Tree Trimmer - 141009

UC San Diego; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 56,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

UC San Diego's Landscape Services & Waste Management Division is seeking a Tree Care Technician to maintain and prune trees, perform tree surgery, and operate related equipment on the university's 1,200+ acre campus.

Under supervision, you will use boom trucks, harnesses, PPE, and climbing gear to access branches, inspect tree health, and carry out pruning and removal while adhering to safety standards and campus policies.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in tree maintenance and preservation to include pruning, trimming, cutting, disease control, tree surgery, and tree and stump removal.
• Experience using boom/bucket trucks, harnesses/safety belts, climbing saddles and other equipment to safely access tree branches. Experience with chippers, stump grinders, power saws, chain saws, pruning tools and other related hand/power tools and equipment.
• Ability to effectively work individually or in teams as well as with diverse groups.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally, in writing, or electronically.
• Ability to follow through and carry out assignments. Problem-solving skills and sound judgement.
• Experience with tree care industry safety standards and practices, PPE, fall protection, hazard identification.
• Possession and maintenance of a current, valid California Commercial Class B license with Air Break Endorsement preferred.

Responsibilities

• Under supervision, cut, prune and trim trees of all heights to remove and control excess, undesired or diseased wood and foliage.
• Operate all related tree care vehicles and equipment.
• Climb trees and use safety belts, ropes and saddles.
• Perform tree surgery.
• Maintain job related equipment.
• Maintain campus flagpoles.

Skills

Tree maintenance

Teamwork

Communication skills

Problem solving

Safety awareness

Hazard identification

Education

California Commercial Class B license

Tools

Boom/bucket trucks

Harnesses/safety belts

Climbing saddles

Chippers

Stump grinders

Power saws

Chain saws

Pruning tools

Other hand/power tools

Job description

DESCRIPTION

The Landscape Services & Waste Management Division is a vital component of the UC San Diego Facilities Management (FM) Department, responsible for the comprehensive care, sustainability, and operational integrity of the university's exterior environment. This division plays a pivotal role in shaping and maintaining an aesthetically engaging, safe, and environmentally responsible campus setting that supports UC San Diego's mission of education, research, and public service.

Spanning over 1,200 acres, the division manages a diverse range of services across the university's main campus and off-site facilities. These services include the maintenance of landscaped areas, hardscapes, urban forests, and roadways, as well as the full spectrum of waste, recycling, and composting operations. With stewardship over 25,000 trees, 10 miles of campus roads, and the removal and processing of more than 10,000 tons of solid waste and recycling materials annually, the division is central to UC San Diego's environmental sustainability and operational resilience.

Position Overview

Under supervision, cut, prune and trim trees of all heights to remove and control excess, undesired or diseased wood and foliage. Operate all related tree care vehicles and equipment. Climb trees and use safety belts, ropes and saddles. Perform tree surgery. Maintain job related equipment. Maintain campus flagpoles.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in tree maintenance and preservation to include pruning, trimming, cutting, disease control, tree surgery, and tree and stump removal. Ability to inspect trees and determine healthy parts or branches as well as needed trimming and cutting.
• Experience using boom/bucket trucks, harnesses/safety belts, climbing saddles and other equipment to safely access tree branches. Experience with chippers, stump grinders, power saws, chain saws, pruning tools and other related hand/power tools and equipment.
• Ability to effectively work individually or in teams as well as with diverse groups. Ability to work effectively in a service oriented environment subject to frequently changing priorities.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally, in writing, or electronically. Ability to understand and apply University and Departmental policies and procedures.
• Ability to follow through and carry out assignments. Problem-solving skills and sound judgement.
• Experience with tree care industry safety standards and practices, PPE, fall protection, hazard identification.
• Possession and maintenance of a current, valid California Commercial Class B license with Air Break Endorsement preferred.

Special Conditions

• Reference check and Department of Justice/FBI background check required prior to hire. DMV driving record check prior to hire.
• Valid Drivers License required; must be able to obtain and/or show proof of valid California Drivers License.
• This position is also subject to periodic driver license checks through the DMV Pull Notice Program and random drug and alcohol testing.
• Must be physically able perform all essential functions. May be required to work overtime as operationally necessary.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $55,750 - $73,665 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $26.70 - $35.28

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).