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Union Tree Trimming Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Groundperson - Union

Livonia, NY · On-site

$19.07 - $23.15/hr

If you want to experience the world from a tree's perspective, this is the job for you. Our crews trim, top, and reshape trees to remove low-hanging, dead, and excess branches, providing clearance ...

Groundperson - Union

Livonia, NY · On-site

$21.75 - $29.75/hr

If you want to experience the world from a tree's perspective, this is the job for you. Our crews trim, top, and reshape trees to remove low-hanging, dead, and excess branches, providing clearance ...

Groundperson - Union

Livonia, NY · On-site

$19.07 - $23.15/hr

If you want to experience the world from a tree's perspective, this is the job for you. Our crews trim, top, and reshape trees to remove low-hanging, dead, and excess branches, providing clearance ...

Groundperson - Union

Livonia, NY · On-site

$19.07 - $23.15/hr

If you want to experience the world from a tree's perspective, this is the job for you. Our crews trim, top, and reshape trees to remove low-hanging, dead, and excess branches, providing clearance ...

Union Tree Trimming information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$13

$25

$37

How much do union tree trimming jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for union tree trimming in Rochester, NY is $25.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $32.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical work conditions and hours for a Union Tree Trimming position?

Union Tree Trimmers commonly work outdoors in various weather conditions, often at heights or near power lines, which can make the job physically demanding. Work hours are typically full-time with potential for overtime during storms or emergency response situations, depending on contractual agreements. Teamwork is a key part of the role, as crews work together using specialized equipment to ensure safety and efficiency. Depending on the employer and local union, you may also be required to travel to different job sites. Union representation often helps provide good pay, benefits, and clear paths for career advancement within the industry.

What is a Union Tree Trimming job?

A Union Tree Trimming job involves trimming and removing trees near power lines to ensure safety and prevent outages. Workers are typically members of a labor union, which provides benefits, job protections, and standardized wages. This job requires physical labor, working at heights, and operating specialized equipment. Safety training and certifications are often necessary, as the work can be hazardous. Many positions are with utility companies or contractors that maintain electrical infrastructure.

How much does a union tree trimmer make?

Union tree trimmers typically earn between $20 and $35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and union agreements. They often receive benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans, and may need certifications in safety and climbing techniques.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Union Tree Trimming position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Union Tree Trimmer, you need strong tree-climbing abilities, knowledge of proper pruning and removal techniques, and a high school diploma or equivalent; specialized safety training such as OSHA certifications and proficiency with chainsaws, aerial lifts, and other arborist equipment are also essential. Familiarity with industry safety standards and procedures, as well as union-specific protocols, is highly valued. Excellent teamwork, reliable communication, and attention to detail help professionals stand out in often high-risk, coordinated environments. These skills are essential for ensuring personal and team safety, maximizing productivity, and providing high-quality service on challenging worksites.

How big of a tree to charge $1000 for removal?

In tree trimming and removal, a tree's size—typically measured by height, diameter, and complexity—affects the cost. For a union tree trimming professional, trees over 30 feet tall or with a trunk diameter of more than 12 inches often cost around $1,000 to remove, depending on accessibility and additional hazards. Factors like equipment, safety precautions, and site conditions also influence pricing.

How to become a journeyman tree trimmer?

To become a journeyman tree trimmer, you typically need to complete an apprenticeship program that combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction, often lasting 3-4 years. During this time, you will learn skills such as climbing, pruning, and safety procedures, and may need to obtain relevant certifications or licenses depending on your location.

How much money can you make trimming trees?

Union tree trimmers typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from $30,000 to $60,000 depending on experience, location, and certifications. Skilled workers who operate specialized equipment or work in hazardous conditions may earn higher wages.
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Infographic showing various Union Tree Trimming job openings in Rochester, NY as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 61% Full Time, 35% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,214 per year, or $25.1 per hour.
Trimmer/Climber - Union CDL Required - NTS

Trimmer/Climber - Union CDL Required - NTS

Nelson Tree Service, LLC

Rochester, NY

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Trimmer/Climber

Job Type: Full-Time +, Non-Exempt

Pay: Competitive, $24.93-$34.67 Per Hour; Based Upon Experience

Benefits:
  • Benefits Available and Vary per position and location
Essential Functions & Responsibilities:
  • Trims and/or removes trees, branches, trunk sections
  • Operate and service all required tools/equipment.
  • Cuts and splits large debris into manageable pieces.
  • Sprays areas with equipment to prevent further growth.
  • Loads/unloads trucks.
  • Feeds brush & debris into wood chipper.
  • Repairs minor job-related-damage to lawns, fences, and walk-ways.
  • Services gasoline, air, and hand-powered tools and other equipment.
  • Relays hand-signals, directs traffic, drives, and operates trucks and equipment, as assigned.
  • Keeps trucks and work area clear and orderly.
  • Safeguards employees and public from hazards in and around work area.
  • Cooperates with customer, police, and fire departments when blocking street or driveways.
  • Sets up barriers, warning signs, flags, markers, etc. to protect employees and public.
  • Trained to perform tree and bucket rescue.
  • Assists training new employees.
  • Assumes responsibility for the inspection and proper working conditions of tools, truck, and other work equipment.
  • Requests repair or replacement, when necessary.
  • Maintains good housekeeping on truck and at work locations.
  • Performs other related work, as assigned by superiors.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Must be able to work with hands above head for extended periods of time.
  • Must be able to walk, climb, and work from ladders, or at various heights, on uneven and slippery surfaces, performing mentally/physically demanding work under unfavorable weather conditions while handling equipment or material.
  • No fear of heights.
  • Must have good hand-to-eye coordination.
  • Must be willing to join local union and pay union dues.
Education & Experience
  • High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
  • Entry-level position, no experience required.
  • Previous experience a plus.
Pre-Screen
  • Upon offer, employees may be required to complete and pass a pre-employment drug screen, background, and/or MVR check.
License & Certifications:
  • Valid CDL required
Travel Requirements:
  • Must have own transportation to and from the show up location.
Physical Requirements:
  • RARE (less than 10%): Sitting, Kneeling, Crawling, Color Vision, Climbing Stairs
  • OCCASIONAL (up to 33%): Stooping, Squatting, Climbing On/Off Truck, Climbing Ladders, Pushing, Reading,
  • FREQUENT (up to 66%): Carrying, Pulling, Lifting up to 50 lbs., Balancing, body-twisting, Hearing/Speech Range, Lifting, Lifting up to 10 lbs., Manual Dexterity, Speaking Clearly, Walking
  • CONTINUOUS (up to 100%): Standing, Sense of Touch, Gripping, Seeing Distant, Reaching, range-of-motion, Depth Perception, Lifting over 10 lbs. to 50 lbs., Climbing Poles, Sense of Touch
Safety

Due to the inherently dangerous nature of the industry and requirements to work with or around hazardous equipment, employees must have sufficient eyesight to judge distance/coordination of equipment and tools, be able to maintain attention and concentration for extended periods, be able to withstand exposure to all kinds of weather while completing work assignments, be able to wear personal protective equipment as necessary, be able to enter and exit a vehicle numerous times a day, have the endurance necessary to traverse various terrain, be capable of performing job duties throughout a standard 8- or 10-hour day, be able to communicate with others, read, write, and comprehend written/verbal job instructions and information, and communicate and handle conflict professionally.

Individuals with a disability who desire a reasonable accommodation can contact the ADA Coordinator by calling 1-833-222-3066. We partner with the Department of Homeland Security/U.S. Customs and Immigration Service to e-Verify all newly hired employees.