Utility Arborist

Utility Arborist Program

A student cuts through a log with a chainsaw A group of students all hang from a tree

Utility Arborist Certificate
Get In, Get Out, Get to Work - Michigan Country Lines Article
If you enjoy working outside and are looking for a career that promises excitement and excellent compensation, we have a unique and exciting certificate program for you at ACC. A Utility Arborist will prune, trim, repair, maintain, or remove trees and brush that are near energized power lines, gas lines, and other utility lines. This two-semester program, carefully developed by leaders within the utility arboriculture industry, offers the opportunity to develop best practices, skills, and knowledge required for a career as a utility line clearance arborist.

You will experience the study of practical theory and hands-on training using actual equipment and materials in the classroom and field settings, including industrial chippers and chainsaws.

Program Facilities
ACC has a dedicated site on campus where students will clear trees and experience real-world scenarios of removing trees from utility lines. Students will learn how to operate a bucket truck and manually climb trees. These scenarios will provide valuable hands-on training and experience.

Preparation
Before starting any program at ACC, a student’s academic background, assessment scores or testing results are reviewed to determine the right courses to take. Review classes are also available to prepare students to meet the academic requirements of these programs. Students must be in good physical condition, be able to work in elevated sites, be able to climb, and have good color vision to do well in this program. Students will be responsible for their CDL learners permit (obtained at the Secretary of State), drug test & DOT screening physical, steel toed boots, a hard hat and safety glasses. Do not purchase these items ahead of the start of class. The instructor has discounts available through a local vendor. You may choose to purchase additional climbing gear or equipment, but it is not necessary or required for participation in the program.

Career Options
As an entry-level line clearance arborist or tree trimmer, you are responsible for using sophisticated climbing and rigging techniques to cut away dead or excess branches from trees or shrubs to maintain right-of-way for roads, sidewalks, or utilities, or to improve the appearance, health, and value of the tree. Many workers strive to improve the appearance and health of trees and plants while also ensuring the safety of the area. Job placement upon graduation is excellent. Graduates obtain employment locally and in all parts of the nation. Graduates start their jobs feeling prepared thanks to the training they receive at ACC. Workers can expect to find employment in areas such as agriculture, utilities, construction, and more. Michigan currently has the second-highest employment levels in this field with over 3,000 individuals working in these positions, as well as the second highest concentration of jobs in this field.

Salary/Benefits
In 2023, median annual wages for tree trimmers and pruners were $52,850. Employment of all utility line clearance arborists is expected to grow as fast as average from 2022-2032. Workers with certifications should have the best job opportunities.

Certification
After successfully completing the Utility Arborist program, you will be certified in CPR/First Aid, OSHA 10, and prepared to take your CDL road test.

A student sits against a tree mid-climb