Tree Care Specialist

Moon Valley Nurseries•Gilroy, CA

4d•$25 - $35•Onsite

About The Position

Moon Valley Nurseries is hiring an experienced Tree Care Specialist/Arborist to perform in-home tree consultations, provide pruning, and recommend care to homeowners for tree health and long-term maintenance. The role combines hands-on climbing, pruning, and tree-removal expertise with customer education and service. The position is based in Gilroy, California, is full-time, and includes up to 50% travel with open availability for day shifts. The specialist inspects trees and growing conditions, identifies health and safety concerns, and provides suitable care recommendations and treatments. The role also involves advising customers during on-site consultations, recommending relevant company products and services, maintaining customer or CRM notes, and providing follow-up communication. The position is active and primarily outdoors, with extended periods of standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing. Employees must frequently lift or move items over 35 pounds and may work in rain, heat, sun, and wind. A valid Qualified Applicator License must be obtained and maintained within 60 to 90 days of hire; the company covers the cost of obtaining it.

Requirements

At least 5 years of professional tree care experience or at least 3 years of crew management experience.
Proficiency in safe climbing techniques and tree rigging practices.
Strong communication skills and customer-facing experience.
Knowledge of Southwest tree species, desert climates, and regional plant health issues.
Ability to work independently, manage schedules, and provide follow-up care.
Clean driving record and eligibility for insurance coverage by the company’s insurers.
Pass a criminal background check, in accordance with applicable fair chance laws.
Ability to recognize bugs, fungi, or pathogens in trees.
Ability to network and communicate to research more in-depth issues.
Obtain and maintain a valid Qualified Applicator License within 60 to 90 days of hire; the company covers the cost of obtaining the license.
Pass a DOT health screen.
Ability to talk and hear, stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, and climb throughout the workday.
Frequently lift or move items over 35 pounds.
Work outdoors for extended periods in potentially extreme conditions, including rain, heat, sun, and wind.
Subject to motor vehicle record and criminal background checks.

Nice To Haves

ISA certified arborist, or ability to obtain certification within a year.
Sales knowledge.
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture or Horticulture, or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

Conduct tree inspections for health, structure, and safety.
Lightly prune and shape trees using climbing and ground-based techniques.
Inspect soil and tree wells for drainage and water penetration.
Recommend watering schedules based on seasonal changes and tree needs.
Identify signs of disease, pest infestations, and nutritional deficiencies.
Apply or recommend fertilization and treatment solutions.
Remove or adjust tree staking and inspect trunk caliper and strength.
Assess and maintain tree canopies for optimal growth and structure.
Wrap or paint trunks as needed to protect against sunscald or pest damage.
Serve as a trusted advisor during on-site home consultations.
Recommend Moon Valley products and services suited to customer needs.
Maintain and update customer profile or CRM notes.
Communicate with customers in person and by phone, providing high-level customer service.
Close on services and product recommendations as needed during visits.
Obtain and maintain a valid Qualified Applicator License within 60 to 90 days of hire.