Tree Trimmer - Forestry
Salary
$26.21 - $36.92 Hourly
Location
Modesto, CA
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
04684
Department
Public Works
Division
Measure H - Community Forestry
Opening Date
10/15/2026
Closing Date
10/29/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit
MCEA
The Position
Ready to grow your career? The City of Modesto is hiring Tree Trimmers I/II to prune, plant, and care for our City trees while working outdoors with a great team. No experience needed-bonus points if you have a Line Clearance Tree Trimmer or Arborist certificate!
Upcoming Salary Increases and Incentives:
2.5% Education Incentive (bachelors degree)
5% Education Incentive (masters degree)
The Tree Trimmer I/II is responsible to perform skilled work in the pruning/removal, maintenance, and planting of City trees
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applicants will be assessed on the application submitted. It is the applicants responsibility to fill out the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application with complete information and adequate detail. Applications will be screened to the most qualified. Please do not substitute any part of the application with the words "see resume".
The following information is provided for use as a reference and as a planning tool. Human Resources is unable to schedule make-up examinations. Applicants considered to be the most qualified will be invited to continue in the testing process. The Human Resources Department reserves the right to revise the testing process to best meet the needs of the City.
Tentative Testing Schedule
Online exam
Week of November 2, 2025
The City of Modesto is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of inclusion. A City application is required, including Supplemental Questionnaire. The City of Modesto does not sponsor H-1B Visas. Salary offered depends on candidate's experience.
Essential and Marginal Function Statements
Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Essential Functions:
Using an aerial lift to trim and prune trees to provide clearance of streets, sidewalks, buildings, signs, and lights as well as to ensure the continued health of the tree.
Perform ground trimming using pole saws.
Remove standing and fallen trees, stumps, limbs, and related debris; perform clean-up and debris disposal tasks, including brush chipping and green waste management.
Plant, stake, and maintain trees on City owned property and in the public right-of-way.
Properly tie knots; rig, and secure loads for safe lifting and lowering of limbs and debris.
Safely and efficiently operate and maintain tree trimming and maintenance equipment such as aerial boom trucks, chippers, stump grinders, pole pruners, dump trucks, and power tools such as chainsaws.
Recognize and report hazards such as decayed limbs, falling objects, or energized power lines; assess tree health and structural integrity to identify risks and recommend appropriate corrective actions.
Spray and inject pesticides; bolt and cable tree limbs.
Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public.
Identify equipment needs for each assigned project.
Utilize proper safety precautions related to all work performed.
Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
Observe and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures.
Marginal Functions:
Perform related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Tree Trimmer I
Knowledge of:
Basic tree trimming, pruning, and removal techniques, including proper cutting methods and basic arboricultural principles.
Knowledge of common tree species and the ability to identify common tree-related issues such as diseases, pests, and structural defects.
Demonstrated awareness of electrical hazards and the ability to work safely around energized power lines and equipment.
Safe work practices.
First Aid, CPR, and emergency medical methods and procedures.
Uses and purposes of tools and equipment related to tree trimming and maintenance.
Ability to:
Use, maintain and operate hand tools, mechanical equipment, power tools, and other equipment required in a safe and efficient manner.
Operate and maintain various vehicles and stationary mechanical equipment in a safe and effective manner in routine situations.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Experience and Training Guidelines: Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
One year of experience in tree trimming, landscaping, or forestry work. Previous experience working in a municipal, county, or utility forestry program is desirable.
Training:
High School diploma or GED equivalency. Additional college level coursework or certifications in arboriculture, horticulture, or urban forestry is desirable.
License or Certificate:
Possession of a valid Class B Commercial California driver's license with specific endorsements is required within sixty (60) days of appointment.
Trained in Traffic Control and Flagging by end of probationary period.
CPR/First Aid Certification is desirable.
Failure to obtain any of the required licenses/certificates within the prescribed time will result in release from probation.
Tree Trimmer II
In addition to the qualifications for the Tree Trimmer I:
Knowledge of:
Utilize knowledge of arboricultural principles to assess, maintain, and enhance the health, structure, and safety of trees.
Methods and techniques used in tree trimming and related maintenance work.
Uses and purposes of knots and ropes related to tree trimming and maintenance.
Ability to:
Perform skilled tree trimming and maintenance work.
Perform advanced arboricultural practices involving tree trimming, pruning, and removal; apply knowledge of tree biology, structural integrity, and species identification to ensure tree health, safety, and hazard mitigation.
Inspect and maintain ropes, harnesses, and related gear to ensure all equipment is safe and serviceable; demonstrate proficiency in rigging techniques, aerial lift operation, and chainsaw use, including the proper application of climbing and rigging systems such as knots, hitches, slings, and lowering devices.
Set up and maintain traffic control measures such as cones, barricades, and signage to ensure safety during roadside and right-of-way projects.
On a continuous basis, know and understand assigned maintenance activities and observe safety rules.
Provide guidance and support to lower-level personnel, demonstrating safe and efficient work practices and mentoring less experienced tree trimmers or ground crew in the field.
Read and interpret work orders; communicate job details to team members, perform tree inventories, and accurately document completed work.
Work independently in the absence of an on-site supervisor.
Experience and Training Guidelines: Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
Two years of increasingly responsible experience equivalent to a Tree Trimmer I in the City of Modesto. Previous experience working in a municipal, county, or utility forestry program is desirable.
Training:
High School diploma or GED equivalency. Additional college level coursework or certifications in arboriculture, horticulture, or urban forestry is desirable.
License or Certificate:
Possession of a valid Class B Commercial California driver's license with specific endorsements is required within sixty (60) days of appointment.
Possession of a Line Clearance Tree Trimmer certificate is desirable.
Possession of a Tree Worker or Arborist certificate issued by the International Society of Arboriculture is desirable.
Failure to obtain any of the required licenses/certificates within the prescribed time may result in release from probation or termination.
Physical and Mental Requirements
Mobility: frequent performance of heavy manual labor; frequent standing for long period of time; frequent bending and squatting. Lifting: frequent lifting up to 75 pounds; occasional lifting up to 100 pounds. Vision: constant use of overall vision; may be required to wear eye protection. Dexterity: frequent grasping, holding, and reaching. Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking in person. May be required to wear ear protection or hear in noisy conditions. Emotional/ Psychological: frequent coworker contact; occasional working alone. Environmental: frequent exposure to loud noise; frequent exposure to chemicals, fumes, and other environmental substances.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in a typical outdoor environment on a year-round basis subject to street or field noise and year round weather conditions. Work requires exposure to loud equipment and machinery and working at heights. Work occurs at varying locations. Positions may require occasional overtime and weekend work and travel is rare.
Modesto City Employee Association (MCEA)
Employee benefits are subject to change and are not guaranteed. For a detailed explanation of benefits currently in effect please see the Memoranda of Understanding.
PUBLIC EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT SYSTEM: CalPERS enrollment in either the 2% @ 60 or the 2% @ 62 formula is dependent on eligibility, as per AB 340. Employee pays the full member contribution. Retirement benefit is based on the employees three year final compensation average. The City does not participate in Social Security except for the required 1.45% Medicare contribution by both the City and the employee (applies to employees hired after 4-1-86).
HOLIDAYS: 12 paid holidays per year plus 8 hours of holiday credit.
VACATION: Accrual normally begins at a rate of two weeks per year, with incremental increases to five weeks at 21 years of service. Employees may accumulate up to twice their annual accrual.
SICK LEAVE: Accumulated at 8 hours per month, 96 hours per year. Employees may accumulate up to 2,100 hours.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: Health, dental and vision coverage is provided. The Citys monthly contribution to health, dental and vision benefits is based on a three-tier system as follows:
$ 2,110.00 Employee + Family
$ 1,494.00 Employee + 1 Dependent
$ 748.00 Employee Only
$ 450.00 Opt Out
The employee pays the balance. An employee who opts out of health coverage receives the amount noted above minus dental and vision premium on their paycheck and treated as taxable income. Dental and vision coverage continuation is available upon retirement.
LIFE INSURANCE: Coverage in the amount of $20,000 is provided by the City. Supplemental coverage is available at employee cost.
DISABILITY INSURANCE: coverage is provided by the City, at City cost. This benefit pays 66 2/3% of the first $12,000 per month in salary.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION: With a matching contribution by the employee, the City will contribute 1% of salary, (increasing to 2% after 15 years of service) to a voluntary 457 Plan.
RETIREE HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT (RHS): $2,880 initial deposit provided upon completion of a two (2) year vesting period. After initial contribution, the City shall contribute $130 per month.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: Available to employees and dependents. Plan provides up to 3 counseling visits per incident, at City expense.
EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE: Bachelors degree pays in the amount of 2.5% of salary and Masters degree pays in the amount of 5% of salary.
BILINGUAL INCENTIVE LEAVE: Employees who pass a review panel and are needed in this capacity by the department, will receive 3 hours of Bilingual Leave Time per pay period into their Compensatory Time Off (CTO) balance.
UNIFORM AND UNIFORM ALLOWANCE PROGRAM: is provided for some positions.
ANNUAL PHYSICAL EXAM is provided for some positions.
LONGEVITY PAY: 2.5% of salary at 10 years of service.
SECTION 125 PLAN: Providing for pre-tax deductions for employee-paid health premium and dependent care costs.
01
I understand that in order for my application to receive every consideration in the selection process, I must complete the following Supplemental Questions. I understand these responses must match the information I provide in the Work Experience and Education sections of my application. I certify that all information provided on this application and the Supplemental Questions is true to the best of my knowledge.
02
This classification is eligible for Veterans Preference. Do you wish to claim Veterans Preference? To qualify you must submit the Veterans Preference Form and DD214 by 5:00 pm on the final filing date. These documents can be submitted to the Human Resources Department by e-mail to hr@modestogov.com, by fax to (209) 571-5813, or by mail to P.O. Box 642, Modesto, CA 95353 (must be received by final filing date.)
03
Do you possess a high school diploma or GED equivalency?
04
How many years of work experience do you have utilizing a chain saw? If you have no experience, indicate N/A.
05
Do you possess any of the following certifications and/or qualifications from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)? Check all that apply.
06
List your experience in the following areas. Indicate the years of experience and name of employer in each. Grooming Climbing/tree trimming Combination tree trimming Using an aerial lift
07
Detail the type of tree pruning you have performed. Include age, type, and size of tree. If you have no experience, indicate N/A.
08
Describe any tree planting experience you possess. Include dates and name of employer in your response. If you have no experience, indicate N/A. Type of tree, number of trees, and size of trees planted. What planting materials were used?
Required Question
Employer City of Modesto
Address 1010 10th Street, Suite 2200
P.O. Box 642
Modesto, California, 95353
Phone (209) 577-5402
Website http://www.modestogov.com
| Location | Modesto, CA |
| Salary | $26.21–$36.92 Per Hour |
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