ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Tree Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Laurinburg, NC

Tree Trimmer Technician II

NC · On-site

$930.52 - $977.60/wk

Work is performed under the regular supervision of a Tree Trimmer Supervisor. Qualification Requirements To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsTree Technician Jobs

Tree Technician information

See salary details

$26K

$54.6K

$93K

How much do tree technician jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for tree technician in the United States is $54,605.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,500.00 and $60,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Tree Technician, you need a strong understanding of arboriculture, tree biology, and safe work practices, often supported by a relevant certification such as ISA Certified Arborist. Familiarity with chainsaws, climbing gear, wood chippers, and aerial lift equipment is typically required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and strong problem-solving skills help ensure safe and efficient operations. These competencies are crucial for maintaining tree health, ensuring safety, and delivering high-quality service to clients and communities.

What are some common challenges Tree Technicians face when working in urban environments?

Tree Technicians working in urban settings often encounter challenges such as limited space for equipment, proximity to power lines, and the need to minimize disruptions to the public. Navigating around buildings and underground utilities requires precise planning and strong communication with property owners and city officials. Additionally, urban trees can be exposed to unique stresses like pollution and soil compaction, which Tree Technicians must address to ensure tree health and public safety.

What does a Tree Technician do?

A Tree Technician, also known as an arborist or tree care specialist, is responsible for maintaining the health, safety, and appearance of trees. Their duties include planting, pruning, diagnosing diseases, treating pests, and sometimes removing trees when necessary. Tree Technicians often work for landscaping companies, municipalities, or utility companies. They use specialized tools and equipment and must follow safety protocols to protect themselves and the environment. Additionally, they may advise clients on proper tree care and maintenance.

What is the difference between Tree Technician vs Arborist?

AspectTree TechnicianArborist
CertificationsTypically requires OSHA safety training, pesticide application licensesRequires ISA Certified Arborist credential, advanced training
Work EnvironmentPerforms tree care, pruning, and removal mainly outdoorsProvides expert tree care, consulting, and pruning services
Employer & Industry UsageEmployed by tree service companies, municipalitiesWorks for specialized arboriculture firms or independently
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared for entry-level roles and field tasksCompared for expertise and consulting roles

While both Tree Technicians and Arborists work outdoors performing tree care, Arborists typically have advanced certifications and provide expert consulting, whereas Tree Technicians focus on practical tasks like pruning and removal under supervision.

More about Tree Technician jobs
What job categories do people searching Tree Technician jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Tree Technician jobs are:
Tree Technician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tree Technician job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,605 per year, or $26.3 per hour.
Tree Trimming Tech II

Tree Trimming Tech II

Town of Wake Forest, NC

Wake Forest, NC • On-site

$62K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Salary : $62,488.00 Annually
Location : Public Works Operations Center, NC
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 202600141
Department: Public Works
Division: Urban Forestry
Opening Date: 04/13/2026
An employee in this class is responsible for operating specialized, heavy, forestry/arboricultural vehicles and equipment working from an aerial lift and/or climbing trees and skillfully using power hand tools to perform routine duties in right-of-ways in the vicinity of energized electric conductors and to assist in multiple tree pruning, removal, planting and maintenance functions within an urban forestry program. Work is also performed on street rights-of-way, in parks, in sewer outfalls, and around Town facilities and land holdings. Supervisory and training duties may be exercised over other personnel. Work is performed with some independent judgment under general supervision of the Tree Trimming Supervisor and overall supervision of the Electric Systems Division Manager. The Technician II provides guidance and leadership to lower level technicians. Requires responses to emergency tree maintenance needs, which are sometimes after normal business hours.
Employee Values: Employees of the Town of Wake Forest are expected to uphold and exhibit the Town's shared employee values of caring, commitment, character, and collaboration.
Essential Functions
  • Essential Functions
    • Drives and operates an aerial lift truck and uses it to prune and remove large trees often in close quarters near buildings, vehicles, and around voltage wires. Climbs trees using ropes and saddle without spikes for pruning and with spikes for removal.
    • Sets up work safety signs and cones and loads them at the end of each job.
    • Supervises crew in the absence of the supervisor.
    • Prunes trees to remove live and dead limbs, using chain saws, pole saws/pruners and hand pruners.
    • Works with Urban Forestry and Street Divisions to provide clearance on streets and sidewalks, at intersections, around traffic signals and signs, and around playground equipment and picnic shelters.
    • Logs trees for clearing operations.
    • Operates bush hog to clear rights-of-way.
    • Operates trailer-type brush, chipper to chop limbs and use chain saws to cut up wood for pruning and removal. Hauls brush and wood in dump bed or lift truck.
    • Plants trees and performs follow-up watering, mulch, fertilizing and treatment for insects and disease problems. Operates dump trucks and pump-oriented water tanks in the process.
    • Maintains tools and equipment (e.g. daily preventive maintenance on the aerial lift truck and brush chipper, greasing aerial lift and chipper blades).
    • Cooperates with other divisions and departments to operate aerial lift, chip brush, and cut wood from tree pruning and removal associated with public works construction and repairs.
    • Assists in use of stump grinder and track hoe.
    • Trains new employees on job duties such as aerial lift bucket, hazards, roping and rigging and truck set-up.
    • Responds to "after hours" emergency tree maintenance needs.
    • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Considerable knowledge of traffic laws and regulations, of work zone safety applicable to equipment operations, of hazards associated with the use of tools and equipment operation and the use of appropriate safety operations.
  • Considerable knowledge of tree trimming and cutting techniques.
  • Skill in operating tree-cutting equipment.
  • Ability to understand the use of hand and power tools and other related equipment.
  • Ability to apply pesticides.
  • Ability to read, interpret and complete work orders and use maps to organize workflow of each job and record completed work daily.
  • Ability to understand and follow detailed verbal and written relationships.
  • Ability to operate and maintain forestry/arboriculture/electric utility heavy equipment and vehicles.
  • Ability to use chain saws, hand saws, pole saws, pole pruners, loppers and hand pruners.
  • Ability to learn to operate newly developed arboricultural equipment and machines.
  • Ability to work in adverse weather conditions while being exposed to loud equipment, engine noise and fumes.
  • Ability to work in close proximity to high voltage wires and other lines.
  • Ability to climb trees using ropes, hooks, and climbing gear.
  • Ability to train and supervise other employees.

Special Requirements
Possession of a valid North Carolina CDL- A Driver's License
Possession of or able to obtain ISA Certified Arborist Credentials within 6 months of hire and maintain certification as a condition of employment
Possession of or able to obtain NC Pesticide Applicator License
CPR and First Aid
Physical Requirements
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to drive, climb, bend, lift, stand, sit, read, communicate, reach and manipulate objects, tools and controls. The position requires mobility. Most duties are physically demanding requiring the movement of materials weighing up to 100 pounds. Movement of materials weighing 25 pounds may consume up to 80% of the work period. Duties require operation of motorized vehicles, use of heavy, moderate and light equipment and tools. Activity and types of duties performed require moderate to heavy exertion, manual coordination and physical dexterity.
Desirable Education and Experience.
Associates or Bachelors Degrees in Arboricultural, Forestry or Horticultural operations, including tree maintenance and operating equipment necessary to perform tree maintenance duties.
Once an offer of employment has been extended, candidates will undergo a thorough background investigation, including NC State Bureau of Investigation fingerprinting.
The link below provides a summary of the major benefits provided to new full-time, regular employees with the Town of Wake Forest.
Details about benefits and costs for full-time employees is available under the Human Resources Department tab on the Town's website. The Town Provides:
  • Medical Coverage
  • Dental Coverage
  • Optional Vision coverage
  • Life Insurance
  • Long-term and Short-term Disability Programs
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Health Savings Accounts
  • Pension
  • Deferred Compensation (457) Plan and 401(k)
  • Social Security
  • Credit Union
  • Employee Assistance Program

Apply