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Tree Falling Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Showing results 21-27

Tree Falling information

See California salary details

$15

$28

$49

How much do tree falling jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for tree falling in California is $28.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.07 and $32.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tree faller?

Tree falling jobs involve the process of cutting down trees in a controlled and safe manner. Professionals who perform this work, often called fallers or arborists, use specialized equipment and techniques to remove trees for reasons such as safety, land clearing, or timber harvesting. The role requires knowledge of tree biology, safety protocols, and environmental regulations. Tree falling can be dangerous, so proper training and protective gear are essential. These jobs are commonly found in forestry, landscaping, and utility maintenance industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tree faller?

To thrive as a Tree Faller, you need expertise in tree assessment, safe cutting techniques, and physical stamina, often supported by forestry training or certification. Proficiency with chainsaws, safety gear, and sometimes GPS or mapping tools is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and strong communication are essential soft skills for ensuring safety and effective teamwork. These skills and qualities are crucial for minimizing hazards, maximizing efficiency, and ensuring regulatory compliance in a high-risk environment.

What safety measures should I expect to follow when working as a tree faller?

As a tree faller, adhering to strict safety protocols is essential due to the hazardous nature of the work. You will routinely use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as helmets, eye and ear protection, chainsaw-resistant clothing, and safety boots. The job also requires constant communication with your team to ensure everyone is aware of the direction of the fall and any potential hazards. Regular safety briefings, equipment inspections, and adherence to industry best practices are key parts of the daily routine. Being proactive and attentive to safety not only protects you but also your coworkers and the surrounding environment.

What is the difference between Tree Falling vs Tree Climber?

AspectTree FallingTree Climber
Required CertificationsChainsaw certification, safety trainingClimbing safety, chainsaw operation
Work EnvironmentGround-based, often remoteIn trees, at various heights
Industry UsageTree removal, land clearingTree maintenance, pruning

Tree Falling and Tree Climber roles often overlap but differ mainly in focus. Tree Falling involves cutting down trees from the ground, requiring specialized safety and chainsaw skills. Tree Climber involves ascending trees for pruning or maintenance, emphasizing climbing safety and tree care skills. Both roles are essential in arboriculture and often work together on tree removal projects.

How are tree fallers paid?

Tree fallers are typically paid based on the amount of work completed, such as a fixed rate per tree or per hour. Payment can also depend on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the job, with some workers earning hourly wages and others earning piece-rate compensation.

What are popular job titles related to Tree Falling jobs in California?

For Tree Falling jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Tree Falling jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Tree Falling jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Tree Falling job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,881 per year, or $28.8 per hour.

Defensible Space Groundsman (entry level)

Elements Mountain Company

Truckee, CA • On-site

$23 - $30/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Pay: $23-$30 per hour DOE
Title: Groundsman
Department: Defensible Space
Reports to: Department Team Lead & Operations Manager
SUMMARY:
The Defensible Space Groundsman supports defensible space, forestry, and tree care operations. This role ranges from developing basic field skills to performing technical work with minimal supervision. Groundsmen assist with site preparation, equipment operation, tree removal, and defensible space projects while maintaining a safe, efficient, and organized job site.
Team members are expected to contribute to the success of the crew, support fellow employees, and continuously develop their skills. No job is too small when it comes to moving the team forward.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Arrive on time with a positive, team-focused attitude
Complete all required company training
Follow company policies, procedures, and safety standards
Assist crew members with all aspects of defensible space, forestry, and tree care operations
Maintain clean and organized job sites, trucks, trailers, and tools
Use and maintain landscaping and forestry tools such as rakes, loppers, handsaws, ladders, chainsaws, and other equipment
Safely operate and assist with forestry equipment including chippers, mini skid steers, chainsaws, and related tools, as assigned by the team lead
Support tree climbers by assisting with rigging systems, ropes, knots, and felling/limbing operations
Assist with tree felling, pruning, brush removal, and defensible space work
Identify and communicate job site hazards to maintain a safe work environment
Transport equipment and materials to and from job sites
Identify and proactively recommend cost-saving opportunities
The duties and responsibilities list is not designed to be an exhaustive list of what will be assigned to you. Employees may prefer other duties as assigned by the manager.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record
Team player who can communicate and work well with others
Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and terrain
Ability to work in a fast-paced, physically demanding environment
Strong attention to detail
Commitment to safety and courteous job site behavior
Ability to communicate and work effectively within a team
Willingness to learn, develop skills, and take direction
Physical Requirements:
Standing
Walking
Sitting
Reaching with hands and arms
Lift up to 50 pounds
Special Requirements:
Ability to safely communicate real-time coordination with climbers in trees and ground crew critically to prevent injury.
Ability to apply common-sense understanding to carry out simple one- or two-step instructions. Ability to deal with standardized situations with only occasional or no variables.
Ability to apply common-sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
Experience using the equipment required for the job, including but not limited to chippers, pole saws, loppers, rakes, etc.
Hazards: The employee may be exposed to the risk of injury from falling limbs or debris during outdoor work activities. The role may involve operating or working near chainsaws and chippers, which can result in exposure to flying debris during normal operation.
Required Safety Equipment provided by the employer, including but not limited to gloves, hard hats, and eye protection.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
A. Environmental Conditions
• Outdoor weather conditions
B. Noise
• Exposure to very loud noise while working near chainsaws, chippers, pole saws, and light traffic.
WORK HOURS
Employees will be provided with their schedule based on the available schedules outlined in our alternative workweek agreement. Schedules are subject to change based on company need with minimal notice.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
A. Compensation
This job could entail full-time or part-time hours. The specifics will be included in the offer letter.
B. Benefits
Benefits are based on the status of employment that are clearly outlined in the offer letter.
I have reviewed and understand the job duties and responsibilities outlined in this description and can perform the essential functions. I acknowledge that my job may change as needed, and I have discussed any unclear duties with my supervisor or HR. I understand that performance evaluations and pay increases depend on my ability to meet these responsibilities. Any questions about this description were addressed before signing.