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Pruning Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tree Pruner

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$27.93/hr

Performs tree care maintenance such as pruning, removal, planting, mulching, staking, fertilizing and watering. * Operates heavy equipment (e.g., aerial portion of the bucket truck, chipper truck ...

Landscaping Pruner

Koloa, HI · On-site

$29.10/hr

The Pruner/Tree Trimmer operates an array of landscaping equipment to remove and dispose of unwanted branches, shrubs and trees and often operates and performs on lifts at the tree top levels or ...

POSITION DUTIES Performs tree care maintenance such as pruning, removal, planting, mulching, staking, fertilizing and watering. Operates heavy equipment (e.g., aerial portion of the bucket truck ...

Landscaping Pruner

Koloa, HI · On-site

$29.10/hr

The Pruner/Tree Trimmer operates an array of landscaping equipment to remove and dispose of unwanted branches, shrubs and trees and often operates and performs on lifts at the tree top levels or ...

Duties include climbing, topping, pruning, and felling trees; rigging ropes and tack line for self; using power saws and other tools and equipment; installing guying and bracing; repairing cavities ...

Duties include climbing, topping, pruning, and felling trees; rigging ropes and tack line for self; using power saws and other tools and equipment; installing guying and bracing; repairing cavities ...

Landscaper

Dillon, SC

$7.25 - $10/hr

Prunes and trims trees, shrubs, and hedges, using shears, pruners, or chain saws. Plants flowers and trees. Mixes and sprays or spreads fertilizers, herbicides, or insecticides onto grass, shrubs ...

Landscaper

Clermont, FL · On-site

$14.25 - $17.75/hr

Use hand tools, such as rakes, pruning saws, hedge or brush trimmers * Operate vehicles or powered equipment, such as mowers, clippers, or pruning saws * Prune or trim trees, shrubs, or hedges, using ...

Landscaper

Dillon, SC

$7.25 - $10/hr

Prunes and trims trees, shrubs, and hedges, using shears, pruners, or chain saws. Plants flowers and trees. Mixes and sprays or spreads fertilizers, herbicides, or insecticides onto grass, shrubs ...

Landscaper

Clermont, FL · On-site

$14.25 - $17.75/hr

Use hand tools, such as rakes, pruning saws, hedge or brush trimmers * Operate vehicles or powered equipment, such as mowers, clippers, or pruning saws * Prune or trim trees, shrubs, or hedges, using ...

Landscaper

Clermont, FL · On-site

$14.25 - $17.75/hr

Use hand tools, such as rakes, pruning saws, hedge or brush trimmers * Operate vehicles or powered equipment, such as mowers, clippers, or pruning saws * Prune or trim trees, shrubs, or hedges, using ...

Use hand tools, such as shovels, rakes, pruning saws, saws, hedge or brush trimmers, or axes * Operate vehicles or powered equipment, such as mowers, tractors, twin-axle vehicles, snow blowers, chain ...

Arbor Groundsman

Boynton Beach, FL · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

This position will perform a variety of arboriculture tasks, which may include any combination of the following: removing dead trees; trimming and pruning existing trees; maintaining tools and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Pruning information

See salary details

$15

$29

$50

How much do pruning jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for pruning in the United States is $29.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.36 and $33.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is pruning and what does a pruning job involve?

Pruning is the process of selectively removing branches, buds, or roots from trees, shrubs, or plants to improve their health, appearance, and growth. A pruning job typically involves assessing plants for dead, diseased, or overgrown parts and using tools like shears or saws to carefully cut them away. Proper pruning encourages healthy growth, improves air circulation, and can help prevent disease. People who do pruning work may be employed in landscaping, horticulture, or agriculture and often work outdoors.

What is the difference between Pruning vs Tree Trimming?

AspectPruningTree Trimming
PurposeSelective removal of branches to improve tree health, structure, and safetyShaping and aesthetic enhancement of trees, often for appearance
TechniquesPrecise cuts targeting specific branches or areasGeneral cutting for shape and size
Work EnvironmentOften performed by certified arborists or trained professionalsPerformed by landscapers or general maintenance workers
CertificationsArborist certifications often requiredLess formal certification typically needed

Pruning focuses on maintaining tree health and safety through precise cuts, often requiring specialized skills and certifications. Tree trimming is mainly for aesthetic purposes and shaping, usually performed by general landscapers. Understanding these differences helps ensure proper care and safety for trees.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in pruning roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals working in pruning often encounter challenges such as identifying the correct timing for pruning specific plants, managing physical fatigue from repetitive tasks, and ensuring the use of proper techniques to avoid damaging plants. These challenges can be addressed by staying informed about plant species’ growth cycles, using ergonomic tools, and participating in ongoing training to refine pruning skills. Additionally, effective communication with team members and supervisors helps coordinate tasks, ensuring that work is completed efficiently and safely.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Pruner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pruner, you need knowledge of plant biology, pruning techniques, and experience with landscaping or horticulture, often supported by on-the-job training or a relevant certificate. Familiarity with pruning tools such as shears, saws, and safety equipment is necessary, and some roles may require knowledge of specific tree management software or equipment. Attention to detail, physical stamina, and good communication with team members are valuable soft skills in this position. These skills ensure healthy plant growth, safety, and efficient maintenance of landscapes or orchards.
More about Pruning jobs
What cities are hiring for Pruning jobs? Cities with the most Pruning job openings:
What states have the most Pruning jobs? States with the most job openings for Pruning jobs include:
Infographic showing various Pruning job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,675 per year, or $29.2 per hour.
Tree Pruner

$27.93/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


City Of Pittsburgh rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

123rd of 643 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Salary: See Position Description
Location : Pittsburgh, PA
Job Type: CS Non-Competitive, Full Time
Job Number: 25-TPNZ-01
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 02/21/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: 04
POSITION SUMMARY
Provide professional tree care, under minimal supervision, on city right-of-ways, in parks, and on other city property.
Department: Public Works, Bureau of Operations
Posting Type: Announcement/Bid
Salary: $27.93 per hour.
Union: This position is included in the Pittsburgh Joint Collective Bargaining Committee and will be filled in accordance with the provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement
Union Bid Form: Not required. Your application for this position will serve as your union Bid Form.
Civil Service Classification: Non-Competitive
REQUIREMENTS
General Application Requirements:
You must submit or show proof of all of the following at the time of filing your application (unless otherwise indicated below) or your application will be disqualified. Disqualifications based on any of these General Application Requirements are not subject to a Civil Service appeal.
  • Applicants must submit a complete application including education, work experience, a resume (if applicable) and completed supplemental questions.
  • Applicants must become residents of the City of Pittsburgh prior to employment and must remain a resident throughout employment.
    • Click to view a map of City of Pittsburgh neighborhoods.
  • A current, valid Class C Pennsylvania Driver's License is required prior to appointment and must be maintained throughout employment. Written requests for accommodation based on the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act will be considered by the Department of Human Resources & Civil Service on an individual basis.

NOTE: The City of Pittsburgh, as a matter of policy, conducts pre-employment and promotional background investigations on all candidates being considered for positions. The background investigation includes but is not limited to criminal background, driver's license and City of Pittsburgh real estate tax payments. Candidates may be disqualified from consideration for employment based on the results of their background investigation (as it relates to the job for which the applicant is being considered).
Qualifying Requirements:
Your City of Pittsburgh application will be reviewed, and your work experience and education/training will be evaluated to determine if you meet the qualifying eligibility requirements listed below for this position. You will be sent an eligibility letter regarding your eligible/ineligible status.
  • WORK EXPERIENCE: The application must clearly show two (2) years of full-time, paid experience as a tree pruner-climber. (Less than full-time experience will be calculated on a pro-rated basis.)
  • EDUCATION/TRAINING: The application must clearly show a High School Diploma or GED Certification.
  • EQUIVALENCY: None permitted for this position.

CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATIONS
If you meet the qualifying requirements listed above, you will be sent a letter of admission (when applicable) for the following examination(s). You must pass the written and/or performance examination(s) in order to have your name placed on the official Civil Service eligibility list for this position. Candidates who receive job offers must pass a medical examination (when applicable) prior to start date.
  • Written: Based on the knowledge/abilities listed in the Position Description section of this announcement.
  • Performance: The performance exam is based on the knowledge/abilities listed in the Job Description. To view the full job description, please click the link at the bottom of the Position Duties section of this announcement. The exam dates are not yet established and will be scheduled based on applicant volume and weather.
  • Medical: Required.

Click HERE to view and/or print the Candidate Preparation Guide which contains event descriptions.
The Pre-Test Demonstration and Civil Service Examination dates are yet to be determined and depend on applicant volume and weather conditions.
POSITION DUTIES
  • Performs tree care maintenance such as pruning, removal, planting, mulching, staking, fertilizing and watering.
  • Operates heavy equipment (e.g., aerial portion of the bucket truck, chipper truck, chipper, etc.) utilized to prune and remove trees.
  • Operates manual and motorized equipment (e.g., chain saws, power pruner, stump grinder, root pruner, hand tools, etc.) at ground level and at heights up to 70 ft.
  • Trims trees using climbing ropes and saddle.
  • Uses proper safety equipment; monitors working conditions, and reports problems to supervisor.
  • Interacts with other city departments and the public to accomplish work.
  • Provides feedback to supervisors to enhance operations.
  • Keeps accurate records of time spent and equipment used on each job.
  • May work evenings, weekends and holidays as required in response to emergencies (e.g. storms, tornadoes, floods, mudslides, etc.) related to public tree removal.
  • May work in harsh weather conditions (e.g., extreme hot or cold temperatures, rain, snow, etc.) with frequent exposure to environmental hazards (e.g., pollens, poison ivy, dust, etc).
  • Uses a variety of technological hardware (ie, computers, laptops, tablets, smart phones, GPS, cameras, etc.) and/or software (ie, email, Microsoft Office, Cartegraph, etc.) to maintain records and prepare accurate reports on work performed daily, weekly, monthly, or as assigned or required.
  • Completes written daily work sheets as required.
  • Performs other duties as assigned or required.

CLICK HERE to view the full job description including knowledge, skills, and abilities and working conditions for this position. Locate and click on the position title to view the complete job description.
Full-time City employees receive a comprehensive benefit package including:
  • Health, Dental and Vision Benefits
  • Pension
  • Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Vacation
  • Personal Days
(Benefits may be modified based on collective bargaining unit terms.)
01
The City of Pittsburgh welcomes all applicants, including those who would need to relocate to satisfy the Residency Requirement prior to starting this position. Please elaborate on your plans to relocate to Pittsburgh if you do not already live within the City of Pittsburgh municipality. If you already reside within the City of Pittsburgh, please write N/A.
02
Do you have a current, valid Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Operator's License (Class C - regular) or a current valid driver's license from another state or the U.S. Armed Forces?If you do not possess a current, valid PA Class C Driver's License: Are you able to obtain one prior to appointment if you are selected to fill this position?
  • N/A- I already possess the required driver's license.
  • YES, I AM able to obtain a PA Class C Driver's License prior to appointment if I am selected to fill this position.
  • NO, I am NOT able to obtain a PA Class C Driver's License prior to appointment if I am selected to fill this position.

03
Do you possess at least two (2) years of paid professional experience as a tree pruner-climber? This experience must include tying into and climbing trees up to 70 feet in height.
  • Yes
  • No

04
Did you remember to attach your complete resume with this application? If you did not, your application may be disqualified.
  • Yes
  • No

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