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Tree Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Tree Care- Climber

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$28 - $30/hr

Access a tree safely according to company protocols after having made all the necessary inspections and assessments. Safely and efficiently move throughout the canopy and remove branches without ...

Tree Care Climber

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Tree Climbing and Pruning * Safely climb trees using rope-and-saddle, SRT, and/or DRT systems ... Inspect climbing gear and rigging equipment daily for safety compliance. * Assist in loading ...

Access a tree safely according to company protocols after having made all the necessary inspections and assessments. Safely and efficiently move throughout the canopy and remove branches without ...

Tree Climber Crew Lead (Sacramento)

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$22.75 - $31.25/hr

Inspect and maintain climbing gear and tree care equipment to ensure all equipment and tools are safe and in proper working condition * Review and manage crew schedules * Complete daily pre-trip ...

Access a tree safely according to company protocols after having made all the necessary inspections and assessments. Safely and efficiently move throughout the canopy and remove branches without ...

Access a tree safely according to company protocols after having made all the necessary inspections and assessments. Safely and efficiently move throughout the canopy and remove branches without ...

Tree Climber I (Sacramento)

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$22.75 - $31.25/hr

Access a tree safely according to company protocols after having made all the necessary inspections and assessments. Safely and efficiently move throughout the canopy and remove branches without ...

Tree Cimber Bakerfield

San Fernando, CA · On-site

$21.75 - $30/hr

Access a tree safely according to company protocols after having made all the necessary inspections and assessments. Safely and efficiently move throughout the canopy and remove branches without ...

Access a tree safely according to company protocols after having made all the necessary inspections and assessments. Safely and efficiently move throughout the canopy and remove branches without ...

Tree Care Climber

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$27 - $32/hr

Access a tree safely according to company protocols after having made all the necessary inspections and assessments. Safely and efficiently move throughout the canopy and remove branches without ...

Showing results 41-60

Tree Inspector information

See California salary details

$12

$26

$51

How much do tree inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for tree inspector in California is $27.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $31.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tree inspector?

Tree inspectors are professionals who assess the health, safety, and condition of trees in urban, suburban, or rural environments. They examine trees for signs of disease, pest infestation, structural weaknesses, and other hazards. Tree inspectors often work for local governments, utilities, or landscaping firms, and may be responsible for recommending maintenance, removal, or preservation actions. Their work helps ensure public safety and the long-term health of community trees.

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

To thrive as a Tree Inspector, you need expertise in arboriculture, tree identification, pest and disease recognition, and often a degree or certification in forestry or a related field. Familiarity with GIS mapping tools, tree management software, and equipment for field assessments is typically required. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities help inspectors interact with the public and make informed recommendations. These skills are crucial for ensuring tree health, public safety, and proper urban forestry management.

What are some common challenges a tree inspector might face during field inspections?

Tree Inspectors often encounter challenges such as identifying subtle signs of disease or pest infestations, especially when symptoms are not immediately visible. Working outdoors means adapting to various weather conditions and navigating difficult terrain to access trees on public and private properties. Additionally, Tree Inspectors must communicate findings clearly to both property owners and municipal staff, sometimes needing to explain recommended actions or regulations. Balancing fieldwork with timely and accurate report writing is also a key aspect of the role.

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Tree Inspector jobs?

Cities in California with the most Tree Inspector job openings:

Infographic showing various Tree Inspector job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,159 per year, or $27 per hour.

Tree Crew Leader/Boom Operator

BrightView Landscapes

Ventura, CA

$27 - $35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Supervise daily tree care operations and crew activities

  • Ensure safety procedures are followed, including equipment inspection and work area safety

  • Operate tree and landscaping tools, heavy equipment, and assist with pruning, trimming, debris clearing, and tree removals


BrightView Landscapes rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 93 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 37 rated gardening and landscaping


Job description

Description

The Best Teams are Created and Maintained Here.

Job Summary

  • The Crew Leader Tree Care oversees daily tree care operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality service. This role provides hands-on leadership in pruning, cabling, bracing, lightning protection, and tree removals, while guiding crew members, maintaining equipment, and upholding company safety standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Supervise the tree care service activities of the crew

  • Ensure crew members have the required safety materials, training, and are operating safely at all times

  • Ensure that the work areas beneath and around the trees are clear and properly marked to protect the public from falling debris

  • Inspect and maintain climbing gear and tree care equipment to ensure all equipment and tools are safe and in proper working condition

  • Review and manage crew schedules

  • Complete daily pre-trip inspection reports before dispatch for all Class B equipment

  • Coordinate with branch management, customers, and employees

  • Safely operate tree & landscaping tools, as well as heavy equipment, as needed

  • Utilize proper pruning techniques; assist with trimming trees, clearing, and chipping tree debris, ensuring proper disposal

      

Education and Experience:

  • Minimum 5 years experience in tree care services, climbing, production tree trimming, detail tree trimming, rigging/roping, & tree removals

  • Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

  • Experience managing a crew consisting of climbers and grounds men or related services

  • Supervisory experience

  • Minimum 3 yrs boom truck experience

  • Ability to become certified in EHAP, First-Aid, and CPR

  • Ability to prioritize and multitask in a fast-paced environment

  • Strong work ethic

  • Effective verbal and written communication skills

  • Bilingual (Spanish)

Physical Demands/Requirements:

  • Be at least 18 years old (21 if operating company provided vehicles)

  • Possess strong stamina and have the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions including extreme heat and cold.

  • Able to bend, stoop, kneel, twist, stand, walk continuously throughout the day and perform repetitive motions for extended periods.

  • Able to perform manual labor using a variety of hand tools (e.g. shovels, rakes)

  • You are able to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (e.g., safety shoes, high-visibility clothing, hand protection, eye protection, hearing protection, head protection)

  • Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends or holidays if needed.

  • Ability to lift and carry 40 lbs.

  • Ability to maintain, in your possession at all times, required medications to address any known allergic reactions should they occur.

  • Available to work 8+ hours per day with applicable breaks (during emergency work, mandatory overtime, after-hours, weekends, and holiday work may be required)

  • Must be able to work Saturdays

Work Environment:

  • Ability to work outdoors/indoors in moderate to extreme weather conditions (e.g., temperatures more than 100°F, temperatures below 32°F, various levels of humidity)

  • Ability to work in direct sunlight for extended periods of time.

  • Work outdoors near automotive traffic, bodies of water, fumes, dust, mechanical and/or electrical hazards.

  • Ability to work in environments where extended periods of loud noise are present.

  • Ability to work in environments where exposure to allergens such as pollen and rag weed, insects such as bees and spiders and reptiles such as lizards and snakes. 

BrightView Landscapes, LLC is an Equal Opportunity and E-Verify Employer.
This job description is subject to change at any time.

Compensation Pay Range:

$27.00 - $35.00

BrightView offers a suite or health, wellness, and financial benefits to full-time team members. Benefits offerings for full-time team members include medical, dental, and vision insurance, ancillary and voluntary products, a 401k savings plan with employer contributions, and 6 to 9 company paid holidays per year. Employees may also be eligible to receive paid time off for vacation and/or sick leave, tuition reimbursement, and/or potential variable pay opportunities based on position and performance. A detailed benefits package will be provided during the interview process.

It’s Not Just a Team. It’s One BrightView.


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