Entry Level Tree Service Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $49,881.00 - $66,974.00 Annually
Location : Redlands, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 02120
Department: Facilities Community Services
Division: Parks and Trees
Opening Date: 06/11/2026
Closing Date: 7/5/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Max Number of Applicants: 150
Description
****Only the first 150 applications will be accepted****
Take your career to new heights! We're looking for a dedicated Tree Trimmer who thrives in outdoor environments, values teamwork, and has the skills to safely prune, maintain, and care for trees that keep our communities beautiful and thriving.
Under general supervision to perform a variety of semi-skilled and skilled work involving the trimming, removal, and general maintenance of trees; and to trim trees working from the ground, ladders, and hydraulic booms.
Distinguishing Characteristics
Tree Trimmer I:
This is the entry level in the class series. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the II level, but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. Since this class is often used as a training class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience.
Tree Trimmer II:
This is the full journey level in the class series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the II level are normally filled by advancement from the I level requiring three years of experience at the I level, successful performance, budget availability, and management recommendation. When filled from the outside, the employee is required to have prior related experience which allows the employee to meet the qualification standards for the II level.
Examples of Duties

• Prunes trees to provide clearance of streets, sidewalks, signs, and lights and as necessary to ensure continuous health of plant;
• Picks up tree cuttings, brush, and debris resulting from tree trimming;
• Loads truck or chipping machine;
• Cuts and clears ground brush and undergrowth;
• Removes and grinds stumps;
• Plants and transplants trees;
• Removes fallen trees, dead limbs, and other debris resulting from storm damage and general conditions;
• Treats cut surfaces to protect trees from insects and tree diseases;
• Inspects and recommends if additional tree maintenance is needed;
• Checks location of power lines, personnel, equipment, pedestrians, and traffic before cutting limbs;
• Checks ropes for wear and breakage;
• Cleans and maintains trimming equipment;
• Drives truck and operates a variety of trimming and removal equipment;
• Delivers cuttings to dump site as necessary;
• Makes repairs to sidewalks, sprinklers, and fences damaged in tree trimming or tree removal process; reports any damage to structures or facilities;
• Provides assistance to parks and grounds maintenance staff; and
• Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications
Tree Trimmer I:
Education:

• Equivalent to a high school diploma supplemented by specialized training in tree care work.

Experience:

• One year of tree trimming and pruning experience.

Licenses and Certificates:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain within 9 months of hire, a valid Class B Commercial driver's license.

Tree Trimmer II:
Education:

• Equivalent to a high school diploma supplemented by specialized training in tree care work.

Experience:

• Three years of tree trimming and pruning experience.

Licenses and Certificates:

• Possession of a valid Class B Commercial driver's license.

Special Requirements:
Essential functions and duties require the following physical abilities and work environment:

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, twist, climb, and lift 80 lbs.;
• Exposure to heat, noise, outdoors, heights, vibration, confining work space, mechanical hazards, and electrical hazards; and
• Ability to travel to different sites and locations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of:

• Tree planting and maintenance methods;
• Tree insects and diseases and proper methods for their eradication;
• Materials, equipment, and methods used in the trimming and removal of trees;
• Safe work practices; and
• Safe driving principles and practices.
• Knowledge and ability to competently operate aerial boom trucks, brush chippers, and skip loaders.

Skill to:

• Learn to operate a variety of hand and power tools skillfully and safety;
• Perform heavy manual labor; and
• Operate a motor vehicle safely.

Ability to:

• Perform skilled tree maintenance work;
• Use materials, equipment, and methods used in the trimming and removal of trees;
• Understand and carry out both oral and written directions;
• Prepare routine records;
• Check and recognize defects in tree trimming equipment;
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing;
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to competently operate aerial boom truck (Tree Trimmer II);
• Ability to competently operate a brush chipper (Tree Trimmer II); and
• Ability to competently operate skip loader (Tree Trimmer II).

Supplemental Information
IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS
Candidates must clearly demonstrate through their application material that they meet the minimum qualifications of the position. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Examinations for the positions may consist of any combination of written, performance, and oral exams to evaluate the applicant's skills, training, and experience for the position.
The employment application must be completed and submitted online. Applicants must list current and past work experience. Do not indicate "See Resume".
Proof of education, such as but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees, must be submitted online with your application. Applicants are responsible for attaching proof of education, certification, and/or license to each position for which they apply.
An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credential evaluation service. This evaluation must be submitted by the application deadline.
Failure to provide all required documents can result in elimination from the selection process.
Please note that the City of Redlands' preferred method of communication with applicants is via e-mail. As such, please ensure you verify the e-mail address on your application and check your e-mail frequently, including your spam and junk folders.
The successful candidate will be required to undergo a reference/background check (to include a conviction record) and pass a post-offer pre-employment medical examination (which may include a drug/alcohol screening depending upon job classification). The City of Redlands utilizes E-Verify, and new employees must provide documentation to establish both identity and work authorization.
For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Sophia Diaz at or Julie Maher at
Benefits associated with this position include:

• Medical Insurance - City pays between $800 and $2,100 /mo for employees and eligible dependents, depending upon level of coverage;
• Dental Insurance - City pays monthly premium for employees and eligible dependents; 2 plans
• Vision Reimbursement - up to $300 per year
• State Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance - $25,000
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment - $25,000
• The City participates in Social Security
• Vacation Leave - 80 hours accrued in first year
• Sick Leave - 96 hours annually
• 14 Paid Holidays per year
• 2 Floating Holidays per year
• 20 hours of Additional Floating Holidays per calendar year
• Credit Union
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program - $2000 per fiscal year
• Certification Pay - 3% for select positions
• Shift Differential Pay - 5% (subject to the terms of the Teamsters MOU)
• Unform Allowance for select positions
• Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) - 2% @ 55 for employees who are considered a "classic" member of Cal PERS or a current member of another California public retirement system who is hired on or after January 1, 2013.
• Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) - 2% @ 62 for an employee who becomes a "new" member of Cal PERS for the first time on or after January 1, 2013 and who was not a member of another California public retirement system prior to that date; employee contributes half of the contribution rate.

01
Do you possess a high school diploma or equivalent supplemented by specialized training in tree care work?

• Yes
• No

02
Do you possess a valid Class B Commercial driver's license?

• Yes, I currently possess
• No, but I have the ability to obtain with 9 months of hire
• No, I do not possess and cannot obtain within 9 months of hire

03
How many years of experience do you have tree trimming and pruning?

• Less than 1 year
• 1 - 2 years
• 3 - 4 year
• 5+ years

04
Please indicate the equipment in which you have experience operating.

• Aerial Boom Truck
• Brush Chipper
• Skip Loader
• None of the above

Required Question