Urban Forestry

Urban Forestry

Potential earnings range:
$25,292-$66,310*
Per year after graduation

Do you enjoy teamwork and physical tasks? Do you have attention to detail and quick reflexes? Enjoy being outside and active? 

Then you may be a good fit for Job Corps’ Urban Forestry training program. 

On the job, you will ...

  • Cut down trees 

  • Fasten cables around logs to be dragged by tractors 

  • Operate heavy machinery, including boom trucks, loaders, stump and brush chippers, and power saws 

  • Drive and maneuver feller-buncher tree harvesters to shear trees and cut logs into desired lengths 

Some of the career options you will have ...

Most Urban Forestry graduates go to work as tree trimmers and pruners in the public or private sector. Urban foresters spend most of the day on their feet, operating heavy machinery and climbing trees to perform standard maintenance. They are important community partners because of the work they do to keep roads clear and safe. Urban foresters are also important during bad weather situations, when experts are needed to help dispose of fallen trees and branches. 

Students should also consider pursuing the Advanced Forestry Technician training area and other Advanced Training programs at Job Corps as part of their career pathway. 

The credentials you will earn ...

In the Urban Forestry training program, you can earn industry-recognized credentials from such organizations as the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) and the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). 

Students will also receive valid proof of training in aerial rescue and certification in basic first aid and CPR. They should also earn a state-issued learner’s permit and driver’s license upon completion of the program. 

What you’ll need to start training ...

  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent (can be earned at all Job Corps centers) 

  • Completion of all introductory and career preparation courses 

  • Passing scores on all written and performance tests 

  • Meet academic (math and reading) requirements 

* Salary information comes from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics Program and is provided for planning purposes only. Actual salary will depend on student skill level, credentials earned, experience level and location.
Meet your instructors

Meet your instructors

Instructor
Steven Hunt
Steven Hunt is Great Onyx Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center’s Urban Forestry instructor. He is a second-generation arborist with over a decade of experience in the field. Beginning his career trimming and removing trees from powerlines, Steven eventually advanced to journeyman class A foreman, certifying him to train new arborists. He enjoys the opportunity to make a difference in his field and in the lives of students through his role as instructor.