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Utility Tree Service Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Urban Forestry Technician

Ontario, CA · On-site

$35.70 - $43.36/hr

This includes the maintenance service programs and operations to the City park system, public ... Picks up tree cuttings, brush, and debris resulting from tree trimming; loads truck or chipping ...

Urban Forestry Technician

Ontario, CA · On-site

$35.70 - $43.36/hr

This includes the maintenance service programs and operations to the City park system, public ... Picks up tree cuttings, brush, and debris resulting from tree trimming; loads truck or chipping ...

... and various utility systems. Maintenance Technicians provide excellent customer service to ... tree limbs damaged by adverse weather conditions, and performs other lawn care services as ...

... and various utility systems. Maintenance Technicians provide excellent customer service to ... tree limbs damaged by adverse weather conditions, and performs other lawn care services as ...

Utility Tree Service information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$13

$25

$40

How much do utility tree service jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for utility tree service in Riverside, CA is $25.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.08 and $31.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

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 are Utility Tree Services?

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 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 are popular job titles related to Utility Tree Service jobs in Riverside, CA? For Utility Tree Service jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Utility Tree Service jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Utility Tree Service jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Utility Tree Service jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Utility Tree Service job openings:
Infographic showing various Utility Tree Service job openings in Riverside, CA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 11% Full Time, and 88% Part Time. Highlights an 26% Physical, 11% Hybrid, and 63% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,181 per year, or $25.1 per hour.
Urban Forestry Technician

Urban Forestry Technician

City of Ontario

Ontario, CA • On-site

$35.70 - $43.36/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago


City Of Ontario (California) rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

292nd of 640 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

The Position Urban Forestry Technician The City of Ontario's Parks and Maintenance Department has an excellent opportunity for an individual interested in serving the community by playing a key role on the team. The Urban Forestry Technician participates in the work of a crew of skilled and unskilled workers in the performance of Urban Forestry within the Public Works Agency including tree planting, maintenance, and removal activities; coordinates assigned activities with other City departments, divisions and outside agencies. The ideal candidate will have the ability to operate and maintain a variety of power equipment and hand tools; operate light and medium-duty equipment; and perform other related work as necessary.

Additionally, successful candidates will embody the Department's mission and vision as well as the qualities of a "Five Tool Player"- Leader, Thinker, Communicator, Operator and Public Servant - and the principles of the City's Customer Service Philosophy- Empathy, Respect, and Problem Solving. The following procedures will apply: Separate Promotional and Open (external) Eligibility Lists will be established. The hiring department will consider candidates on the Promotional Eligibility List prior to considering candidates on the Open Eligibility List.

The Open Eligibility List will consist of external applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and successfully complete any required selection processes. The Promotional Eligibility List will be comprised of current City employees (full or part-time) who meet the minimum qualifications and successfully complete any required selection processes. The City of Ontario reserves the right, if necessary, to accept only the first one hundred (100) applications from applicants that meet the qualification guidelines below.

Completed applications will be reviewed and only qualified applicants whose qualifications best meet or exceed the requirements of the position and needs of the City will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Parks and Maintenance Department The Parks and Maintenance Department is committed to creating and strengthening community value by enhancing the quality of life in the City of Ontario through our professional services, maintaining and preserving parkland, public facilities, and City infrastructure. This includes the maintenance service programs and operations to the City park system, public grounds, roadway maintenance, storm drains, street sweeping, sidewalks and public right-of-way, tree trimming, graffiti abatement, traffic signs, street painting and striping, debris removal, and contract maintenance services.

Within these program areas, the department provides services for non-structural overlays and pothole repair, landscape and irrigation maintenance, street striping and sign repairs, concrete repair and maintenance of sidewalk/curb/gutter, street sweeping and debris removal, and graffiti abatement. The Public Works Agency The Public Works Agency provides essential construction, integrated waste and recycling collection, fleet and facility maintenance and repair services to the citizens and businesses of Ontario through the Parks and Maintenance, Municipal Services, and Integrated Waste Departments. The Agency strives to meet the daily challenges of maintaining exceptional levels of service to our residents and community, providing stellar customer service, and maximizing all resources to develop and maintain value for the City.

The Agency has 232 full time employees and an annual budget of over $105 million. The City of Ontario is a dynamic leading community in the Inland Empire with a variety of full-time and part-time employment and volunteer opportunities. Ontario enjoys the reputation of being a progressive City which provides solid leadership to its citizens and to the business community.

The City provides a full range of services to the community including, but not limited to: Police, Fire, Management Services, Community Life & Culture, Community Development, Economic Development, Public Works and the Ontario Municipal Utilities Company. The City's team is staffed with approximately 1,517 full-time equivalent diverse and talented employees who work to support a common goal of providing excellent service to the community. The City's vision for the future is very exciting, and we foresee tremendous growth within the years to come.

We welcome you to view the City of Ontario's 2026 State of the City video by clicking on the link below as well as the other links to learn more about the City: State of the City The Ontario Plan Smart Ontario Downtown Ontario Examples of Essential Functions The functions typically performed by the Urban Forestry Technician include the following: Plants, trims, sprays, removes, and maintains trees working from the ground, from ladders, and by climbing trees with the aid of ropes, climbers, safety belts, and aerial towers. Operates heavy equipment including boom truck, tractor, stump grinder, chain hand saw, aerial ladder, brush chipper, and chipper van. Uses rigging, ropes, lines, and tackle in climbing trees and lowering branches to the ground; applies proper slings and knots to the rigging as necessary; utilizes aerial trucks to trim trees in high elevation.

Prunes trees to provide clearance of streets, sidewalks, signs, and lights and as necessary to ensure continuous health of plant. Picks up tree cuttings, brush, and debris resulting from tree trimming; loads truck or chipping machine; cuts and clears ground brush and undergrowth. Removes and grinds stumps; plants and transplants trees.

Removes fallen trees, dead limbs, and other debris resulting from storm damage and general conditions. Treats cut surfaces to protect trees from insects and tree diseases; applies pesticides to trees as needed, inspects, and recommends if additional tree surgery is needed. Checks location of power lines, personnel, equipment, pedestrians, and traffic before cutting limbs; checks ropes for wear and breakage; ensures proper traffic control and delineation procedures.

Cleans and maintains trimming equipment. Makes report of damage to structures and facilities such as sidewalks, sprinklers, and fences damaged in tree trimming or tree removal process. Hangs banners, signs, flags, and decorations for community or holiday events.

Inspects and monitors projects on development sites with protected trees. Inspects City trees for damage, disease, parasites, deterioration, or threat to property in response to public inquiry, complaint or routine canvass. May spray trees to treat diseased or unhealthy trees, including mixing of chemicals and calibrating equipment.

Makes recommendations regarding the maintenance of the tree trimming cycle. Responds to call outs regarding tree related complaints and to resolve tree trimming problems and emergencies. Meets with residents to explain the City's tree trimming/removal process.

Adheres to safety practices as it relates to forestry and park maintenance, employees, the public, and private and public property, ensuring proper safety procedures and personal protective equipment (PPE) is used at all times and collaborates with respective agencies as it relates to the City's liability program. Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned. Qualification Guidelines Education: Equivalent to High School diploma or recognized equivalent.

Experience: Two years in Urban Forestry, Horticulture, Agriculture, Landscape Management, or a related field. Must have experience in tree identification, planting, pruning, diagnosis, removal, and caring for trees including experience with rope, saddle equipment, and climbing trees. Licenses: Valid Class A California driver's license at time of hire and an acceptable driving record at the time of appointment and throughout employment.

Certifications: Must possess the "Certified Arborist" designation by the Western Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture. Special Requirements: Must have the ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, twist, climb, and lift to 50 - 90 lbs.; exposure to heat, noise, outdoors, heights, vibration, confining workspace, mechanical hazards, and electrical hazards; ability to travel to different sites and locations. Incumbents in this classification are subject to Department of Transportation (DOT) preemployment, random, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing

Supplemental Information How to Apply Apply online by clicking on the "Apply" link at the top of this announcement. If this is the first time applying for a position using governmentjobs.com you will be prompted to create a new user account, otherwise log in with your username and password. Your application and responses to any supplemental questions will be used to evaluate your qualifications for this position

It is suggested that your application include the following: List any relevant experience and education that demonstrates that you qualify for the position. List all periods of employment for at least the past 10 years, beginning with your most recent or present employer (including, if applicable, all employment with the City of Ontario). Separately list each position held, including different positions with the same employer.

A resume may be attached to your application but will not substitute for the proper completion of your application. Applications that are not properly completed may be rejected. NOTE: Transcripts from colleges, universities or technical schools outside of the United States must be assessed for U.S

equivalency by a NACES educational credential evaluation service. Failure to provide a transcript or credential evaluation report will result in your application being rejected and you will not be able to continue in the selection process for this position. Application Process Applicants are required to submit required certification(s) or other required documentation as outlined in the Qualifications Guideline section of this bulletin.

Please use the attachment function found on the City's online application to attach copies of the requested certification(s) or other documentation. Failure to attach required documentation may result in the rejection of your application. Please contact the Human Resources/Risk Management Agency if you have any questions regarding the application process.

Your application is the primary tool used to evaluate your job qualifications. It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. Failure to complete these sections may result in the rejection of your application.

Supplemental Questions To complete your application for this position you will be prompted to respond to supplemental questions. This information will be used as part of the application screening and selection process and is designed to help you present your qualifications for this position. This may include a selection step in which your application and supplemental questions are reviewed and scored by a panel of raters familiar with this position.

Incomplete responses, false statements, omission, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Your responses should be consistent with the information provided on your application. Please provide succinct, concise, descriptive, and detailed information for each question.

If you have no experience, write "no experience" for the appropriate question. Email Notices Email is the primary way that the Human Resources or Hiring Department will communicate with you. Please check your email account (including the SPAM folder) on a regular basis for any emails related to the application or selection process.

Emails from the city of Ontario will come from "@ontarioca.gov" or "governmentjobs.com." If you change your email address after submitting your application, please visit governmentjobs.com and update your profile. Frequently Asked Questions If you have any additional questions regarding the application process, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions page.