and wildlife alike.

Steps How to Become

Earn a college degree in urban forestry, forestry, arboriculture, or a related field. Most employers prefer candidates who have a bachelors degree, although some may accept applicants with an associate degree or certificate.
Gain experience in the field. Many employers require applicants to have at least one year of relevant experience. This can be obtained through internships, part-time job opportunities, or volunteer work.
Complete safety training. Urban forestry technicians must be aware of the potential hazards associated with their job and take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of themselves and others.
Obtain certification from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA). These organizations offer certifications in arboriculture and tree care that are recognized by many employers.
Join professional organizations such as the Society of Municipal Arborists or the Arbor Day Foundation. These organizations provide networking opportunities, continuing education courses, and other resources for urban forestry technicians.
Stay current on industry trends and developments. Urban forestry is an ever-evolving field, and technicians must stay up-to-date on developments in order to stay competitive in the job market.

Urban Forestry Technicians are an integral part of a city's urban green infrastructure, providing skilled and efficient tree maintenance, planting, and pruning services. They play a key role in ensuring the health of a city's trees and vegetation, which in turn has a positive effect on air quality, reduces pollution, and helps to combat the effects of climate change. Urban Forestry Technicians are also responsible for educating the public about the importance of urban forests and the value of maintaining healthy tree cover. By collaborating with other city departments, such as public works, parks and recreation, and public health, they can help to develop strategies that will improve urban tree management and ensure the health of our urban forests.

You may want to check Urban Agriculture Coordinator, Urban Traffic Engineer, and Urban Green Infrastructure Planner for alternative.

Job Description

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities related to planting, caring for, and maintaining trees and other vegetation in urban areas.
Supervise arborists, tree trimmers, and other workers involved in tree maintenance activities.
Inspect trees and other vegetation to identify health issues such as disease, infestations, and damage from storms.
Prepare detailed reports on the condition of trees and other vegetation.
Perform tree pruning and trimming to promote safe and healthy growth.
Monitor and inspect trees for signs of decay and disease.
Coordinate the removal of dead or hazardous trees.
Implement soil management programs to improve tree health.
Develop urban forestry management plans for public and private lands.
Provide information to the public on tree care, maintenance, and safety.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of tree biology, anatomy, and physiology
Knowledge of tree species identification and selection
Knowledge of planting techniques and tree care
Knowledge of tree maintenance, pruning, and removal techniques
Knowledge of relevant safety regulations
Knowledge of tree-related pests and diseases
Skills in operating and maintaining tree-care equipment
Ability to identify and diagnose tree-related problems
Ability to interpret and apply local, state, and federal regulations
Ability to communicate effectively with customers and colleagues
Ability to manage projects and resources efficiently
Ability to use computer software to track, analyze, and report data
Strong organizational skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team

The most important skill for a Forestry Technician is knowledge of tree biology and ecology. This knowledge allows technicians to assess a tree's health, identify potential problems, and create strategies for successful tree maintenance and growth. With this knowledge, technicians can develop plans to protect trees from disease, pests, and other threats.

They can also identify areas where trees need to be planted or removed in order to create healthy forests and landscapes. In addition, tree biology and ecology knowledge helps technicians understand how to properly care for trees in urban environments, where they may be subjected to air pollution, soil compaction, or other environmental stressors. With this knowledge, technicians can make informed decisions about how to best care for urban trees and protect them from damage or death.

Urban Landscape Architect, Urban Designer, and Urban Stormwater Manager are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in urban forestry?
How familiar are you with arboriculture techniques?
What qualifications do you have to work as an urban forestry technician?
How do you stay up to date on best practices in urban forestry?
What challenges have you faced in the past working in urban forestry?
What techniques do you use when assessing the health of trees and shrubs?
How do you handle difficult conversations with property owners or other stakeholders when it comes to urban forestry?
Describe a project that you have worked on involving urban forestry.
What is your approach to collaborating with other departments/organizations on urban forestry projects?
What methods do you use to ensure detailed and accurate data collection for urban forestry projects?

Common Tools in Industry

Pruning Saw. A saw used to prune trees and shrubs, with a curved blade for making precise cuts. (eg: Bahco Laplander Folding Saw)
Lopper. A long-handled tool used for cutting through branches, with a long handle and a pair of sharp blades. (eg: Fiskars PowerGear2 Lopper)
Tree Climbing Kit. A kit of equipment used to safely climb trees, including a climbing harness, ropes, and carabiners. (eg: Petzl Basic Tree Climbing Kit)
Chipper. A machine used to grind up tree branches and other debris into small chips, which can be used as mulch. (eg: Brush Bandit Model 200XP Chipper)
Chainsaw. A powerful motorized saw with a long chain and sharp teeth, used to cut through trees and logs. (eg: Husqvarna 455 Rancher Chainsaw)
Aerial Lift. A device for reaching high places, such as tree canopies or rooftops, including bucket lifts, scissor lifts, and boom lifts. (eg: Genie GS-1930 Scissor Lift)
Girdling Tool. A tool used to cut through the bark of a tree in order to damage or kill it. (eg: Notch Girdling Tool)
Tree Transplanter. A device for transplanting small trees and shrubs from one location to another, using suction to lift the roots out of the ground. (eg: Tree-Rex Tree Transplanter)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA)
Society of Municipal Arborists (SMA)
American Community Forestry Association (ACFA)
American Forests (AF)
Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD)
American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA)
International Association of Wood Anatomists (IAWA)
Urban Forestry South (UFS)
Arbor Day Foundation (ADF)

We also have Urban Renewable Energy Developer, Urban Landscape Analyst, and Urban Resilience Strategist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Arboriculture. The practice and study of the proper care and management of individual trees, shrubs, vines, and other perennial woody plants in a landscape.
Dendrology. The scientific study of trees and other woody plants.
Pruning. The selective removal of parts of a tree or shrub, to shape it or to keep it healthy.
Soil Science. The study of soil and its properties, including composition, structure, and fertility.
Plant Nutrition. The study of the needs of plants for essential nutrients and how they are obtained.
Plant Pathology. The study of the diseases of plants, their causes, and their control.
Weed Science. The study of the biology, ecology, and management of weeds.
Insect Management. The study of how to control and reduce the harm caused by insect pests.
Tree Identification. The practice of using clues such as bark, leaves, shape, size, and fruit to identify different species of trees.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Urban Forestry Technician?

An Urban Forestry Technician is a professional who works in urban areas to maintain and manage trees, shrubs, and other vegetation. They work to promote healthy trees and landscapes, reduce the risk of tree-related hazards, and develop sustainable urban forestry programs.

What qualifications are required for an Urban Forestry Technician?

To become an Urban Forestry Technician, you typically need an associate degree in urban forestry or a related field such as horticulture, arboriculture, or forestry. You may also need to have knowledge of tree biology, ecology, and management.

What duties does an Urban Forestry Technician perform?

Urban Forestry Technicians perform a variety of duties related to the maintenance and management of trees, shrubs, and other vegetation. These duties may include planting, pruning, removing dead or damaged trees, monitoring pests and diseases, and advising on the best management practices for trees and vegetation.

What skills do Urban Forestry Technicians need?

Urban Forestry Technicians need to possess a variety of skills such as knowledge of tree biology, ecology, and management; problem-solving skills; communication and interpersonal skills; safety awareness; and strong physical fitness.

What is the job outlook for Urban Forestry Technicians?

The job outlook for Urban Forestry Technicians is expected to be favorable, with an estimated growth rate of 4% through 2029, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.