Tree Care Specialist

Moon Valley Nursery Inc; Gilroy (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k)

Holidays

PTO

Job summary

Moon Valley Nurseries is seeking an experienced Tree Care Specialist/Arborist to perform in-home consultations, provide expert pruning, and advise homeowners on tree health and long-term care. This role suits hands-on climbers with a passion for customer education and care.

The position requires climbing, pruning, and removal expertise along with strong communication skills. Moon Valley Nurseries offers competitive pay, benefits, and opportunities for growth in a growing Tree Care division.

Qualifications

• ISA Certified Arborist preferred or ability to obtain within 1 year.
• 5+ years of professional tree care experience or 3+ years in crew management.
• Proficient in safe climbing techniques and tree rigging practices.
• Strong communication and customer-facing experience; sales knowledge is a plus.
• Knowledge of Southwest tree species, desert climates, and regional plant health issues.
• Ability to work independently, manage schedules, and provide follow-up care.
• Clean driving record and insurable by MVN’s insurers; DOT health screen required.
• Must pass criminal background check per fair chance laws.
• Ability to recognize bugs, fungi or pathogens in trees.
• Willingness to network and research more in-depth issues.

Responsibilities

• Conduct tree inspections for health, structure, and safety.
• Light pruning and shaping through climbing and on-the-ground techniques.
• Inspect soil and tree wells for drainage and water penetration.
• Recommend watering schedules based on seasonal changes and tree needs.
• Evaluate signs of disease, pests, and nutritional deficiencies.
• Apply or recommend fertilization and treatment solutions.
• Remove or adjust tree staking; inspect trunk caliper and strength.
• Assess and maintain canopies for growth and structure.
• Wrap/paint trunks to protect from sunscald or pest damage.
• Serve as on-site advisor during home consultations.
• Recommend Moon Valley products and services aligned with needs.
• Maintain and update notes in customer profiles or CRM.

Skills

ISA Certified Arborist

Tree care experience

Crew management

Safe climbing techniques

Tree rigging

Customer-facing

Sales knowledge a plus

Desert tree knowledge

Independent work

Driving record clean

Background check

Identify pathogens in trees

Education

BS in Agriculture or Horticulture

Job description

Job DetailsLevel: ExperiencedJob Location: Gilroy, CA 95020Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $25.00 - $35.00 HourlyTravel Percentage: Up to 50% Job Shift: Open Availability Day ShiftJob Category: Skilled Labor - TradesJob Summary

Moon Valley Nurseries is seeking an experienced Tree Care Specialist/Arborist to perform in-home tree consultations, provide expert pruning, and offer professional recommendations to homeowners on the health and long-term care of their trees. This position is ideal for someone with hands‑on climbing, pruning and removal expertise, combined with a passion for customer education and care.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct tree inspections for health, structure, and safety.
• lightly Prune and shape trees through climbing and on-the-ground techniques.
• Inspect soil and tree wells for proper drainage and water penetration.
• Recommend watering schedules based on seasonal changes and tree needs.
• Evaluate and identify signs of disease, pest infestations, and nutritional deficiencies.
• Apply or recommend fertilization and treatment solutions.
• Remove or adjust tree staking; inspect trunk caliper and strength.
• Assess and maintain tree canopies for optimal growth and structure.
• Wrap/paint trunks as needed to protect from sunscald or pest damage.
• Serve as a trusted advisor during on‑site home consultations.
• Recommend Moon Valley products and services aligned with customer needs.
• Maintain and update notes in customer profiles or CRM systems.
• Communicate clearly in person and by phone, providing high-level customer service.
• Close on services and product recommendations as needed during visits.

QualificationsQualifications: Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• ISA certified arborist preferred or the ability to obtain within a year.
• 5+ years of professional tree care experience or 3+ years of crew management. Proficient in safe climbing techniques and tree rigging practices.
• Strong communication and customer-facing experience; sales knowledge is a plus.
• Knowledge of Southwest tree species, desert climates, and regional plant health issues.
• Ability to work independently, manage schedules, and provide follow‑up care.
• Clean driving record and insurable by MVN’s insurers (DOT health screen required).
• Must pass criminal background check in accordance with applicable fair chance laws.
• Ability to recognize bug, fungus or pathogens in trees.
• Ability to network and communicate to research more in depth issues.

*As a condition of employment, the individual in this role must obtain and maintain a valid Qualified Applicator License (QA) within 60 to 90 days of hire in compliance with applicable Department of Agriculture Pest Management Division requirements. Moon Valley Nurseries will cover the cost associated with obtaining the license. Failure to obtain or maintain the required license may result in corrective action, up to and including termination of employment, consistent with applicable law and company policy.

Education

BS in Agriculture or Horticulture or equivalent experience (preferred)

Physical requirements/Working Conditions

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. This position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing all day. The employee must frequently lift and/or move items over 35 pounds. Able to work outdoors for extended periods of time in possibly extreme conditions, including rain, heat, sun, and wind.

Other

Subject to MVR and criminal background check (In accordance with applicable fair chance laws, rules, and regulations)

About Us

Moon Valley Nurseries is the largest grower of box trees and palms in North America and is an industry leader and high-growth company. We are actively expanding our Tree Care division, creating exciting opportunities for growth across the organization. We offer competitive salaries and exceptional employee benefits, including medical insurance, 401(k), holidays, and PTO for all eligible employees. Moon Valley Nurseries is an equal employment opportunity employer and a drug‑free workplace.

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