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Arborist Assistant Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

Arbor Crew Leader

Santa Rosa, CA

$19.75 - $24.75/hr

Supervise safe loading and unloading of equipment * Assist Arbor Foreman with initial and on-going training of crews * Discuss job site observations with Arbor Foreman * Trim and reshape trees to ...

Arbor Crew Leader

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$19.75 - $24.75/hr

Supervise safe loading and unloading of equipment * Assist Arbor Foreman with initial and on-going training of crews * Discuss job site observations with Arbor Foreman * Trim and reshape trees to ...

Arborist Assistant information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$16

$31

$54

How much do arborist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for arborist assistant in Santa Rosa, CA is $31.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.42 and $36.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an arborist assistant?

Arborist Assistants are professionals who support certified arborists in the care and maintenance of trees. Their duties often include helping with pruning, planting, fertilizing, and removing trees, as well as operating and maintaining tools and equipment. They may also assist in diagnosing tree health problems and implementing treatment plans. Arborist Assistants typically work outdoors in various weather conditions and must follow safety protocols. This role is ideal for those interested in arboriculture and seeking hands-on experience in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an arborist assistant?

To thrive as an Arborist Assistant, you need basic knowledge of tree care, physical fitness, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with chainsaws, climbing gear, and safety harnesses is vital, and certifications in first aid or tree care safety are often beneficial. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn help you excel in supporting arborists and ensuring safe work environments. These skills are crucial for maintaining tree health, preventing accidents, and contributing effectively to arboricultural projects.

What are some common challenges faced by arborist assistants in the field, and how can they be overcome?

Arborist Assistants often encounter physical demands such as lifting heavy equipment, working at heights, and exposure to varying weather conditions. Adhering to proper safety protocols, using personal protective equipment, and maintaining good communication with the lead arborist can help mitigate these challenges. Additionally, staying organized and willing to learn new techniques will make daily tasks more manageable and contribute to a safer, more efficient work environment.

What is the difference between Arborist Assistant vs Tree Trimmer?

AspectArborist AssistantTree Trimmer
Required CertificationsOSHA safety training, possibly pesticide application licenseTypically no formal certifications required
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, in trees, with climbing gear and toolsOutdoor, mainly ground-based or with bucket trucks
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by landscaping companies, tree care services, municipalitiesCommonly used by tree trimming and landscaping companies
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesNo

In summary, an Arborist Assistant often has certifications like OSHA safety training and works closely with arborists in tree care, including climbing and pruning. A Tree Trimmer typically focuses on trimming and pruning from the ground or bucket trucks, with less emphasis on certifications. Both roles are essential in tree maintenance but differ mainly in responsibilities and required credentials.

How much does an arborist assistant make an hour?

An arborist assistant typically earns between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Entry-level positions may pay closer to the lower end, while experienced assistants with specialized skills can earn higher wages. The job often involves working outdoors with trees and using climbing or pruning tools.

What are the most commonly searched types of Arborist jobs in Santa Rosa, CA?

The most popular types of Arborist jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What job categories do people searching Arborist Assistant jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Arborist Assistant jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Arborist Assistant jobs?

Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Arborist Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Arborist Assistant job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,338 per year, or $31.9 per hour.

$19.75 - $24.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

True North Landscapes


Monarch Landscape Companies is a family of successful landscape brands in eight states across the United States. We are a values-based learning organization committed to being the best place to work as a landscape professional. Our approach to investing in people is simple. We put the Field First!

We strive to be the best place to work for landscape professionals, and are currently offering an excellent opportunity for an Arbor Crew Lead. We're looking for qualified, driven individuals who can work autonomously.

This posting remains open year-round as we are always looking for great people to join our team! If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit your application and we will reach out shortly.

Job Summary

Responsible for the direction of crew activities on job site, and to provide a high quality of service and safe working environment.

Primary Duties:

  • Understand and implement job specifications for each site
  • Assign daily tasks to crew members and ensure compliance
  • Conduct daily job site safety briefing and tailgate meeting with crew
  • Safely climb trees using climbing hooks and belts, or climb ladders to access work area
  • Complete daily paperwork timely and accurately
  • Report equipment in need of repair to shop mechanic
  • Supervise safe loading and unloading of equipment
  • Assist Arbor Foreman with initial and on-going training of crews
  • Discuss job site observations with Arbor Foreman
  • Trim and reshape trees to achieve attractive shapes or remove low hanging branches
  • Cable, brace, tie, bolt, stake, and guy trees and branches to provide support
  • Cut away dead and excess branches from trees using climbing equipment or buckets of extended truck books, and/or chainsaws, hooks, handsaws, shears, and clippers
  • Lower branches with ropes or block and tackle
  • Transplant and remove trees and shrubs, and prepare trees for moving
  • Safe operation of shredding and chipping equipment, including the feeding of brush and limbs into machines
  • Safe operation of arbor vehicles and equipment, including but not limited to: boom trucks, loaders, stump chippers, brush chippers, tractors, sprayers, power saws, chainsaws, pole pruners, backpack blowers, and hand tools
  • Inspect trees to determine if they have disease or pest problems
  • Clean, sharpen, and lubricate tools and equipment
  • Shows up to work each day on time; completes all tasks within time expectations; adheres to company dress code policy; wears clean clothes to work each day; follows inclement weather policy and sick leave reporting procedures

Supervisory Duties:

  • This position supervises an Arbor Crew of 2-5 employees

Qualifications:

Education and Work Experience

  • High school diploma or GED
  • At least 2 years of professional tree work experience, including management of employees

Language Skills

  • Ability to communicate effectively with crew members and Arbor Foreman
  • Ability to verbally understand and communicate in English
  • Bi-lingual English/Spanish preferred but not required

Certificates, Licenses and Registrations

  • Valid driver license issued by the state where employed is strongly preferred
  • Valid ISA Certified Tree Worker Certification, or ability to obtain within 6 months

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Basic tree care principals, pruning techniques, tree ID and disease ID
  • Tree climbing (above 15 feet), cabling, and safety procedures
  • Aerial rescue; safe work practices; proper PPE; hazard recognition; Dig Alert procedures and tree removal techniques; basic knots and rope operation for rigging; emergency tree rescue procedures
  • Excellent internal and external customer service skills, ensuring clients needs are met in an accurate, complete, and timely fashion by demonstrating courtesy, efficiency, and professionalism

Physical Demands:

  • Frequently climbs trees above 15 feet, and performs work on branches or truck platforms
  • Frequently required to reach, bend, twist, stoop, crouch, climb and balance on surfaces that may be narrow and/or slippery
  • Frequently required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
  • Constantly required to talk, hear, see, sit, stand and walk
  • Must be able to see at close vision, distant vision, peripherally, have depth perception and have the ability to adjust focus

Total Rewards

At Monarch, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage, and retain top talent. Elements of our Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

Monarch also provides eligible employees with an array of additional benefits, including:

  • The opportunity to enroll in a variety of healthcare benefit programs, including medical, dental, and vision plan options; flexible spending accounts; retirement savings plans; term life/ad&d; and a number of supplemental insurances
  • Company Provided Life/AD&D
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • 7 Paid Holidays
  • 3 Days Paid Bereavement
  • 5 Days Paid Jury Duty
  • Employee Equity Program
  • Paid Time Off Starting at 1 week per year
  • Sick Pay in accordance with applicable state or local ordinance
  • On-Demand Pay Through A Partnership with DailyPay
  • Referral Bonuses Programs
  • Gym Membership and Mobile Carrier Discounts
  • Education Assistance
  • Best-in-Class Learning Management System
  • Career Advancement Opportunities

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as position, tenure, geographic location, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Please note that the salary information shown below is provided in compliance with state specific laws. Salaries are based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations, and therefore may be different in other locations or operating divisions.

Pay range: $32 - $40


True North Landscapes is an EEO and E-Verify participating employer.

True North Landscapesis an On Demand Daily Pay employer.