Tree Planting Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $6,645.00 - $8,639.00 Monthly
Location : Whittier, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-023
Department: Parks
Opening Date: 08/28/2026
Closing Date: 9/11/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Max Number of Applicants: 150
Description
WILL CLOSE AFTER 150 COMPLETED APPLICATIONS OR SEPTEMBER 11, 2026, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST.
DEFINITION:
Under direction, directs, coordinates, and supervises the activities and operations of the maintenance and care of City street and park trees; supervises the weed abatement program; implements maintenance policies and procedures; outlines, assigns, and determines work projects; ensures safe work practices; performs other related duties as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
The Tree Maintenance Supervisor is the supervisory level classification responsible for overseeing the Tree Maintenance Division. The incumbent is responsible for planning and scheduling staff assignments and monitoring work production. This class serves as supervisor for related tree planting, maintenance, trimming, and care of City street and park trees and weed abatement, inspecting, evaluating, and approving completion of assignments by tree crews. This classification is distinguished from the next higher classification of Park Manager in that the latter has overall responsibility for the administration and management of all park and tree maintenance operations.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED:
Receives direction from the Park Manager. Exercises direct and indirect supervision over assigned staff
Examples of Duties
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (include but are not limited to the following)

• Supervises, inspects, and participates in the work of crews engaged in the assigned tree program, including tree planting, maintenance, trimming, and care of City street and park trees; supervises the weed abatement program; outlines unusual work assignments and special projects according to general instructions; coordinates and provides liaison to contractors; inspects completed work.
• Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and procedures; evaluates work methods and procedures for improving Division performance and meeting goals; ensures that goals are achieved; forecasts the needs and resources of the Tree Division; assists in assessing current and long-range goals and objectives.
• Participates in the selection and training of Tree Division personnel; assumes responsibility for motivating and evaluating assigned personnel; provides or arranges for necessary training; initiates discipline procedures as is appropriate.
• Participates in the development of and monitors the Tree Division budget; prepares reports; oversees and maintains the inventory, maintenance, and operating condition of departmental tools, equipment, and supplies; requisitions and orders needed materials, parts, and equipment.
• Determines work assignments and utilization of personnel, equipment, and materials; recommends equipment and supplies; purchases materials and supplies as required; maintains a variety of records.
• Prepares and administers contracts for tree trimming services; prepares bid specifications for contract services; ensures that services are performed in keeping with contract provisions.
• Evaluates service needs, equipment, work methods, and operations; evaluates maintenance procedures, and services to determine effectiveness; recommends changes to increase effectiveness to meet departmental objectives.
• Receives and investigates service requests; determines and ensures appropriate disposition; investigates and reports on matters related to claims made against the City.
• Evaluates and recommends work projects and activities; estimates time, materials and equipment necessary for successful completion of work; identifies and reviews resource needs with appropriate management staff; allocates resources accordingly.
• Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, State/ local agencies and associations, City management and staff, and the public.

OTHER DUTIES: (include but are not limited to the following)

• Assists other Parks and Public Works divisions when required.
• Answers emergency calls from the public and other agencies taking appropriate action.
• May be exposed to confidential and privileged information during the course of duties, which should be maintained as such.
• Performs other related duties as required.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
Position requires sitting, standing, walking on level and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping, and making repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties. Incumbents perform strenuous work and frequently work at heights well over 10 feet either in an aerial bucket or while suspended by ropes and climbing equipment. The position also requires both near and far vision when inspecting trees and operating assigned equipment. The need to lift, carry, and push tools, equipment, and supplies weighing 75 pounds or more is also required. Additionally, the incumbent in this outdoor position works in all weather conditions, including wet, hot, and cold. The incumbent may use herbicides, which may expose the employee to fumes, dust, and air contaminants, and be exposed to mechanical and electrical hazards. The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to use power and noise producing tools and equipment, including the frequent use of chain saws, drive motorized vehicles and heavy equipment, and work in heavy vehicle traffic conditions. The incumbent may be required to respond to after hours emergency call-outs and perform routine standby duties.Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.
Typical Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS: (The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification.)
Education and/or Experience:
Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for aTree Maintenance Supervisor. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess the equivalent of four years of increasingly responsible experience in tree maintenance work, including two years in a lead or supervisory capacity, and the equivalent of graduation from high school, supplemented by specialized training in ornamental horticulture.
License/Certificate:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Class B California driver's license. Must maintain DL 51A health certification and possession of California endorsements required to operate applicable City vehicles and/or equipment.Possession of or ability to obtain a Qualified Applicator Certificate issued by the State of California. Possession of or the ability to obtain a Certified Arborist certification from the International Society of Arboriculture.
KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES/SKILLS: (The following are a representative sample of the KAS's necessary to perform essential duties of the position.)
Knowledge of:
Practices, techniques, and methods of tree planting, maintenance, care, and removal; characteristics of healthy tree growth and tree diseases; methods of rigging, including ropes, lines, tackle, and guy wires; practices and techniques for tree climbing; characteristics and proper application procedures for pesticides and herbicides; operational and maintenance characteristics of different types of vehicles, equipment and tools used in tree maintenance; methods and materials used in an effective weed abatement program; principles and practices of supervision; proper methods of traffic control and delineation; basic principles of mathematics; techniques of scheduling work assignments; standard office procedures, practices, and equipment; modern office equipment including a computer and applicable software; methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing; proper English, spelling, and grammar; and occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
Ability to:
Supervise and direct the operations and activities of the Tree Maintenance Division in the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department; plan, organize, and direct the work of subordinate staff; safely operate a variety of tools and equipment used in maintenance and repair; estimate time and materials for completion of projects; coordinate and conduct training programs for staff; respond to issues and concerns from the community; work independently and as part of a team; meet the public in situations requiring diplomacy and tact; prepare contract documents; plan, organize, and supervise the work of subordinate staff; interpret, explain, and apply applicable laws, codes, and regulations; maintain accurate records; prepare and present reports make sound decisions within established guidelines; follow written and oral directions; observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Skill to:
Safely and effectively operate a variety of maintenance equipment, tools, and materials; operate an office computer and a variety of software applications.
EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS (Actual benefits may vary by employee group)
Retirement - Employees hired prior to 1/1/13 and those individuals identified as Classic Members under Public Employment Retirement Law (PERL) will be enrolled in the City's 2.5% @ 55 for Miscellaneous Members and may have a future CalPERS contribution as established by resolutions, labor agreements or Public Employee Retirement Law. New members under Public Employment Retirement Law (PERL) hired as of 1/1/13 will have the new CalPERS 2% @ 62 for Miscellaneous Plan and will have a mandatory CalPERS contribution as established by PERL. There is currently no deduction for Social Security, as the City does not participate in the Social Security program.
Insurance - Health, dental and life coverage for employee and/or dependents. Vision coverage for civilian employees and dependents and police sworn personnel. The City pays a substantial portion of insurance premiums. Employee paid Supplemental Life Insurance available through payroll deduction.
Flexible Reimbursement Account Program - Allows employee payment of insurance premiums, medical and dependent care expenses with Pre-Tax dollars, increasing take-home pay.
Employee Wellness Program - Promotes the health and well being of employees and dependents.
Vacation Leave - 80 hours accrual per year after one year, increasing to 184 hours per year upon completion of 19 years of service.
Sick Leave - 96 hours accrual per year. 16 hours may be used for personal necessity. Partial sick leave pay upon separation.
Personal Leave - 8 hours per year not charged to sick leave.
Holidays - 92 hours paid holidays per year.
Employee Assistance Program - Employee and family members receive professional confidential assistance with personal problems.
Tuition Reimbursement - City pays substantial cost of tuition for job related courses.
Computer Loan Program - City offers no interest loans to purchase personal computer equipment.
Credit Union - Credit Union membership is available, providing low interest loans.
Deferred Compensation - 1.5% City contribution to deferred compensation.
Health Savings Retirement Plan - Non-taxable contributions and non-taxable withdrawals for medical-related expenses.
Disability Insurance - City has a self-insured disability plan.
The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provision contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.