Maintains, cares for, or controls trees (primarily and sometimes large hedges and shrubs) by: lopping limbs, pruning, and shaping branches; treating for insects and diseases; felling and removal, and advising on general care. An alternative title is Tree Surgeon.

Liaises with site owner to understand tasks/issues; examines trees etc. to assess their condition and determine treatment; provides advice; prunes and installs plant support and protection devices; lops limbs off and shapes branches using chain or handsaws; clears vegetation away from overhead utility lines; may spray or dust plants to control insects and disease; fells and removes dead or decaying or diseased or unwanted or dangerous or nuisance trees etc.; and grinds out tree stumps.

• Works outdoors in parks, private and public gardens, forests, and other areas of controlled tree and shrub growth. Often employs specialist skills including aerial access of trees using rope and harness access or elevated work platforms or ladders.
• Works in most weather conditions. Frequently works in noisy, dirty, wet, cold, hot, or dusty conditions depending upon the task, season, and weather.
• May occasionally use horticultural fungicides, insecticides, and fertilisers, and various soil mixture additives.
• PPE will be required e.g. protective clothing and footwear and gloves, eye and ear protection, and masks or breathing apparatus if using sprays/chemicals.
• Frequently moves from one area or property to another.

• Medium to very heavy physical demand level. Medium to very heavy lifting and carrying is likely to be required on a frequent basis.
• Stands and walks frequently. Stretching up and/or across frequently required when shaping hedges or lopping off tree branches. Squatting, crouching, bending, or kneeling may be required, and climbing and working at height is likely to be required on an occasional to frequent basis. Frequently twists the body or neck.
• Repetitive movements will be occasional to constant when loping tree branches or trimming hedges. The use of hand tools both manual and mechanical will be frequent to constant (e.g. pruning shears). Branch chipping and stump grinding machines will be operated by hand with associated force, noise, and vibration.
• Driving to worksites will be frequently required.
• Mental activities necessary include a very good knowledge of trees and other shrubbery, health and safety awareness, practical, organisational, and problem-solving skills.

• A relevant NZQF Level 4 qualification (a certificate) or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 3). In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required. For entry-level positions on-the-job training may be sufficient.
• A Class 1 Driver Licence will be required. A Class 2 Driver Licence may be advantageous to work in some roles. A First Aid Certificate, and/or Working at Heights Certificate, and/or spray or chemical handling certification are also advantageous.

• There are opportunities for flexibility of movement but they are limited.
• Some tasks may be constant on a seasonal or rotational basis but only occur periodically.