skillfactor-pipeline/skills/arboriculturist/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — arboriculturist

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 37-3013.00 (Tree Trimmers and Pruners).

Task statements

• [Core] Supervise others engaged in tree trimming work and train lower-level employees.
• [Core] Operate boom trucks, loaders, stump chippers, brush chippers, tractors, power saws, trucks, sprayers, and other equipment and tools.
• [Core] Climb trees, using climbing hooks and belts, or climb ladders to gain access to work areas.
• [Core] Clean, sharpen, and lubricate tools and equipment.
• [Core] Cut away dead and excess branches from trees, or clear branches around power lines, using climbing equipment or buckets of extended truck booms, or chainsaws, hooks, handsaws, shears, and clippers.
• [Core] Trim, top, and reshape trees to achieve attractive shapes or to remove low-hanging branches.
• [Core] Hoist tools and equipment to tree trimmers, and lower branches with ropes or block and tackle.
• [Core] Operate shredding and chipping equipment, and feed limbs and brush into the machines.
• [Core] Load debris and refuse onto trucks and haul it away for disposal.
• [Core] Inspect trees to determine if they have diseases or pest problems.
• [Core] Cable, brace, tie, bolt, stake, and guy trees and branches to provide support.
• [Core] Collect debris and refuse from tree trimming and removal operations into piles, using shovels, rakes, or other tools.
• [Core] Provide information to the public regarding trees, such as advice on tree care.
• [Core] Clear sites, streets, and grounds of woody and herbaceous materials, such as tree stumps and fallen trees and limbs.
• [Core] Trim jagged stumps, using saws or pruning shears.
• [Supplemental] Prune, cut down, fertilize, and spray trees as directed by tree surgeons.
• [Supplemental] Remove broken limbs from wires, using hooked extension poles.
• [Supplemental] Transplant and remove trees and shrubs, and prepare trees for moving.
• [Supplemental] Spray trees to treat diseased or unhealthy trees, including mixing chemicals and calibrating spray equipment.
• [Supplemental] Plan and develop budgets for tree work, and estimate the monetary value of trees.
• [Supplemental] Water, root-feed, and fertilize trees.
• [Supplemental] Apply tar or other protective substances to cut surfaces or seal surfaces and to protect them from fungi and insects.
• [Supplemental] Scrape decayed matter from cavities in trees and fill holes with cement to promote healing and to prevent further deterioration.
• [Supplemental] Split logs or wooden blocks into bolts, pickets, posts, or stakes, using hand tools such as ax wedges, sledgehammers, and mallets.

Detailed work activities

• Clean equipment or supplies.
• Climb ladders or vehicles to perform duties.
• Drive trucks or other vehicles to or at work sites.
• Estimate maintenance service requirements or costs.
• Inspect landscaping to determine treatment needs.
• Install equipment to protect or support trees.
• Instruct staff in work policies or procedures.
• Irrigate lawns, trees, or plants.
• Operate grounds maintenance equipment.
• Plant greenery to improve landscape appearance.
• Prepare chemicals for work application.
• Provide information about landscaping services or costs.
• Remove debris from work sites.
• Supervise maintenance workers.
• Treat greenery or surfaces with protective substances.
• Trim trees or other vegetation.