Entry Level Tree Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Description This recruitment will close on August 20, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. or when 100 applications are received, which ever comes first. Under close to general supervision, performs a variety semi-skilled and skilled street and tree maintenance duties, including trimming, planting, pruning, removal and maintenance of trees; operates and maintains tree trimming and concrete related equipment, and performs repairs and maintenance of street and hardscape throughout the City

This is an entry level class in the Tree Trimmer/Hardscape Worker Series. This class includes employees who have some prior street and tree or other related maintenance work experience and are expected to progress rather quickly towards performing the full range of duties of the Tree Trimmer/Hardscape Worker II class. Assignments are the more routine and repetitive semi-skilled maintenance tasks and duties.

They work under general supervision with guidance, instruction or assistance, and may occasionally work in absence of a lead worker or supervisor. Decisions are made within established procedural frameworks. Incumbents may be required to serve on standby duty and to respond to emergencies during non-work hours.

Examples of Duties Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Work as a crew member in the planting, transplanting, pruning, trimming, and removal of trees; identify and remove broken, misshapen or undesired branches Diagnose when trees are diseased and notify supervisor Chip and load brush and limbs Trim trees for structural integrity, clearance of street lights and sweepers, and other trimming practices Irrigate, cultivate and fertilize trees and shrubs Perform basic tree surgery Check work location for hazards, such as power lines, fellow employees, equipment, pedestrians and traffic before cutting limbs Tie and stake trees Perform the grinding of hardscape displacement, which includes AC patching of displacements to alleviate tripping hazards Perform curb number repainting throughout the city as needed Perform patching and repairing of potholes Safely operate a variety of city vehicles and equipment, including dump trucks, aerial lift truck, skip loader tractor, one-ton brush truck, and other equipment such as grinders and scarifiers Set up temporary traffic control devices such as cones, sign and barricades in accordance with JPIA and WATCH manual standards Operate a variety of hand and power equipment used in landscape and tree maintenance including chippers, chain saws, hydraulic saws, handsaws, shears, blowers, hydraulic lift trucks and forklifts Clean and maintain trimming and hydraulic equipment Check equipment and city vehicles for any necessary maintenance needed and notify supervisor Load, lift and carry various materials, equipment and supplies Complete daily log in sheet of work performed Use mobile device (i.e. IPad, Tablet, etc.) to receive and respond to emails and service requests submitted for tree and hardscape services Document completed tree and hardscape work by taking photos and entering completed service into Go Gov and other tracking software Perform other duties as assigned Qualifications Education & Experience: Any combination of education and training that would provide the knowledge, skills and abilities listed is qualifying. A typical example would be: Graduation from high school or GED equivalent and one year of experience performing semi-skilled horticulture, tree, hardscape, park or grounds maintenance work

License: Possession of a valid California Class "C" driver's license issued by the California State Department of Motor Vehicles and a good driving record. Knowledge of: Methods, tools, equipment and materials used in maintaining, trimming, removing, pruning and treating trees and hardscape; safe work practices and safety regulations including those specific to tree trimming, equipment maintenance and operation; proper rigging procedures for aerial lift truck; pothole and sidewalk maintenance and repair work; fundamentals of tree surgery; types, characteristics and typical diseases and pests of ornamental and shade trees; basic computer software related to work; and basic record keeping practices. Skills & Abilities to: Use tree trimming, fall protection and other related safety tools and equipment; provide training and lead other employees; maintain and complete daily log in sheet; identify and repair potholes and sidewalk displacements; understand and carry out oral and written instructions without close supervision; read and write at the level required for successful job performance; learn and use basic computer software related to work; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; work safely and efficiently at a considerable height above the ground; perform minor sidewalk maintenance and repair work; and perform heavy physical labor.

Physical and Mental Demands/Environmental Exposure: Must be able to work with a full range of body movements involving reaching, bending, stooping, grasping, walking, kneeling, twisting, pulling, reaching, pushing, squatting and climbing; lift and/or move up to 50 pounds; stand and walk for long periods of time; strength to perform heavy labor; and dexterity to use hand and power-driven tools; work above shoulder level with power and/or hand tools for sustained periods of time; work up to 65 feet above ground from an aerial lift; drive city vehicles on City business; may work on slippery and uneven surfaces; ability to discriminate colors and see within normal ranges as well as hear within normal ranges. Frequently work outside, and may be exposed to variable weather conditions; exposure to noise from traffic and power-driven tools & equipment, vibration in working with hand and power-driven tools and fumes from the equipment. Supplemental Information The benefits package associated with regular full-time positions includes: Retirement Formula- The City participates in the CalPERS retirement system 2% at 55 for "classic" CalPERS members and 2% at 62 for "new" CalPERS members 2.

The City does not participate in Social Security Generous Leave Programs- 13 paid holidays; sick leave; and two weeks annual vacation (three weeks after three years, four weeks after 15 years) Health Insurance - Cafeteria benefit plan includes medical and dental options (City participates in the CalPERS medical insurance plans). Employee cafeteria allowance for single employee only coverage is $1,359.02 per month; for employee +1 eligible dependent coverage is $1,640.00; and for employee + 2 or more eligible dependents coverage is $1,900.00. City paid life insurance, long-term disability and vision insurance for the employee

Other Benefits: Longevity pay beginning at the completion of 10 years of qualified service; career medical retiree benefit programs 1. Benefits package information is based on current benefit information and subject to change, based on labor agreements; federal, state and/or local laws or resolutions. 2.For qualified public employees who are "classic" CalPERS members and City employees with membership into CalPERS prior to 1/1/2013 enrollment will be into the 2% at 55 formula

Pension benefits for employees hired on or after 1/1/2013 and are "new" CalPERS members are subject to the Public Employees Pension Reform Act provisions and will be enrolled into the 2% at 62 formula. Selection Procedure: All properly submitted applications will be reviewed and evaluated. Those candidates appearing to have the best qualifications for the position will be invited to participate in the examination process which may require any combination of the following: a written examination, a performance examination, and one or more oral interviews.

Not all applicants may be tested or interviewed. IMPORTANT INFORMATION The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Applications should be completed fully and clearly demonstrate how the minimum qualifications are met. All information provided is subject to verification. False or misleading statements may result in disqualification, removal from the eligible list, or termination of employment.

Resumes may be included as a supplement but will not be accepted in place of the City's application form. All application materials become the property of the City of Lakewood and will not be returned. COMPENSATION: City employees are paid on a bi-weekly basis, therefore, published monthly salary is for illustration purposes only, rounded to whole dollars.

Actual salary is based on hourly rate rounded to four decimal places. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY: The City of Lakewood does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability status, gender expression, gender identity, transgender, or other protected class in its employment actions, decisions, policies and practices. ACCESSIBILITY AND ACCOMMODATIONS: The City of Lakewood is committed to providing equal access to employment opportunities.

If you need assistance or would like to request a reasonable accommodation during any part of the selection process, including assessments and interviews, please contact ADAHR@lakewoodca.gov or call 562-866-9771 ext. 2210. Requests are encouraged as early as possible to allow time for coordination

IMMIGRATION REFORM & CONTROL ACT OF 1986: In compliance with the Act, all new employees must verify their identity and entitlement to work in the United States by providing required documentation. FINGERPRINTING: Applicants who are selected for hire are fingerprinted during the pre-placement processing period. All fingerprints will be processed with the Department of Justice to verify criminal records or absence thereof.

RESTRICTIONS ON NEPOTISM: The employment of relatives can create undesirable results, particularly in connection with performance evaluation, discipline, and general morale of other workers. Therefore, it is the city's policy that no relative of any City officer or employee to which this resolution applies shall be employed, if said City officer or employee is in a supervisory, lead or subordinate position over said relative in the areas of hiring, setting compensation, discipline or termination. "Relatives" for this purpose include son, daughter, mother, father, brother, brother-in-law, sister, sister-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, mother-in-law, father-in-law, aunt, uncle, nephew, niece, stepparent, stepchild, grandparent, grandchild, or persons living in the same household.

The City does not prohibit employment of two people who are married to each other or who are the registered domestic partners of each other pursuant to the California Family Code (section 297 et seq.). Nonetheless, the City will not employ spouses or registered domestic partners in the same division or facility in situations where such action is determined to be inappropriate because of reasons of supervision, safety, security or morale. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: Employment offers are conditional, based upon the successful completion of a medical examination which includes drug and alcohol screening for safety-sensitive positions

Physicals are performed by the City's designated physician at the City's expense. Candidates are cautioned not to quit their jobs or give notice to their current employers until they are determined to be medically qualified. TUBERCULOSIS TESTING: Candidates selected to work in a position requiring contact with children must submit a certificate or notice documenting that within the last two years they have been examined and found to be free of communicable tuberculosis.

The certificate or notice must be signed by a licensed examining physician or public health agency. POSSESSION OF A VALID CALIFORNIA DRIVER'S LICENSE: Employees in classifications requiring possession of a valid California driver's license will be enrolled in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Government Employer Pull Notice program, which confirms possession of a valid driver's license and reflects the driving record. LOYALTY OATH OR AFFIRMATION: All City employees are required to sign a loyalty oath or affirmation prior to actual employment.

EMERGENCY SERVICE: All City employees are required to perform assigned Emergency Service duties in the event of an emergency or disaster. PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Employees appointed to positions in the classified service are required to serve a probationary period of not less than six months. All other employees are considered at-will and serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority.