Identifying a career ladder in urban forestry by analyzing job postings and interviews

Abstract

We collected 151 urban forestry job postings and analyzed them to determine minimum qualifications and average advertised salary and to construct a career ladder for the profession. We also interviewed 17 new hires who filled a cross-section of those positions and compared their qualifications and duties with job posting descriptions. Postings revealed a career ladder with two tracks: one requiring 4-year education and the other accepting experience in lieu of education. The ISA Certified Arborist credential was required by 45% of postings while the ISA Municipal Specialist was required by none. We found almost no entry-level positions in urban forestry. This suggests that students exiting 4-year degree programs will likely compete against far more experienced professionals for these positions. Experience as an arborist was accepted in lieu of education as an urban forester in about half of positions. However, a degree was required to reach the highest paying positions. Most employers (75%) were governments, especially local governments (63%).