Tree Trimmer - Forestry

City of Modesto•Modesto, CA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Modesto is hiring Tree Trimmers I/II to prune, plant, remove, and care for City trees. The role performs skilled tree maintenance on City-owned property and in the public right-of-way, using tree-trimming equipment and vehicles while working outdoors at varying locations. Candidates may qualify through different combinations of experience and training. The Tree Trimmer II classification has additional advanced arboricultural, rigging, safety, documentation, and field-guidance responsibilities beyond those of Tree Trimmer I. Work is performed year-round in outdoor settings and can involve street or field noise, changing weather, loud equipment, machinery, and working at heights. Occasional overtime and weekend work may be required; travel is rare. Salary depends on the candidate’s experience. The posting also lists upcoming education incentives of 2.5% for a bachelor’s degree and 5% for a master’s degree.

Requirements

Tree Trimmer I: one year of experience in tree trimming, landscaping, or forestry work; any combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge and abilities may qualify.
Tree Trimmer I: high school diploma or GED equivalency.
Tree Trimmer I: knowledge of basic tree trimming, pruning, and removal techniques; proper cutting methods; and basic arboricultural principles.
Tree Trimmer I: knowledge of common tree species and ability to identify common tree diseases, pests, and structural defects.
Tree Trimmer I: awareness of electrical hazards and ability to work safely around energized power lines and equipment.
Knowledge of safe work practices, First Aid, CPR, emergency medical procedures, and the uses and purposes of tree-trimming tools and equipment.
Ability to safely and efficiently use, maintain, and operate hand tools, mechanical equipment, power tools, vehicles, and stationary mechanical equipment.
Ability to establish effective working relationships and communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
Possession of a valid Class B Commercial California driver’s license with specific endorsements is required within 60 days of appointment.
Traffic Control and Flagging training must be completed by the end of the probationary period.
Tree Trimmer II: two years of increasingly responsible experience equivalent to a Tree Trimmer I in the City of Modesto.
Tree Trimmer II: ability to perform skilled and advanced tree-trimming and maintenance work, applying tree biology, structural integrity, species identification, and hazard-mitigation knowledge.
Tree Trimmer II: ability to inspect and maintain ropes, harnesses, and related equipment and demonstrate proficiency in rigging, aerial-lift operation, chainsaw use, and climbing and rigging systems.
Tree Trimmer II: ability to understand assigned maintenance activities, observe safety rules, and work independently in the absence of an on-site supervisor.
Physical demands include frequent heavy manual labor, prolonged standing, bending, squatting, grasping, holding, and reaching; frequent lifting up to 75 pounds and occasional lifting up to 100 pounds.
The role requires constant use of overall vision and frequent hearing and talking in person; eye or ear protection may be required.
The role involves frequent coworker contact, occasional work alone, and frequent exposure to loud noise, chemicals, fumes, and other environmental substances.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience working in a municipal, county, or utility forestry program.
Additional college-level coursework or certifications in arboriculture, horticulture, or urban forestry.
CPR/First Aid certification.
For Tree Trimmer II, a Line Clearance Tree Trimmer certificate.
For Tree Trimmer II, a Tree Worker or Arborist certificate issued by the International Society of Arboriculture.
Bachelor’s or master’s degree, associated with the listed education incentives.

Responsibilities

Use aerial lifts to trim and prune trees, providing clearance around streets, sidewalks, buildings, signs, and lights while supporting tree health.
Perform ground trimming using pole saws.
Remove standing and fallen trees, stumps, limbs, and related debris; clean up and dispose of debris, including brush chipping and green-waste management.
Plant, stake, and maintain trees on City property and in the public right-of-way.
Tie knots and rig and secure loads for the safe lifting and lowering of limbs and debris.
Safely operate and maintain tree-trimming and maintenance equipment, vehicles, and power tools, including aerial boom trucks, chippers, stump grinders, pole pruners, dump trucks, and chainsaws.
Recognize and report hazards, assess tree health and structural integrity, and identify risks and appropriate corrective actions.
Spray and inject pesticides and bolt and cable tree limbs.
Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public.
Identify equipment needs for assigned projects and use appropriate safety precautions.
Maintain positive working relationships with coworkers, City employees, and the public, applying good customer-service principles.
Maintain a safe work environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures.
For Tree Trimmer II, inspect and maintain ropes, harnesses, and related gear; apply rigging, climbing, aerial-lift, and chainsaw skills.
For Tree Trimmer II, set up and maintain traffic-control measures such as cones, barricades, and signage.
For Tree Trimmer II, guide and support lower-level personnel and mentor less experienced tree trimmers or ground crew in the field.
For Tree Trimmer II, interpret work orders, communicate job details to team members, perform tree inventories, and document completed work.
For Tree Trimmer II, work independently when an on-site supervisor is absent.
Perform related duties as assigned.