Tree Trimmer (8083C), Facilities Services #87880

University of California; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 51,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Berkeley is seeking a Tree Trimmer to perform campus tree work and collaborate with the tree crew and Facilities Services units. The role involves pruning, removal, and routine maintenance under ISA guidelines, with emphasis on safety and coordination with campus customers and outside agencies.

The position requires two years of tree care experience, certification within one year, and the ability to work outdoors in a team.

Qualifications

• Two years of tree care experience.
• Certified Arborist within 1 year (required).
• Ability to work outdoors and in groups.
• Knowledge of ANSI A300 standards.

Responsibilities

• Perform outdoor tree work following ISA standards.
• Inspect for hazards and prune/remove trees as needed.
• Operate trucks and tree equipment during work.
• Maintain tools and equipment and perform daily maintenance.
• Ensure safety and traffic controls on work sites.

Skills

Tree climbing

Safety procedures

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Two years tree care experience

Tools

Chainsaw

Wood chipper

Bobcat with attachments

Aerial lift

Rigging ropes

Job description

Tree Trimmer (8083C), Facilities Services #87880

At the University of California, Berkeley , we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom, and belonging makes it a special place for students, faculty, and staff, who are among the most talented and accomplished anywhere, including Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and MacArthur Fellows. Since our founding in 1868, we have been an engine for innovation - driving intellectual, economic, and social progress that benefits California, the U.S., and beyond. Together, we change the world.

At Berkeley, the best careers are built on a foundation of continuous learning and growth . We actively support professional development by providing all full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours of paid time per year and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups.

Facilities Services works to continuously improve the campus in partnership with all members of the University community to ensure that classrooms, laboratories, and offices support teaching, learning and research. With over 500 dedicated staff members serving over 10M building square feet and 1100 acres, Facilities Services includes the asset management program, custodial services, maintenance operations, engineering and technical services, environmental services, grounds operations, the Cal Zero Waste program.

Position Summary

The Tree Trimmer performs campus tree work, work cooperatively with other members of the tree crew and with other Facilities Services units, CP staff, with campus customers, and outside agencies such as PG&E and the City of Berkeley.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is August 19, 2026. For full consideration, please apply on or before the first review date.

Responsibilities

FIELD DUTIES - 80%

• Work primarily outdoors under the supervision of the Lead Arborist.
• Follows ISA standards, proper safety procedures using appropriate PPE, PP-CS Code of Conduct, and Grounds Services operating procedures. Inspects, climbs, cables, braces, prunes, and removes, trees and shrubs. Performs all clean-up activities associated with tree work.
• Operates trucks and other tree industry equipment in the course of work.
• Uses basic/advanced tree climbing techniques such as up and down, foot locking, aerial rescue, lateral/side-by-side; climbs trees using climbing aids and safety devices in the process of trimming trees.
• Works primarily with hand saw, pruning shears, chainsaw wood chipper, Bobcat with grapple and stump grinder attachments, aerial lift, Hobs lowering device, and climbing and rigging ropes.
• Maintains power tools, hand tools, ropes, rigging devices, and saddles.
• Cleans and sharpens tools and power saws.
• Cleans and systemizes trucks.
• Inspects and diagnoses trees for various plant pathologies including bacterial and fungal diseases, insect problems, and nutritional deficiencies.
• Inspects for construction damage, hazardous trees. Takes corrective action as required, a nd/or as assigned.
• Responsibilities also include ensuring that proper pedestrian or vehicular traffic controls are in place when appropriate and that all safety measures and practices are in place and followed at all times.
• Works cooperatively with other PP-CS units, Capital Project staff, and other campus units.

ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES - 10%

• Annually recommends equipment and supplies required by the tree crew.
• Attends ISA or WCISA sponsored events or reads articles/study guides to accumulate the appropriate amount of CEUs to maintain ISA Arborist certification.
• Conducts and maintains inventory for equipment and tools.
• Fills out their time cards each day and prior to scheduled time off.
• May train or assist in the training of personnel as assigned.
• Ensures that operating procedures are followed such as ensuring that job-related injuries and illnesses are reported promptly.
• Ensures employees fill out their time cards each day and prior to scheduled time off.

SAFETY - 5%

• Adhere to all university and departmental safety guidelines.
• Attend job-related and safety training as required.
• Use required or appropriate PPE.
• Follow appropriate safety procedures, and the proper use and care of equipment such as the chainsaw, wood chipper.

OTHER - 5%

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Must be able to communicate effectively with co-workers, subordinates, supervisors, and the general public.
• Must be able to work cooperatively in a group setting.
• Must know and follow the ANSI A300-Tree, Shrub, and other Woody Maintenance Standard and Pruning Practices, Part 1-Pruning and Part 3-Support Systems.
• Must know the state and proper use of a hand saw, pruning shear, chainsaw wood chipper, Bobcat with grapple and stump grinder attachments, aerial lift, Hobs lowering device, and climbing and rigging ropes.
• Must be able to drive one-ton trucks the Hi-Ranger aerial lift, and proficiently position the wood chipper while driving in reverse.
• Knowledge and ability to properly operate, and provide daily/weekly basic maintenance of landscape maintenance equipment such as: chainsaw, and wood chipper.
• Must have two (2) years of experience in climbing trees, performing crown restoration, removing hazardous branches or trees, using rigging and related knots, and using tree trimming tools and equipment.
• Must have the ability to work with and/or ability to learn CMMS system organization, management, and maintenance; general work order/ workflow management and asset maintenance (using CMMS software) Maximo Work Order System.
• Must be proficient in tree climbing using climbing saddle and ropes, and also proficient in rigging.

Education / Training

• Two years of experience in the care of trees, including at least one year of tree trimming experience involving climbing. (Required)

Licenses / Certifications

• Must be a Certified Arborist obtain certification within one (1) year of employment. (Required)

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is$37.49 (Step 10) - $45.69 (Step 20).

• This is a non-exempt, bi-weekly paid position.
• This is a full-time (40 hours/week) Career position eligible for UC benefits.

Driving Required

Required to hold a valid driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program.

Other Information

• This is not a visa opportunity. This position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Physical Exam

Employment is contingent upon passing a physical exam.

Misconduct

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Misconduct means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.