1

Tree Planting Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Tree Trimmer Specialist

Fontana, CA · On-site

$5.3K - $6.5K/mo

A typical day includes planting new trees, installing and removing banners, and supervising the ... Select tree species; diagnose tree problems and diseases; recommend planting and removal of trees.

Planting Crew Backup Driver

Chino, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $28/hr

The Planting Crew Backup Driver at Moon Valley Nurseries is a hands-on member of the planting team responsible for performing tree and plant installations while supporting daily field operations.

Groundskeeper

Skyforest, CA · On-site

$15.75 - $20.25/hr

Water plants, flowers, and landscaped areas as needed. * Trim shrubs, pull weeds, rake, mulch, and prune grounds regularly * Cut and remove tree limbs that pose safety risks to guests or employees.

Groundskeeper

Skyforest, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $18/hr

Water plants, flowers, and landscaped areas as needed. * Trim shrubs, pull weeds, rake, mulch, and prune grounds regularly * Cut and remove tree limbs that pose safety risks to guests or employees.

next page

Showing results 1-20

Tree Planting information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$11

$18

$25

How much do tree planting jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for tree planting in Riverside, CA is $18.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.06 and $20.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is tree planting?

Tree planting is the process of transplanting tree seedlings, generally for forestry, land reclamation, or landscaping purposes. It involves preparing the land, selecting appropriate tree species, and planting them in a way that promotes healthy growth. Tree planting helps restore ecosystems, combat climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide, and can provide economic and social benefits to communities. The work is often physically demanding and can be seasonal, depending on climate and planting goals.

What are tree planting jobs?

Tree planting jobs include a variety of positions related to planting, nurturing, and caring for trees. Most tree planting jobs do not focus exclusively on planting trees. Your duties may also include logging, trimming, or landscaping areas. Common roles include planting seedlings for horticulture, supporting reforestation efforts, or helping landscape a local park. Most tree planting jobs take place outdoors, but you can find a few jobs working with seeds and pots in factory-like settings to prepare them for shipment. Due to the long growing times, many tree planting jobs are seasonal positions. If you want to work with planting trees year-round, you may need to look for a management position.

What are some common challenges faced by tree planters, and how can they be managed on the job?

Tree planting can be physically demanding, with challenges such as working in remote areas, variable weather conditions, and repetitive tasks that can lead to fatigue. To manage these challenges, it's important to maintain proper hydration, use correct lifting and planting techniques to avoid injury, and wear appropriate gear for protection against weather and terrain. Many crews foster a supportive team environment, encouraging frequent breaks and open communication to ensure everyone stays healthy and motivated throughout the planting season.

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

To thrive as a Tree Planter, you need physical stamina, attention to detail, and basic knowledge of silviculture and reforestation practices, usually gained through on-the-job training. Familiarity with GPS devices, planting tools, and safety equipment is often required. Strong teamwork, self-motivation, and resilience in various weather conditions are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure efficient, high-quality planting that supports forest regeneration and meets environmental standards.

What is the difference between Tree Planting vs Arborist?

AspectTree PlantingArborist
CredentialsTypically no formal certification required, but some may have basic horticulture knowledgeRequires certifications like ISA Certified Arborist
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, planting sites, nurseriesOutdoor, urban and rural trees, often consulting or maintenance
Industry UsageLandscaping companies, conservation projectsTree care, pruning, health assessments, consulting

Tree planting focuses on the physical act of planting trees, often with minimal certification, while arborists provide expert tree care, including pruning, health assessments, and consulting, requiring specialized certifications. Both roles work outdoors and are essential in forestry and landscaping industries, but arborists typically have more advanced training and responsibilities.

How hard is it to get a job as a tree planting?

Getting a job as a tree planter typically requires physical stamina, the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions, and sometimes prior experience or training. Many positions are seasonal and may not require formal education, but good teamwork and reliability are valued by employers.

How much do people get paid to plant trees?

Tree planting jobs typically pay between $10 and $20 per hour, depending on the location, experience, and organization. Some positions may offer a flat rate per tree planted or seasonal wages, especially for large-scale reforestation projects or conservation efforts.

What are popular job titles related to Tree Planting jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Tree Planting jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Tree Planting jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Tree Planting jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Tree Planting jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Tree Planting job openings:

Infographic showing various Tree Planting job openings in Riverside, CA as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,251 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Tree Trimmer Specialist

Fontana, CA • On-site

$5.3K - $6.5K/mo

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Definition Under general supervision, performs skilled tasks in maintaining and improving the City's urban forest program. EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: This position is responsible for a variety of activities associated with the trimming, removal and planting of trees in the City parks and parkways. This position involves duties at the advanced journey level and work is performed independently and requires the ability to exercise independent judgement in dealing with the public and following safety procedures.

This position oversees the work of assigned lower level positions and contractors. Position Snapshot/A Day in the Life; A typical day for a Tree Trimming Specialist in Fontana starts with reviewing and prioritizing work requests, followed by a team briefing and equipment preparation. The day involves traveling to job sites to trim, prune, and diagnose tree health, ensuring safety procedures are followed.

A typical day includes planting new trees, installing and removing banners, and supervising the team. The day ends with updating records, evaluating the day's work, and preparing for the next day. Throughout the day, the specialist works under various conditions, including extreme heights and all weather, while maintaining effective relationships and exercising independent judgment.

Essential Functions The employee must have the ability to: Coordinate the City's street tree program. Evaluate work requests and schedule work in priority order. Select tree species; diagnose tree problems and diseases; recommend planting and removal of trees.

Operate all associated equipment required in the planting, trimming, pruning and removal of trees. Install and remove banners. Maintain and update records, logs and reports.

Understand and carry out oral and written instructions. Read and interpret technical manuals. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Supervise, train, and evaluate assigned staff. Work under adverse conditions such as extreme heights. Employee must perform any other tasks or functions deemed necessary to the daily operations of the employer.

THE ABOVE LIST OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE AND MAY BE SUPPLEMENTED AS NECESSARY BY THE EMPLOYER WORKING CONDITIONS: Position requires prolonged 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 may be required to lift, carry and/or push objects weighing 25 pounds or more. The position requires near and far vision when inspecting work.

Incumbents work in all weather conditions, use cleaning and lubricating chemicals which may expose the employee to fumes, dust and air contaminants, drive motorized vehicles, heavy equipment and work around moving traffic and often works with constant interruptions. The incumbent is also required to climb ladders, use power and noise producing tools and equipment. Experience and Training Guidelines A combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

The employee must have knowledge of: The techniques involved in trimming trees pursuant to I.S.A. standards. Appropriate safety policies and procedures

The safe and effective use and operation of hand tools, mechanical equipment, and power tools required for the work. Tree identification, biology, tree nutrition, and climbing techniques. Principles of personnel supervision and training.

Tree problem diagnosis and management. Experience: Three years of increasingly responsible experience in the trimming and maintenance of trees. Education: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

Licenses and/or Certifications: Possession of, and continuously throughout employment, a Valid Class "A" Drivers License with Tanker Endorsement. I.S.A. certified arborist and/or I.S.A

certified tree trimmer certificate desirable.