Tree Surgeon Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Payroll Title:
TREE TRIM Department:
FACILITIES MANAGEMENT Hiring Pay Scale
$26.70-$35.28/Hourly Worksite:
Campus Appointment Type:
Career Appointment Percent:
100% Union:
SX Contract Total Openings:
1 Work Schedule:
8 hrs/day, 6:00AM - 2:30PM, Monday-Friday
#141009 Tree Trimmer
Filing Deadline: Mon 9/14/2026
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UC San Diego values and welcomes people from all backgrounds. If you are interested in being part of our team, possess the needed licensure and certifications, and feel that you have most of the qualifications and/or transferable skills for a job opening, we strongly encourage you to apply.
UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment : Apply by 8/27/26 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.
Reassignment Applicants : Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.
DESCRIPTION
Department Overview
The Landscape Services & Waste Management Division is a vital component of the UC San Diego Facilities Management (FM) Department, responsible for the comprehensive care, sustainability, and operational integrity of the university's exterior environment. This division plays a pivotal role in shaping and maintaining an aesthetically engaging, safe, and environmentally responsible campus setting that supports UC San Diego's mission of education, research, and public service.
Spanning over 1,200 acres, the division manages a diverse range of services across the university's main campus and off-site facilities. These services include the maintenance of landscaped areas, hardscapes, urban forests, and roadways, as well as the full spectrum of waste, recycling, and composting operations. With stewardship over 25,000 trees, 10 miles of campus roads, and the removal and processing of more than 10,000 tons of solid waste and recycling materials annually, the division is central to UC San Diego's environmental sustainability and operational resilience.
Position Overview
Under supervision, cut, prune and trim trees of all heights to remove and control excess, undesired or diseased wood and foliage. Operate all related tree care vehicles and equipment. Climb trees and use safety belts, ropes and saddles. Perform tree surgery. Maintain job related equipment. Maintain campus flagpoles.
QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated experience in tree maintenance and preservation to include pruning, trimming, cutting, disease control, tree surgery, and tree and stump removal. Ability to inspect trees and determine healthy parts or branches as well as needed trimming and cutting.
• Experience using boom/bucket trucks, harnesses/safety belts, climbing saddles and other equipment to safely access tree branches. Experience with chippers, stump grinders, power saws, chain saws, pruning tools and other related hand/power tools and equipment.
• Ability to effectively work individually or in teams as well as with diverse groups. Ability to work effectively in a service oriented environment subject to frequently changing priorities.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally, in writing, or electronically. Ability to understand and apply University and Departmental policies and procedures.
• Ability to follow through and carry out assignments. Problem-solving skills and sound judgement.
• Experience with tree care industry safety standards and practices, PPE, fall protection, hazard identification.
• Possession and maintenance of a current, valid California Commercial Class B license with Air Break Endorsement preferred.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Reference check and Department of Justice/FBI background check required prior to hire. DMV driving record check prior to hire.
• Valid Drivers License required; must be able to obtain and/or show proof of valid California Drivers License.
• This position is also subject to periodic driver license checks through the DMV Pull Notice Program and random drug and alcohol testing.
• Must be physically able perform all essential functions. May be required to work overtime as operationally necessary.

Pay Transparency Act
Annual Full Pay Range: $55,750 - $73,665 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)
Hourly Equivalent: $26.70 - $35.28
Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).
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If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community .
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.
a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• Abusive Conduct in the Workplace