Tree Trimmer

City of Merced; Merced (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Merced is seeking a Tree Trimmer to care for city trees and foliage, operate a range of tools and equipment, and perform duties at various heights. The role emphasizes public safety through pruning, hazard removal, and storm damage repair.

Incumbents start under supervision and progressively work with more independence. A valid California driver license and tree maintenance experience are preferred; after-hours emergency response is required.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of tree trimming, pruning and tree removal techniques.
• Familiarity with tools and equipment used to maintain City trees.
• Awareness of forestry principles and tree identification.
• Understanding of safety hazards and standard practices for using trimming equipment.
• Ability to perform traffic control and follow safety signals.
• Record keeping and reporting daily activity.

Responsibilities

• Maintain City trees for public safety through pruning and removal as needed.
• Climb trees using ropes, ladders and hydraulic lifts for trimming work.
• Cut and trim branches that pose hazards to power lines and roadways.
• Remove rubbish and dead limbs; fell dead trees when required.
• Repair storm-damaged trees and reinforce with cables as needed.
• Plant, fertilize and water trees; spray for pests and disease.
• Haul debris to landfill or city landscape areas.
• Operate, sharpen and maintain tree-trimming equipment and vehicles.
• Perform traffic control to ensure safety near work zones.
• Respond to after-hours emergencies involving fallen trees or limbs.
• Attend safety trainings and participate in wellness programs.
• Install holiday lights and assist with equipment installations as needed.
• Perform related duties as required.

Skills

Tree trimming

Safety procedures

Climb trees

Operate heavy equipment

Record keeping

Teamwork

Education

12th grade completed

Tools

Aerial lift

Chain saw

Pole saw

Mulchers

Job description

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, perform semi-skilled work in the care, maintenance, and preservation of city trees and other foliage, structures, and items requiring work at various heights; operate and maintain a variety of tools and equipment; and perform related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISITICS

This is the journey level class in the Tree Trimmer series. Positions in this class perform the full range of tree trimming work. Incumbents initially work under supervision, but are expected to perform with increasing independence as experience and skills are acquired.

REPORTS TO

Public Works Supervisor – Parks/Trees or designee.

CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED

This is not a supervisory classification.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

1. Maintain City trees for public safety by performing tree pruning and tree and stump removal functions.
2. Climb trees using such equipment as ropes, ladders, and hydraulic lifts for tree-trimming purposes.
3. Cut and trim tree branches and limbs which create hazardous conditions to power lines, high voltage wires, and roadways; prune and shape trees and shrubs.
4. Remove rubbish, dead limbs, hanging limbs, and mistletoes from trees; fell dead trees.
5. Repair trees damaged by storms or lightning; reinforce trees with cable on rope.
6. Plant, fertilize, and water trees; spray trees to prevent bug damage and disease.
7. Haul tree and shrub debris to landfill site, agriculture sites, private residence and city landscape areas.
8. Maintain the City tree nursery.
9. Operate, sharpen and maintain tree‑trimming equipment and tools including trucks, aerial lift truck, chain saws, pole saws, mulchers, and sprayers.
10. Perform traffic control to ensure safety of cars, pedestrians and tree crew in high traffic areas.
11. Respond to emergency calls after hours, nights, and weekends regarding fallen trees or limbs.
12. Attend safety trainings and participate in the health wellness program, as needed.
13. Install holiday lights and banners during events; assist Public Works divisions to install antennas, cameras, and related equipment, as needed.
14. Perform related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

• Methods, techniques, procedures, and materials used in tree trimming, surgery operations, tree removal, and planting.
• Tools, material, and equipment needed to maintain City trees.
• Forestry principles and practices including tree identification.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices associated with the operation of tree trimming equipment and tree rescue procedures.
• Traffic control including placement of cones and warning signs.
• Common tree diseases and pests and their treatment.
• The use and application of hazardous chemicals, insecticides and fertilizers.
• Record keeping principles and practices.

Ability to:

• Safely operate tree trimming tools and equipment such as chain saws, pole saws, lift truck, tractors, mulchers, and sprayers.
• Climb trees for tree trimming purposes.
• Trim, prune, and remove all types and sizes of City trees.
• Apply pesticides in a safe and effective manner.
• Perform a variety of manual tasks for extended periods of time in unfavorable weather conditions.
• Perform heavy manual labor.
• Recognize and identify common tree diseases and destructive insects.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Keep accurate records of daily activity.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience Guidelines

- 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:

Education/Training: Equivalent to the completion of the 12th grade.

Experience: Experience in the maintenance and care of trees.

License or Certificate

• Possession of, or ability to obtain a class A California Driver License without Restrictions 48 (air brakes) within 12 months of appointment.
• Possession of a valid California Pesticide Applicator's License is desirable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential job functions.

Environment: Work is performed in a field environment with travel from site to site; work at heights including on ladders; and exposure to dust, noise, heavy construction equipment and inclement weather conditions.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability necessary for climbing trees, walking, standing, bending, and kneeling for prolonged periods of time; moderate to heavy lifting up to 90 lbs; normal manual dexterity and eye‑hand coordination; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; and operate and use a variety of hand tools, motorized equipment, and vehicles.