Tree Cutting Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $110,115.20 - $128,044.80 Annually
Location : Hayward City Hall - 777 B Street, Hayward, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: M220-2026-08
Department: Maintenance Services Department
Opening Date: 08/07/2026
Closing Date: 8/23/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
DEADLINE TO APPLY:Sunday, August 23rd 2026, by 11:59 p.m.THE POSITION:
Tree Trimmer performs skilled and semi-skilled work in maintaining trees on public grounds and rights of way. This position supervises a tree trimming crew and performs other related work as required.
You are:
The ideal candidate will have journey level experience and is expected to perform the full range of tree trimming duties as assigned. It will be imperative that the ideal candidate possess knowledge of Bay Area trees, tools, and tree trimming techniques. This role requires that the candidate be safety minded, a team player, a good communicator, and able to analyze stressful situations while remaining calm. The ideal candidate should possess climbing skills to a level they can work independently and perform all aspects of tree maintenance and removal. They shall have skills to use app-based computer programs to input time sheets and open and close work orders. The ideal candidate shall be proficient with chainsaws, ariel lift truck, chipper, and stump grinder. A desired qualification for this position is a Tree Worker or Arborist certification through the International Society of Arborist (ISA).
Essential Duties
What you will do:
1. Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:
2. Operates aerial high tower unit and associated tools and equipment used in tree crew operations.
3. Trims, tops, fells, and cables trees.
4. May use rope and saddle in trimming and felling operations.
5. Mixes spray materials and operates power driven spray equipment.
6. Performs and directs rigging of lines, blocks and guys required in tree maintenance work.
7. Performs preventive maintenance on hand tools and power driven equipment.
8. Supervises tree trimming crew and keeps time sheets.
9. Answers questions from the public related to tree trimming operations.
10. Operates other related tree maintenance equipment such as root cutters and stump removers.
11. Performs related duties as assigned.
Link to full job description:
CORE COMPETENCIES
Knowledge of:

• Accepted methods of trimming, topping and felling trees.
• Common species of Bay Area trees.
• High climbing techniques and safe operating procedures.
• Common spray materials.

Ability to:

• Supervise a crew, keep time sheets and work harmoniously with other crews.
• Operate aerial high tower units and associated tools and equipment.
• Perform tasks requiring good physical strength and agility.
• Follow written and oral directions.
• Deal courteously and effectively with the public.
• Use rope and saddle in trimming and felling operations.

Minimum Qualifications
JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
You have:
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience: Two (2) years of experience in the trimming and topping of trees.
Education: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.
License: Possess and maintain a valid Class C California Driver's License. Must obtain Class B License during probationary period. Depending upon assignment, a Class A Driver's License and/or a California Tanker Endorsement may be required.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Essential duties require the mental and/or physical work environment: work in variable indoor and outdoor conditions; tolerate exposure to outdoor elements in all weather conditions (e.g. heat, cold, and rain) throughout the year; be able to tolerate some exposure to noise, vibration, chemicals, moving objects, traffic, engine exhaust, dust, mechanical and electrical hazards, and odorous environments; frequently kneel, stoop, crouch, squat, climb, twist, and handle equipment; grasp, perform repetitive hand movements and fine coordination to prepare documents and data using a computer keyboard and mouse/trackball; sit for prolonged periods of time; stand, walk, reach, bend and safely lift and move equipment and materials weighing up to 75 pounds; converse by telephone, by email, in person, and be clearly understood; read and comprehend documents; interact with the public and all different levels of City staff in an effective and professional manner. Essential functions must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD: One (1) year
Supplemental Information
BENEFITS AND REWARDS:
Depending on employee group, some of these benefits may include:

• Vacation - 80 hours minimum
• 15.5 Paid Holidays
• Generous employer contribution for Health, Dental and Vision coverage
• CalPERS Defined Benefit Retirement Plan (2.5% at 55 for Classic CalPERS members | 2.0% at 62 for New CalPERS members | 3.0% at 50 for Classic Safety members | 2.7% at 57 for New Safety Members) - No Social Security participation.
• Life and Disability Insurance and Paid Leave
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health and Wellness Reimbursement
• Professional Development Reimbursement
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (employee paid)

SELECTION PROCEDURE
Apply - submit a completed City of Hayward job application and responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire, which fully describe the nature of their professional experience and qualifications.
Application Review -
A. Minimum qualifications
B. Completion of the supplemental questionnaire
The rating of the supplemental questions may determine application status and/or rank on the eligible list. Applications submitted without all required materials will not be considered.
Job Related Testing (examination)-
Please note that all testing dates are tentative and subject to change.
Written Examination - Tentatively Scheduled for Friday, September 11th, 2026
Performance Exam - TBD
*You will be required to bring your own climbing gear for the performance examination
The examination process will result in a ranked eligible register of candidates for hiring consideration by the department derived from any of the exam processes mentioned above.
Department Interviews - Actual hire depends on success in the departmental selection process. The date for department interviews is to be determined.
Candidates under final consideration for employment with the City should expect to undergo an employment background/reference check that may include, but is not limited to: employment history verification, medical evaluation, confirmation of educational credentials and degrees, licenses including driver's license, registrations, certificates, and other credentials as part of the appointment process. Some positions, depending on the nature of the work, also require a credit check and a review of Summary Criminal History obtained from the State Department of Justice through Live Scan Fingerprinting.
Applicants will be notified electronically via Government Jobs as to their status in the selection process. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure they can receive email notice from Neogov/Government Jobs and the City of Hayward.
The City of Hayward reserves the right to modify the selection process as necessary to conform to administrative or business necessity.
APPLICATIONS
Candidates are encouraged to apply online at www.hayward-ca.gov under the Current Vacancies tab or at www.GovernmentJobs.com. Paper applications can be obtained by visiting the Human Resources Department at Hayward City Hall located at 777 B Street, Hayward, CA 94541. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Apply prior to the closing time of the job announcement and allow at least one (1) hour to submit your application if you are a new user to the system. Our on-line application system is provided by Government Jobs. If you have problems while applying online, please contact the Government Jobs Help Desk at (855) 524-5627.
The City of Hayward is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Benefits Overview
This summary provides a brief overview of the benefits available to regular full-time City employees. As indicated in the 2025 Benefit Summary, some employee groups have different benefits based upon negotiated agreements. Depending on employee group, some of these benefits may include:

• Your choice of CalPERS Medical Plan (with generous employer contribution)
• CalPERS Defined Benefit Retirement Plan (2.5% at 55 for Classic CalPERS members | 2.0% at 62 for New CalPERS members | 3.0% at 50 for Classic Safety members | 2.7% at 57 for New Safety Members)
• Dental Insurance (plans available through Delta Dental or United Concordia)
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Paid Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health and Wellness Reimbursement
• Professional Development Reimbursement
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (employee paid)
• Other Employee-Paid benefits include pet insurance and discount plans, pre-paid legal, etc.

To view a summary of the benefits the City offers, please click
01
Please be sure to answer the supplemental questions thoroughly and accurately. Applicants are responsible for clearly, completely, and accurately identifying their qualifications. Your responses to the questions must be supported by both the work experience listed on your application as well as your resume. The rating of the supplemental questions may determine your application status and/or rank on the eligible list. Responses should be sufficiently detailed to assist in evaluating your qualifications for this position. Writing 'see resume' or 'N/A' is not a sufficient response.I have read and understand the statement above concerning submission of supplemental questionnaire responses.

• Yes
• No

02
Please describe your climbing style.
03
How many years of climbing experience do you have?
04
List any relevant equipment and/or tools that you use in a typical day.
05
Do you possess a Class A license? If so, please attach to your application.

• Yes
• No

06
Do you possess a Class B license? If so, please attach to your application.

• Yes
• No

07
Do you possess a valid Class C California Driver License?

• Yes, I possess a Class C California Driver License
• I possess a driver license outside of California and am able to obtain a Class C California Driver License by date of hire.
• No, I do not possess a Driver License and am not able to obtain one by date of hire.

08
Do you possess a certified tree worker certification?

• Yes
• No

09
Do you possess an Arborist license?

• Yes
• No

Required Question