Tree Trimmer - Forestry

City of Modesto, CA; Modesto (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Modesto is hiring Tree Trimmer I/II to prune, plant, and care for 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!

The Tree Trimmer I/II role emphasizes safe operation of equipment, professional communication, and reliable teamwork to support urban forestry. Training and testing opportunities are included with a strong safety culture.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required; further arboriculture training desirable.
• Class B CDL with endorsements within 60 days of appointment.
• Line Clearance Tree Trimmer or Arborist certificates are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Trim and prune trees using an aerial lift to maintain clearance and health.
• Perform ground trimming with pole saws and remove debris.
• Plant, stake, and maintain City trees; ensure safety and proper care.
• Operate and maintain tree-trimming equipment safely and effectively.
• Identify hazards and communicate needs to team; assist public inquiries.

Skills

Tree trimming

Safety procedures

Communication

Teamwork

Education

HS diploma or GED

Arboriculture coursework desirable

Tools

Class B CDL with endorsements

Line Clearance Tree Trimmer cert

Arborist cert desirable

Job description

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

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants will be assessed on the application submitted. It is the applicant's responsibility to fill out the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application with complete information and adequate detail. Applications will be screened to the most qualified. Please do not substitute any part of the application with the words "see resume".

The following information is provided for use as a reference and as a planning tool. Human Resources is unable to schedule make-up examinations. Applicants considered to be the most qualified will be invited to continue in the testing process.

The Human Resources Department reserves the right to revise the testing process to best meet the needs of the City.

Tentative Testing Schedule

Online exam

Week of November 2, 2025

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 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.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

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.

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:

• Two years of increasingly responsible experience equivalent to a Tree Trimmer I in the City of Modesto. 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.
• Possession of a Line Clearance Tree Trimmer certificate is desirable.
• Possession of a Tree Worker or Arborist certificate issued by the International Society of Arboriculture is desirable.
• Failure to obtain any of the required licenses/certificates within the prescribed time may result in release from probation or termination.

Mobility

Frequent performance of heavy manual labor; frequent standing for long period of time; frequent bending and squatting. Frequent lifting up to 75 pounds; occasional lifting up to 100 pounds. Constant use of overall vision; may be required to wear eye protection. Frequent grasping, holding, and reaching. Frequent hearing and talking in person. May be required to wear ear protection or hear in noisy conditions. Frequent coworker contact; occasional working alone. Frequent exposure to loud noise; frequent exposure to chemicals, fumes, and other environmental substances.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in a typical outdoor environment on a year-round basis subject to street or field noise and year round weather conditions. Work requires exposure to loud equipment and machinery and working at heights. Work occurs at varying locations. Positions may require occasional overtime and weekend work and travel is rare.