Climber & Pruner with NYC Parks

International Society of Arboriculture; New York (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

NYC Parks is seeking a Climber & Pruner to join the citywide tree care program in New York City. The position involves climbing and pruning trees and large shrubs, operating a bucket truck and other equipment to maintain public spaces and ensure safety.

Applicants must have six months of full-time climbing/pruning experience, be prepared for shifts including nights and weekends, and hold a valid New York driver license with Class B CDL within one year of appointment.

Qualifications

• Six months of satisfactory, full-time experience as a climber and pruner or arborist performing all types of tree work.
• Special Working Conditions include shifts at nights, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
• Physical activities include climbing, pruning, operating heavy equipment outdoors in all weather.

Responsibilities

• Under supervision, perform all types of work required for the planting, maintenance and removal of trees and large shrubs.
• Climb, prune, brace, cut and fell trees and large shrubs.
• Operate bucket truck, including aerial lift and cherry picker, as well as chipper and other similar equipment.
• Identify hazard defects of trees and ensure public safety.
• Perform tree inspections.
• Identify trees by species and inspect for the Asian Longhorned Beetle and other pests and diseases.
• Prepare and use composting sites.

Job description

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Climber & Pruner with NYC Parks

Location: NYC (Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island)
Salary: $76,580

CITY OF NEW YORK PARKS & RECREATION CITYWIDE JOB VACANCY NOTICE: Job ID No. 788951
Office Title: Climber & Pruner Civil Service Title: Climber & Pruner Title Code No: 81303 Level: NA Salary: $76,580
Number of Positions: TBD Work Location: TBD

NYC Parks manages more than 30,000 acres, 14% of the city’s land, encompassing more than 5,000 individual properties. Our diverse set of assets includes recreational facilities, nature centers, historic buildings and structures, trees, forests, wetlands, golf courses, athletic fields, playgrounds, tennis courts, public pools, retaining walls and nearly 14 miles of beaches.
NYC Parks offers competitive pay and a generous benefits package, including pension, excellent health, dental and vision coverage, competitive vacation/sick days, and a healthy work-life balance.

Major Responsibilities

• Under supervision, perform all types of work required for the planting, maintenance and removal of trees and large shrubs.
• Climb, prune, brace, cut and fell trees and large shrubs.
• Operate bucket truck, including aerial lift and cherry picker, as well as chipper and other similar equipment.
• Identify hazard defects of trees and ensure public safety.
• Perform tree inspections.
• Identify trees by species and inspect for the Asian Longhorned Beetle and other pests and diseases.
• Prepare and use composting sites.

Qualification Requirements

Six months of satisfactory, full-time experience as a climber and pruner or arborist performing all types of tree work required for the planting, maintenance and removal of trees and shrubs including climbing, pruning, bracing, cutting and felling trees and large shrubs and operating manual, power driven and motorized equipment required for the performance of these duties. Experience as a ground person is not acceptable towards meeting this requirement.

Special Working Conditions: When responding to emergency conditions, Climber and Pruners may be required to work shifts including nights, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

Some of the physical activities performed by Climber and Pruners and environmental conditions experienced are: climbing in and out of an aerial lift device (bucket truck); climbing up in a tree using rope and harness or bucket; operating a chainsaw; operating heavy motorized equipment such as bucket truck, chipper, loader, and stump grinder; lifting and moving heavy objects; standing for extended periods of time; and working outdoors in a restricted space in an urban environment in all kinds of weather, including severe weather conditions.

This position is exempt from NYC residency requirements.

License Requirement

Driver License Requirement: At the time of appointment, eligibles must possess a motor vehicle driver license valid in the State of New York, and a Class B Commercial Driver License valid in the State of New York within one year of being appointed to this position. Serious moving violations, license suspension or accident record may disqualify you. This Class B Commercial Driver License must be maintained for the duration of your employment. Such license must not include any restrictions which would preclude the performance of Climber and Pruner work.

POST DATE: 07/31/2026 POST UNTIL: 09/29/2026*
NOTE: All resumes must be received no later than the last day of the posting period. *Previous applicants to Job ID# 774780 are still being considered and need not reapply. References will be required upon request. We appreciate the interest of all applicants. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.