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Utility Tree Service Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Davey Tree Expert Company

Foreman

Santa Cruz, CA

Lead a 2-5 person tree crew in performing all aspects of tree pruning and removal services safely and skillfully for major electric utility providers. Including but not limited to: * Pruning treetops ...

The Davey Tree Expert Company

Foreman

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

Lead a 2-5 person tree crew in performing all aspects of tree pruning and removal services safely and skillfully for major electric utility providers. Including but not limited to: * Pruning treetops ...

Wright Tree Service

Groundworker

Shaver Lake, CA · On-site

$26.43 - $28.76/hr

Must be able to communicate with others and represent Wright Tree Service in a professional manner ... Division and utility/contract requirements) and DOT medical card in accordance with FMCSA ...

Wright Tree Service

Groundworker

Shaver Lake, CA · On-site

$26.43 - $28.76/hr

Must be able to communicate with others and represent Wright Tree Service in a professional manner ... Division and utility/contract requirements) and DOT medical card in accordance with FMCSA ...

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All JobsUtility Tree Service JobsUtility Tree Service Jobs in California

Utility Tree Service information

See California salary details

$12

$23

$37

How much do utility tree service jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for utility tree service in California is $23.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $29.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a utility tree service?

Utility Tree Services are specialized services that involve the maintenance, pruning, and removal of trees and vegetation near utility lines such as electrical, telephone, or cable lines. These services are essential for preventing power outages, fires, and other hazards caused by tree branches interfering with utility infrastructure. Utility tree service professionals are trained to safely work around power lines and use specialized equipment to ensure both public safety and the reliability of utility services.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a utility tree service professional?

To thrive as a Utility Tree Service professional, you need a solid understanding of arboriculture, tree trimming techniques, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training. Familiarity with chainsaws, aerial lifts, wood chippers, and knowledge of OSHA and ANSI safety standards are typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and situational awareness are vital soft skills for coordinating with crews and ensuring safety around power lines. These skills ensure safe, efficient tree maintenance that protects utility infrastructure and public safety.

What are some common challenges faced by utility tree service professionals in the field?

Utility Tree Service professionals often encounter challenges such as working in close proximity to power lines, which requires strict adherence to safety protocols and specialized training. Weather conditions can also impact the work, as high winds or storms may increase risk and require rapid response for emergency tree removal. Additionally, coordinating with utility companies and property owners is essential to ensure minimal disruption and maintain clear communication. Developing strong teamwork skills and staying current with industry safety standards are crucial for success in this role.

What is the difference between Utility Tree Service vs Arborist?

AspectUtility Tree ServiceArborist
CredentialsTypically requires safety certifications, CDL, and specialized trainingRequires ISA Certified Arborist credential, safety training, and possibly pesticide licenses
Work EnvironmentPrimarily outdoors, working near power lines, utility equipment, and in various weather conditionsPrimarily outdoors, working on tree health, pruning, and removal in urban or rural settings
Employer & Industry UsageUtility companies, contractors, and municipalities focusing on maintaining power line safetyTree care companies, landscaping firms, and municipal forestry departments

Utility Tree Service and Arborists both work outdoors and require safety certifications, but Utility Tree Service specialists focus on maintaining utility infrastructure near power lines, while Arborists concentrate on tree health and landscape management. Both roles are essential in urban forestry and utility maintenance, with overlapping skills but different primary responsibilities.

What cities in California are hiring for Utility Tree Service jobs?

Cities in California with the most Utility Tree Service job openings:

Utility Tree Service jobs near you
Infographic showing various Utility Tree Service job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,362 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Apprentice Climber 1

The Davey Tree Expert Company

Arroyo Grande, CA • On-site

$22.25 - $30.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted yesterday

Davey Tree rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Davey Tree

Based on 101 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6.7

Company rating compared to similar companies: 6.7 out of 10

Gardening and landscaping average

Based on 1,051 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

The best things about working at Davey Tree

  • 92%

    92% say their health insurance is affordable

    say their health insurance is affordable

  • 82%

    82% say they enjoy their job

    say they enjoy their job

  • 69%

    69% say they have respectful managers

    say they have respectful managers

Featured by Davey Tree, based on 101 Breakroom Quiz responses from their frontline employees

Job description

Apprentice Climber 1
Company: Davey Tree Surgery Co.
Locations: Arroyo Grande, CA
Additional Locations: N/A
Work Site: On Site
Req ID: 227133
Job Duties
What You'll Do:
  • Learn how to climb trees. (Yes, we will pay you to do that.) Davey offers both DdRT/MRS and SRT/SRS climbing systems
  • Perform all aspects of tree pruning and removal services safely and skillfully for major electric utility providers. Including but not limited to:
  • Pruning treetops, repairing damaged trees by trimming or removal
  • Removing broken limbs from utility lines, roofs, and other objects
  • Tree identification and pruning to industry guidelines
  • Properly maintain, prepare and operate all tools and equipment including chainsaws, chippers, aerial lifts and more.
  • Operate as an active crew member with supporting ground crew and foreman.
  • How high you grow depends on you!

Qualifications
What We're Seeking:
  • Love of the outdoors
  • Ability to complete the Davey Tree Trimmer Orientation Program upon hire
  • Ability to complete the Davey Tree First Aid, CPR and defensive driving course upon hire
  • Required: valid driver's license
  • Preferred: Commercial Driver's License-Class A or B with Airbrake Endorsement
  • Preferred: line clearance experience or other related tree work
  • Preferred: relevant pesticide and related licenses and certificates, if required by state law
  • Preferred: ISA Certified Arborist®, ISA Certified Tree Worker®, and/or TCIA Certified Tree Care Safety Professional®
  • Preferably with a full or partial PG&E assessment pass.

Additional Information
What We Offer: *
  • Progressive advancement in job classification and wage
  • Benefits through union agreement including health insurance and pension
  • Opportunity to travel
  • Opportunity for overtime work
  • All job specific equipment and safety gear provided
  • Employee-owned company and discounted stock purchase options
  • Employee referral bonus program
  • Scholarship program for children of employees
  • Charitable matching gift program

*All listed benefits available to eligible employees
Company Overview
Invest in your future. Join one of the largest employee-owned companies in the nation! Davey has a unique culture that focuses on the open exchanging of ideas, community partnership, a commitment to safety, and delivering unrivaled client service while acting as industry leaders in horticultural and environmental services.
We are currently looking to add a dynamic utility apprentice climber to our passionate team of utility line clearance professionals. Your office is outdoors, and you get a new view every day!
Divisional Overview
The Davey Tree Expert Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected class, including race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, marital or familial status, disability, status as a protected veteran, status as an Aboriginal or Indigenous person, or other classification protected by law.
The Davey Tree Surgery Company is based in Livermore, California, and provides a full range of utility tree care and pole test and treat services. The Davey Tree Expert Company provides research-driven tree services, grounds maintenance and environmental consulting for residential, utility, commercial and environmental partners in the U.S. and Canada. We care about our clients, each other and the world around us. We offer the resources, size and stability of a big company while maintaining the culture, entrepreneurial spirit and feel of a small one. We invest in our employees by offering industry-leading training, technology and benefits that lead to a rewarding and safe work experience at all levels. Wherever you want to grow your career, there's a place for you at Davey. To learn more, visit Davey.com.
Accommodations: If requested by employee or otherwise as required by law, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
If you need assistance at any time, please contact us at 1-877-411-7601 or at SurgeryJobs@davey.com.
Employment Type: Permanent
Job Type: Full Time
Travel Expectations: Up to 25%

Working at Davey Tree

Perks for frontline workers

From Davey Tree, via Breakroom

  • Holidays and paid time off

  • Group health plans

  • Vision and dental insurance

  • 401K with a company match

  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan: Opportunity to buy company stock at a 15% discount

  • Paid parental leave

  • Employee Educational Scholarship

  • Davey Family Scholarship

  • Employee referral bonus program

  • 20% discount on all Davey services

  • Child care discounts

  • Charitable matching gift program

  • Plus, so much more!

About Davey Tree, in their own words

From Davey Tree

At Davey, we care about our clients, each other and the world around us. We offer the resources, size and stability of a big company while maintaining the culture, entrepreneurial spirit and feel of a small one. We’re always striving to be our best, and we expect the same of each and every employee. We invest in our employees by offering industry-leading training, technology, flexibility and benefits that lead to a rewarding and safe work experience for employees at all levels. And our unique employee-ownership model means you can have a stake in the success of our company every day, with every decision you make. Wherever you want to grow your career – from a new role to a new geography – there’s a place for you at Davey.

Company values

From Davey Tree

Safety, Integrity, Expertise, Leadership, Stewardship, Perseverance

What Davey Tree employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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