Reckon My Job's Safe: Arborist

Reckoning with risks on the daily, I sometimes pause in the canopy, chainsaw in hand. I love what I do.  My days are spent tending to trees—pruning, shaping, and felling them with skill and reverence. The job is as fulfilling as it is fraught with danger, but I’ve come to believe I’m probably safe, thanks to years of experience, rigorous training, and perhaps a bit of luck 🤪 .

Safety starts with preparation. Before I climb, I meticulously check my gear—harness, ropes, helmet, and gloves—ensuring nothing is frayed or faulty. I assess the tree’s structure, noting weak branches or deadwood that might fail under my weight. Weather conditions, like gusty winds or slick bark, also factor in, turning a routine task into a calculated risk. Over time, I’ve developed an instinct for these details, a gut feeling honed by practice, and while AI might analyze data or predict patterns, it can’t replicate the tactile wisdom I’ve gained from years aloft—reassuring me I’m probably safe from it taking my job.

Technology has quietly bolstered my safety net, with drones mapping tree health from above and lightweight, high-strength ropes easing the physical toll. These tools enhance my work, yet they’re extensions of my expertise, not replacements. AI might process images or suggest cuts, but it lacks the nuanced judgment to feel a tree’s tension or anticipate its quirks—proof that my role remains uniquely human. A single misstep, like a poorly placed cut, still hinges on my seasoned decision-making, not a machine’s cold logic.

The dangers are ever-present—falls, falling limbs, and equipment failures underscore the profession’s high-risk nature. I mitigate these through vigilance and teamwork, communicating clearly with colleagues who back me up, bolstered by regular safety drills. AI could monitor conditions or simulate scenarios, but it can’t match the trust and camaraderie built through shared experience, reinforcing my belief that I’m probably safe from automation overtaking this hands-on craft.

Looking forward, challenges like climate change, urban sprawl, and sustainability demands require adaptability. These shifts demand my expertise more than ever, as AI struggles to adapt to nature’s unpredictability or navigate the ethical nuances of tree care. So, as I navigate branch to branch, I reckon my safety—and job security—rests on a balance of tradition and innovation, a balance AI can’t fully grasp, ensuring I thrive, one tree at a time.