Arbor Care Trimmer

Oakridge Landscape Inc.; California; On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Oakridge Landscape Inc. is seeking an Arbor Trimmer (Climber) to perform skilled tree trimming, pruning, and removal in accordance with arboriculture standards.

The role requires climbing trees using ropes and saddles, safely removing limbs while protecting nearby property and people. You will work as part of an arborist crew, maintaining clear communication for safe operations, with a strong emphasis on safety and toolkit proficiency.

Qualifications

• Experience in skilled tree trimming, pruning, and removal.
• Advanced climbing ability and familiarity with arborist equipment.
• Strong safety awareness and knowledge of tree species.

Responsibilities

• Climb trees with ropes and harnesses to prune and remove limbs.
• Perform pruning, thinning, and removal per best practices.
• Safely operate cutting tools while aloft.
• Conduct rigging to lower limbs safely.
• Identify hazards near structures, power lines, and property.
• Coordinate with ground crew for cuts and drop zones.
• Follow company safety standards and policies.
• Support site setup, traffic control, and cleanup.
• Inspect and maintain climbing and cutting equipment.
• Assist emergency response procedures and risk mitigation.

Skills

Tree climbing

Rigging

Safety procedures

Chainsaw operation

Team communication

Tools

Chainsaws (top-handle and ground)

Rigging equipment

Job description

Description

The Arbor Trimmer (Climber) is responsible for performing skilled tree trimming, pruning, and removal operations in accordance with arboriculture standards and safety regulations. This role involves climbing trees using ropes, saddles, and specialized equipment to safely remove limbs, manage tree health, and mitigate hazards near structures, power lines, and public areas. The Arbor Trimmer works as part of an arborist crew, maintaining constant communication to ensure safe, efficient operations while protecting surrounding property and vegetation. The position requires advanced climbing ability, physical endurance, strong safety awareness, and a working knowledge of tree species, cutting techniques, and proper equipment use in the arborist industry.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Climb trees using ropes, harnesses, saddles, and aerial techniques to perform pruning and removal
• Trim, prune, thin, and remove trees according to arboricultural best practices and job specifications
• Safely operate chainsaws, hand saws, and other cutting tools while aloft
• Perform rigging operations to safely lower limbs and sections of trees
• Identify hazards such as decay, weak unions, power lines, and property risks
• Communicate clearly with ground crew to coordinate cuts, rigging, and drop zones
• Follow all safety standards, including industry and company policies
• Assist with job-site setup, traffic control, and cleanup
• Inspect, use, and maintain climbing and cutting equipment
• Support emergency response procedures and job-site risk mitigation

Tools and Equipment Used

• Climbing systems (ropes, saddles, harnesses, carabiners, ascenders, descenders)
• Chainsaws (top-handle and ground saws) and hand saws
• Rigging equipment (ropes, blocks, pulleys, slings, lowering devices)
• Personal protective equipment (helmet, eye and hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, climbing boots)
• Aerial lifts and bucket trucks (if trained and authorized)
• Hand tools (pole saws, pruners, wedges, ropes, lanyards)
• Communication devices (radios or hand signals)

Physical Demands

• Regularly climb trees at varying heights for extended periods
• Lift, carry, push, and pull equipment and materials weighing up to 50 pounds or more
• Perform repetitive bending, twisting, reaching, gripping, and overhead work
• Maintain balance and coordination while working at heights and on uneven surfaces
• Perform physically demanding tasks in strenuous conditions
• Maintain alertness, strength, and stamina throughout the workday

Work Conditions

• Outdoor work environment in residential, commercial, and urban settings
• Exposure to variable weather conditions including heat, cold, rain, and sun
• High-risk work at elevated heights near power lines, structures, and pedestrians
• Exposure to noise, vibration, and airborne debris from equipment and cutting operations
• Strong emphasis on safety compliance, situational awareness, and teamwork