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Tree Removal Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Painter/Groundskeeper

Rochester, NY · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

... snow removal in area's not under contract. Perform Spring and Fall grounds clean up. Weekly bed maintenance. Weeding, pruning and yearly mulch application. May include some tree/shrub pruning.

Painter/Groundskeeper

Rochester, NY · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

... removal in area's not under contract. • Perform Spring and Fall grounds clean up. • Weekly bed maintenance. Weeding, pruning and yearly mulch application. May include some tree/shrub pruning.

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Tree Removal information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do tree removal jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for tree removal in Rochester, NY is $17.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is tree removal?

Tree removal is the process of safely cutting down and removing a tree from a specific location. This service is often necessary when a tree is dead, diseased, posing a safety hazard, or interfering with property structures. Professional tree removal involves assessing the tree and surrounding area, using specialized equipment, and ensuring the safe disposal of the tree and debris. It is important to hire certified arborists or licensed tree removal companies to ensure the job is done safely and in compliance with local regulations.

What are tree removal jobs?

Tree removal jobs focus on using tools to remove designated trees, branches, and stumps as necessary from various areas. In this role, you may use equipment to climb trees, use tools like a chainsaw to trim branches, or use a wood chipper to break down wooden waste and convert it into another product. In some cases, you may also help diagnose diseases in trees, remove diseased limbs or rotted wood, or travel off-road to reach specific job sites. Some tree removal companies grind stumps down to ground level rather than fully removing them. All tree removal jobs entail managing the safety of the work site.

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

To thrive as a Tree Removal Specialist, you need knowledge of arboriculture, physical fitness, and experience with safe tree cutting techniques, often supported by a high school diploma and relevant training. Familiarity with chainsaws, ropes, rigging systems, wood chippers, and safety certifications like OSHA or ISA credentials is typically required. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and the ability to work well in a team are important soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and effective removal of trees while minimizing risks to people and property.

What are some common safety challenges faced by tree removal professionals, and how are they addressed on the job?

Tree removal professionals often encounter safety challenges such as working at heights, managing heavy equipment, and dealing with unpredictable tree falls. To address these risks, teams follow strict safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), thorough site assessments, and clear communication among crew members. Regular training in equipment operation and emergency procedures is also standard practice, ensuring that each team member knows how to respond to potential hazards effectively. Maintaining a strong safety culture is essential for both individual well-being and successful project completion.

What is the difference between Tree Removal vs Tree Trimming?

AspectTree RemovalTree Trimming
PurposeRemove entire trees due to hazards, disease, or developmentPrune and shape trees to promote health and aesthetics
CredentialsCertified Arborist or Tree Care SpecialistCertified Arborist or Tree Care Specialist
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, often hazardous, near structures or power linesOutdoor, focused on specific branches or canopy
Tools UsedChainsaws, rigging equipmentPruning shears, saws, pole pruners

Tree Removal and Tree Trimming both require similar certifications and are performed outdoors. However, Tree Removal involves completely removing a tree, often due to safety concerns, while Tree Trimming focuses on maintaining and enhancing the tree's health and appearance through selective pruning.

How much money do tree removal workers make?

Tree removal workers typically earn an average hourly wage of around $15 to $25, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $50,000. Earnings can vary based on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the job, and workers often operate chainsaws and other equipment in outdoor environments.

What are popular job titles related to Tree Removal jobs in Rochester, NY?

For Tree Removal jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Tree Removal jobs in Rochester, NY look for?

The top searched job categories for Tree Removal jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Tree Removal jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Tree Removal job openings:

Infographic showing various Tree Removal job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,956 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Job Posting Title Crew Leader with CDL

Lewis Services

Rochester, NY • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Crew Leader with CDL
Job Locations US-NY-Rochester
Job Post Information* : Posted Date 1 month ago(7/27/2026 8:47 AM)
Job ID 2026-5495
# of Openings 1
Department Field Operations
Job Posting Location : Location US-NY-Rochester
Job Post Information* : External Company Name Lewis Services
Job Posting Location : Postal Code 14604
Position Type Full-Time
Remote (Google for Jobs Only Field) No
Job Location Type Onsite
Overview
Join a Company That Grows People

At Lewis, we're not just trimming trees - we're building a future. As the second-largest utility vegetation management company in North America and a proud employee-owned business, we believe every person on our team matters. When you join Lewis, you're not just taking a job - you're investing in your future.

Why You'll Love It Here
  • Experience the great outdoors while working in nature, not stuck behind a desk!
  • Elevate your career with us - we prioritize training and internal promotions!
  • Join a vibrant team that champions safety, values your feedback, and fosters a strong sense of camaraderie!
Responsibilities

What You'll Do as a Crew Leader 

As a Crew Leader at Lewis Services, you will oversee and manage a crew performing utility vegetation management, ensuring safe and efficient tree trimming and line clearing operations for the utility and other customers. 

  • Supervise daily tree crew operations and ensure safe, efficient work practices, including training, onboarding, coaching, discipline, and ensure high-quality and efficient job performance. 
  • Plan and assign tasks based on crew members' skills and job requirements. 
  • Monitor and evaluate crew performance, including new hires, for training, promotion, and disciplinary actions. 
  • Maintain up-to-date contact information for all crew members and report any availability or fitness-for-duty concerns to the General Foreman. 
  • Conduct field training, retraining, and job briefings to ensure crew readiness. 
  • Enforce safety standards and company policies, report unsafe conditions or incidents immediately. 
  • Identify jobsite hazards and implement safeguards such as barriers and warning signs. 
  • Make decisions regarding work slowdown due to weather or safety concerns. 
  • Perform and direct tree trimming, removal, and clearance near energized lines using climbing or aerial lift techniques. 
  • Operate and oversee use of equipment, including trucks, chippers, aerial lifts, and power saws. 
  • Interpret work orders, utility drawings, and symbols related to line voltage and equipment. 
  • Maintain clean and organized work vehicles and job sites. 
  • Communicate with property owners to explain work, obtain access, and secure written permissions. 
  • Promote positive relationships with customers, the public, utility representatives, and other contractors. 
  • Cooperate with emergency services when blocking streets or driveways. 
  • Maintain accurate records and reports on crew performance, incidents, equipment issues, and completed work. 
  • Investigate incident reports and damage claims as assigned. 
  • Monitor and control crew costs through efficient use of resources and equipment. 
  • Stay informed on company policies, union agreements, and equipment standards. 
  • Emergency Response 
  • Respond to emergency situations to eliminate hazards and assist in service restoration. 
  • Exercise sound judgment in urgent scenarios to protect life and property. 
  • Request major tool or equipment repairs as needed.
  • Travel frequently, including overnight stays, as required.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
What You Bring
  • At least 3 years of experience in a tree crew or in utility vegetation management.
  • Strong knowledge and understanding of the ANSI Z133 Safety Requirements and A300 Pruning Standards for arboricultural operations.
  • Proficient in the identification of poisonous plants.
  • Proficiency in electrical circuit basics and interpreting circuit maps.
  • Advanced in tree ascent/descent using ropes and a safety saddle, and skilled in aerial lift operations.
  • Crew Leader Technical Knowledge and Skills Certification (or ability to complete).
  • Valid driver's license, CDL (as needed), and required medical certification.
  • Acquire and keep the required training and licenses for the safe and proper use of herbicides.
  • CPR and First Aid certified (provided by Lewis).
  • Strong leadership, effective communication, and decision-making skills.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable state, local, and federal regulations. 
Physical Demands

Ability to:

  • Lift 50 lbs. to shoulder height or higher
  • Push or pull up to 50 lbs.
  • Walk or hike up to one mile on uneven terrain
  • Endure extreme climate variances (e.g., severe cold to high heat and humidity)
  • Hear, speak, see, and communicate effectively
  • Operate two-handed tools and equipment
  • Maintain skill in tree ascent and descent
  • Work and maneuver at considerable heights during adverse weather conditions

Continuously - Standing, Walking, Handling/Grasping, Repetitive Movements.

Frequently - Lifting/Carrying, Pushing/Pulling, Stooping/Kneeling, Reaching, Tree Ascending/Descending.

Occasionally - Driving, Climbing Stairs/Ladders.

Rarely - Sitting/Operating

Comments: You should expect variability in size, proportions, conditions, and weights of supplies, equipment, and work conditions.

Environmental Conditions:

Continuously - Outdoor work

Occasionally - Noise Levels

Frequently - Extreme Temperatures

Rarely - Contact with hazardous materials or air quality issues

Never - Confined Spaces

Comments: You should expect variability based on regional weather patterns.  Personal protective equipment is required to be worn by OSHA and ANSI.

Tools & Equipment

Equipment may include:

  • Aerial lift trucks, dump trucks, ATVs
  • Chainsaws, pole saws, handsaws, chippers
  • Blowers, pruners, rakes, winches, ropes
  • Climbing gear: harness, chaps, spikes, hanger puller, manual and hydraulic pole saw, spikes.
  • Sprayer applicators, pump sprayer, herbicide applicators, fuel, cones, signs
  • Tablets and communication devices
What We Offer

Union Benefits

  • Competitive pay ($37.25-39.70/hour)
  • Paid training and certifications.
  • Career advancement opportunities
  • Local 1249 Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
People Promise

Our People Promise

Our commitment to Our People is key to the success of our business.  We respect the differences between us, and we leverage those differences to create an environment where all employees feel welcome and fairly treated.  We seek the best solutions possible by attracting and engaging a diverse workforce where all perspectives are sought out and valued. 


Lewis Tree Service is an equal employment opportunity employer committed to providing equal opportunity for both applicants and employees. Lewis Tree Service prohibits unlawful discrimination or harassment of employees and applicants based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age (40+), religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic, all employment decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training, apprenticeship, promotion, demotion, transfer, lay-off and termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment. Lewis Tree Service's practices and policies are administered under applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Spanish Posting

Unase a una empresa que fomenta el crecimiento de las personas

En Lewis, no solo podamos arboles, construimos un futuro. Como la segunda empresa de mayor tamano de gestion de servicios y vegetacion en Norteamerica y una orgullosa empresa propiedad de sus empleados, creemos que cada persona de nuestro equipo es importante. Cuando se incorpora a Lewis, no solo comienza un trabajo, invierte en su futuro.

Por que le encantara trabajar aqui

  • Experimente un maravilloso entorno al aire libre mientras trabaja en la naturaleza, no quede atrapado detras de un escritorio!
  • Eleve su carrera profesional con nosotros. Priorizamos la capacitacion y las promociones internas!
  • Unase a un equipo vibrante que es pionero en seguridad, valora su opinion y fomenta un fuerte sentido de la camaraderia!

Sus funciones como Jefe de Cuadrilla

  • Como Jefe de Cuadrilla en Lewis Services, supervisara y administrara cuadrillas que gestionan la vegetacion de las empresas de servicios publicos, garantizara operaciones eficientes de poda de arboles y limpieza de cables para las empresas de servicios publicos y otros clientes.
  • Supervisar las operaciones diarias del equipo de arboles y garantizar practicas laborales seguras y eficientes, que incluyen la capacitacion, la incorporacion, el entrenamiento, la disciplina y garantizar un desempeno laboral eficiente y de alta calidad.
  • Planificar y asignar tareas segun las habilidades de los miembros de la cuadrilla y los requisitos del trabajo.
  • Supervisar y evaluar el desempeno de la cuadrilla, incluidas las nuevas contrataciones, para su capacitacion, promociones y medidas disciplinarias.
  • Mantener actualizada la informacion de contacto de todos los miembros de la cuadrilla e informar cualquier inquietud sobre disponibilidad o aptitud para el trabajo al capataz general.
  • Realizar capacitaciones de campo, nuevas capacitaciones y reuniones informativas de trabajo para garantizar la preparacion de la cuadrilla.
  • Aplicar las normas de seguridad y las politicas de la empresa, informar de inmediato sobre condiciones inseguras o incidentes.
  • Identificar los peligros en el lugar de trabajo e implementar medidas de proteccion como barreras y senales de advertencia.
  • Tomar decisiones sobre la reduccion del ritmo de trabajo debido al clima o los problemas de seguridad.
  • Realizar y dirigir la poda, remocion y limpieza de arboles cerca de lineas electricas mediante el uso de tecnicas de escalada o plataformas aereas.
  • Operar y supervisar el uso de equipos, incluidos camiones, astilladoras, plataformas aereas y sierras electricas.
  • Interpretar ordenes de trabajo, planos de servicios publicos y simbolos relacionados con el voltaje de linea y los equipos.
  • Mantener los vehiculos y los lugares de trabajo limpios y organizados.
  • Comunicarse con los propietarios para explicar el trabajo, obtener acceso y asegurar permisos escritos.
  • Promover relaciones positivas con los clientes, el publico, representantes de servicios publicos y otros contratistas.
  • Cooperar con los servicios de emergencia cuando se bloquean calles o entradas de vehiculos.
  • Mantener registros e informes precisos sobre el desempeno de la cuadrilla, incidentes, problemas de los equipos y trabajo completado.
  • Investigar informes de incidentes y reclamos por danos segun se asignen.
  • Supervisar y controlar los costos de la cuadrilla mediante el uso eficiente de recursos y equipos.
  • Mantenerse informado sobre las politicas de la empresa, los acuerdos sindicales y los estandares de los equipos.
  • Responder ante emergencias.
  • Responder a situaciones de emergencia para eliminar peligros y ayudar a restablecer el servicio.
  • Aplicar buen juicio en situaciones urgentes para proteger la vida y los bienes.
  • Solicitar reparaciones importantes de herramientas o equipos, segun sea necesario.
  • Viajar con frecuencia, incluidos pernoctes, segun sea necesario.
  • Realizar otras tareas relacionadas asignadas.

Lo que usted aporta

  • Al menos 3 anos de experiencia en cuadrilla de arboles o gestion de vegetacion de servicios publicos. 
  • Solido conocimiento y comprension de los requisitos de seguridad ANSI Z133 y los estandares de poda A300 para operaciones arboricolas. 
  • Dominio en la identificacion de plantas venenosas. 
  • Dominio de los conceptos basicos de los circuitos electricos e interpretacion de diagramas de circuitos. 
  • Habilidades avanzadas para el ascenso/descenso de arboles con cuerdas y una silla de seguridad, y experto en operaciones de plataformas aereas. 
  • Certificacion de conocimientos y habilidades tecnicas del jefe de cuadrilla (o capacidad para completar estos requisitos). 
  • Licencia de conducir valida, licencia de conducir comercial (CDL) (segun sea necesario) y certificacio...