Job Description

Tree Trimmer

This is an open recruitment in the Parks & Recreation Department. Qualified candidates from the public and qualified career City employees are encouraged to apply. The eligibility list that is developed from this recruitment process may be used to fill future vacancies in the Tree Trimmer classification or in similar classifications. The anticipated start date for this position will be after July 1, 2026 and is contingent on Council adoption of the FY 26/27 Budget. Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received or until the position has been filled. This recruitment may close at any time without notice. The first review of applications will take place on April 27, 2026.

Under general supervision to perform specialized duties associated with tree trimming and tree removal, pruning, and planting trees; maintain publicly-owned trees and to operate tree equipment; and to do related work as required. Exercises no supervision over full-time personnel. May supervise part-time or seasonal employees.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plant, prune, remove roots, irrigate, control pests and diseases, cable and brace, and other maintenance needs of publicly-owned trees.
• Manually climb and remove trees of various heights using proper equipment and techniques.
• Operate and provide necessary daily maintenance on a variety of vehicles, including aerial lift, chipper, stump router, water truck, towed equipment, and hand or power tools as assigned.
• Inspect trees for dangerous conditions and maintenance needs.
• Clean sidewalks and streets after trimming or removal operations.
• Perform emergency storm work when needed and work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Communicate with the public regarding tree issues and work being performed.
• Maintains records as necessary.

Qualifications

Any combination equivalent to experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:

One (1) year as a tree maintenance worker involving tree trimming, pruning, and climbing.

Any combination of training and experience equivalent to high school graduation.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California drivers license. Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class A drivers license within three (3) months after hire. May be required to obtain endorsements. Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Certified Tree Worker certificate from the Western Chapter International Society of Arboriculture within one (1) year of hire. Possession of, or ability to obtain, a State of California Qualified Applicator certificate for pesticide application within one (1) year of hire.

• Basic tree, plant, insect and disease identification.
• Tree planting, maintenance, and removal methods and techniques according to industry standards.
• Occupational hazards, safety precautions, and laws & regulations pertaining to tree maintenance work.
• Use and maintenance of tools and equipment used in tree care.
• Customer service techniques.

• Climb, prune, plant, remove trees; root prune, cable, brace, and perform other tree maintenance practices.
• Use power saws, shears, axes, pruning hooks and other standard tree trimming tools and equipment.
• Operate vehicles and equipment used in tree maintenance.

• Follow oral directions.
• Identify tree species and insects and diseases that affect trees.
• Climb trees of various heights and work efficiently in precarious positions at considerable heights above the ground.
• Use tree climbing equipment and other tree maintenance equipment and tools.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the public.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Drive a truck safely.

Selection Process

Applications must be submitted online through this applicant tracking system. All materials must be complete and clearly indicate the candidate meets the minimum qualifications. All statements made on the application, resume, and supplemental materials are subject to verification. False statements may be cause for immediate disqualification, removal from eligibility list or discharge from employment. Candidates presenting the most desirable combination of education, experience and/or training as stated in this announcement will be invited to continue in the selection process. The selection process may require any combination of the following: application appraisal, written examination, performance test, and personal interview conducted by an outside oral panel and/or the Department. The City of Hollister offers preference to qualified veterans during the candidate selection process. The City of Hollister's Veterans' Preference Policy can be accessed here (Download PDF reader). Applicants must claim Veteran's preference in the agency-wide questions section and attach a copy of their DD214 to the application. Following the examination process, successful candidates are placed on an employment list. Appointment will be made from the employment list. Appointed employee(s) will be required to pass a psychological evaluation, physical, drug screen, background investigation, and fingerprints check. Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action: The City of Hollister does not discriminate on the basis of race, color national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor. The City of Hollister encourages minorities and women to apply. The City of Hollister makes reasonable accommodations for the disabled. Individuals requiring any accommodation in order to participate in the selection process must inform the Human Resources Office via email at hr@hollister.ca.gov of such request. Requests for accommodation should include an explanation of the type and extent of accommodations needed to participate in the selection process.

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