Tree Trimmer

City-of-Haywar; Hayward (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation benefits

Public sector retirement

Health and dental insurance

Job summary

The City of Hayward is seeking a skilled Tree Trimmer to maintain trees on public grounds, supervise a trimming crew and perform related duties. The role requires knowledge of Bay Area tree species, safe operations, climbing skills, and ability to input time sheets and open work orders using app-based systems.

Ideal candidates will have two years of trimming experience, a valid California driver’s license (Class C, with probationary upgrade to B), and may pursue ISA Tree Worker/Arborist

Qualifications

• Two (2) years of experience in the trimming and topping of trees.
• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.
• Possess and maintain a valid Class C California Driver's License; must obtain Class B License during probation.

Responsibilities

• Operates aerial high tower unit and associated tools and equipment.
• Trims, tops, fells, and cables trees.
• May use rope and saddle in trimming and felling operations.
• Mixes spray materials and operates power driven spray equipment.
• Performs and directs rigging of lines, blocks and guys required in tree maintenance work.
• Performs preventive maintenance on hand tools and power driven equipment.
• Supervises tree trimming crew and keeps time sheets.
• Answers questions from the public related to tree trimming operations.
• Operates other related tree maintenance equipment such as root cutters and stump removers.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Skills

Supervise crew

Operate aerial high tower

Physical strength

Follow directions

Public communication

Rope and saddle

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Chainsaw

Aerial lift truck

Chipper

Stump grinder

Job description

DEADLINE TO APPLY

Sunday, August 23rd 2026, by 11:59 p.m.

Tree Trimmer

performs skilled and semi-skilled work in maintaining trees on public grounds and rights of way. This position supervises a tree trimming crew and performs other related work as required.

You are:

The ideal candidate will have journey level experience and is expected to perform the full range of tree trimming duties as assigned. It will be imperative that the ideal candidate possess knowledge of Bay Area trees, tools, and tree trimming techniques. This role requires that the candidate be safety minded, a team player, a good communicator, and able to analyze stressful situations while remaining calm. The ideal candidate should possess climbing skills to a level they can work independently and perform all aspects of tree maintenance and removal. They shall have skills to use app-based computer programs to input time sheets and open and close work orders. The ideal candidate shall be proficient with chainsaws, aerial lift truck, chipper, and stump grinder. A desired qualification for this position is a Tree Worker or Arborist certification through the International Society of Arborist (ISA).

What you will do:

• 1. Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:
• 2. Operates aerial high tower unit and associated tools and equipment used in tree crew operations.
• 3. Trims, tops, fells, and cables trees.
• 4. May use rope and saddle in trimming and felling operations.
• 5. Mixes spray materials and operates power driven spray equipment.
• 6. Performs and directs rigging of lines, blocks and guys required in tree maintenance work.
• 7. Performs preventive maintenance on hand tools and power driven equipment.
• 8. Supervises tree trimming crew and keeps time sheets.
• 9. Answers questions from the public related to tree trimming operations.
• 10. Operates other related tree maintenance equipment such as root cutters and stump removers.
• 11. Performs related duties as assigned.

Link to full job description: Class Specifications | Tree Trimmer | Class Spec Details (governmentjobs.com)

CORE COMPETENCIES

Knowledge of:

• Accepted methods of trimming, topping and felling trees.
• Common species of Bay Area trees.
• High climbing techniques and safe operating procedures.
• Common spray materials.

Ability to:

• Supervise a crew, keep time sheets and work harmoniously with other crews.
• Operate aerial high tower units and associated tools and equipment.
• Perform tasks requiring good physical strength and agility.
• Follow written and oral directions.
• Deal courteously and effectively with the public.
• Use rope and saddle in trimming and felling operations.

JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

You have:

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Experience: Two (2) years of experience in the trimming and topping of trees. Education: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade. License: Possess and maintain a valid Class C California Driver's License. Must obtain Class B License during probationary period. Depending upon assignment, a Class A Driver's License and/or a California Tanker Endorsement may be required.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Essential duties require the mental and/or physical work environment: work in variable indoor and outdoor conditions; tolerate exposure to outdoor elements in all weather conditions (e.g. heat, cold, and rain) throughout the year; be able to tolerate some exposure to noise, vibration, chemicals, moving objects, traffic, engine exhaust, dust, mechanical and electrical hazards, and odorous environments; frequently kneel, stoop, crouch, squat, climb, twist, and handle equipment; grasp, perform repetitive hand movements and fine coordination to prepare documents and data using a computer keyboard and mouse/trackball; sit for prolonged periods of time; stand, walk, reach, bend and safely lift and move equipment and materials weighing up to 75 pounds; converse by telephone, by email, in person, and be clearly understood; read and comprehend documents; interact with the public and all different levels of City staff in an effective and professional manner. Essential functions must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

One (1) year

BENEFITS AND REWARDS:

Depending on employee group, some of these benefits may include:

• Vacation - 80 hours minimum
• 15.5 Paid Holidays
• Generous employer contribution for Health, Dental and Vision coverage
• CalPERS Defined Benefit Retirement Plan (2.5% at 55 for Classic CalPERS members | 2.0% at 62 for New CalPERS members | 3.0% at 50 for Classic Safety members | 2.7% at 57 for New Safety Members) - No Social Security participation.
• Life and Disability Insurance and Paid Leave
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health and Wellness Reimbursement
• Professional Development Reimbursement
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (employee paid)

The City of Hayward is an Equal Opportunity Employer