Tree Trimmer - Forestry

City of Modesto; Modesto (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Modesto is hiring Tree Trimmers I/II to prune, plant, and care for our City trees while working outdoors with a great team. No experience needed—bonus points if you have a Line Clearance Tree Trimmer or Arborist certificate!

Salary offered depends on candidate’s experience. Essential duties include trimming with aerial lifts, ground trimming, debris removal, tree planting, and maintaining trees on city property and in the public right‑of‑way.

Qualifications

• One year of experience in tree trimming, landscaping, or forestry work.
• High School diploma or GED; additional arboriculture coursework desirable.
• Valid Class B Commercial California driver’s license required within 60 days of appointment.
• CPR/First Aid certification desirable.

Responsibilities

• Use an aerial lift to trim and prune trees for clearance on streets, sidewalks, buildings, signs, and lights.
• Perform ground trimming using pole saws.
• Remove standing and fallen trees, stumps, limbs, and related debris; perform clean-up and debris disposal tasks.
• Plant, stake, and maintain trees on City property and in the public right-of-way.
• Properly tie knots; rig and secure loads for safe lifting and lowering of limbs and debris.
• Safely operate and maintain trimming equipment such as aerial boom trucks, chippers, stump grinders, pole pruners, dump trucks, and chainsaws.
• Identify hazards and report hazards to ensure safety.
• Build positive working relationships with coworkers and the public.
• Observe and maintain a safe working environment per safety programs.

Skills

Tree trimming

Tree removal

Planting

Aerial lift operation

Equipment operation

Safety procedures

Communication

Education

High School diploma or GED

Arboriculture coursework desirable

Class B Commercial California driver's license

Tools

Aerial lift

Chippers

Stump grinders

Chainsaws

Pole pruners

Job description

Upcoming Salary Increases And Incentives: Ready to grow your career? The City of Modesto is hiring Tree Trimmers I/II to prune, plant, and care for our City trees while working outdoors with a great team. No experience needed—bonus points if you have a Line Clearance Tree Trimmer or Arborist certificate! Upcoming Salary Increases And Incentives: 2.5% Education Incentive (bachelor's degree) 5% Education Incentive (master's degree) The Tree Trimmer I/II is responsible to perform skilled work in the pruning/removal, maintenance, and planting of City trees The City of Modesto is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of inclusion. A City application is required, including Supplemental Questionnaire. The City of Modesto does not sponsor H-1B Visas. Salary offered depends on candidate’s experience. Essential and Marginal Function Statements Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Essential Functions: Using an aerial lift to trim and prune trees to provide clearance of streets, sidewalks, buildings, signs, and lights as well as to ensure the continued health of the tree. Perform ground trimming using pole saws. Remove standing and fallen trees, stumps, limbs, and related debris; perform clean-up and debris disposal tasks, including brush chipping and green waste management. Plant, stake, and maintain trees on City owned property and in the public right-of-way. Properly tie knots; rig, and secure loads for safe lifting and lowering of limbs and debris. Safely and efficiently operate and maintain tree trimming and maintenance equipment such as aerial boom trucks, chippers, stump grinders, pole pruners, dump trucks, and power tools such as chainsaws. Recognize and report hazards such as decayed limbs, falling objects, or energized power lines; assess tree health and structural integrity to identify risks and recommend appropriate corrective actions. Spray and inject pesticides; bolt and cable tree limbs. Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public. Identify equipment needs for each assigned project. Utilize proper safety precautions related to all work performed. Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service. Observe and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures. Marginal Functions: Perform related duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Tree Trimmer I Knowledge Of: Basic tree trimming, pruning, and removal techniques, including proper cutting methods and basic arboricultural principles. Knowledge of common tree species and the ability to identify common tree-related issues such as diseases, pests, and structural defects. Demonstrated awareness of electrical hazards and the ability to work safely around energized power lines and equipment. Safe work practices. First Aid, CPR, and emergency medical methods and procedures. Uses and purposes of tools and equipment related to tree trimming and maintenance. Ability To: Use, maintain and operate hand tools, mechanical equipment, power tools, and other equipment required in a safe and efficient manner. Operate and maintain various vehicles and stationary mechanical equipment in a safe and effective manner in routine situations. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Experience and Training Guidelines: Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Experience: One year of experience in tree trimming, landscaping, or forestry work. Previous experience working in a municipal, county, or utility forestry program is desirable. Training: High School diploma or GED equivalency. Additional college level coursework or certifications in arboriculture, horticulture, or urban forestry is desirable. License Or Certificate: Possession of a valid Class B Commercial California driver’s license with specific endorsements is required within sixty (60) days of appointment. Trained in Traffic Control and Flagging by end of probationary period. CPR/First Aid Certification is desirable. Failure to obtain any of the required licenses/certificates within the prescribed time will result in release from probation. Tree Trimmer II In addition to the qualifications for the Tree Trimmer I: Knowledge Of: Utilize knowledge of arboricultural principles to assess, maintain, and enhance the health, structure, and safety of trees. Methods and techniques used in tree trimming and related maintenance work. Uses and purposes of knots and ropes related to tree trimming and maintenance. Ability To: Perform skilled tree trimming and maintenance work. Perform advanced arboricultural practices involving tree trimming, pruning, and removal; apply knowledge of tree biology, structural integrity, and species identification to ensure tree health, safety, and hazard mitigation. Inspect and maintain ropes, harnesses, and related gear to ensure all equipment is safe and serviceable; demonstrate proficiency in rigging techniques, aerial lift operation, and chainsaw use, including the proper application of climbing and rigging systems such as knots, hitches, slings, and lowering devices. Set up and maintain traffic control measures such as cones, barricades, and signage to ensure safety during roadside and right‑of‑way projects. On a continuous basis, know and understand assigned maintenance activities and observe safety rules. Provide guidance and support to lower‑level personnel, demonstrating safe and efficient work practices and mentoring less experienced tree trimmers or ground crew in the field. Read and interpret work orders; communicate job details to team members, perform tree inventories, and accurately document completed work. Work independently in the absence of an on‑site supervisor