Tree Trimmer

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The Tree Trimmer performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled tasks in general tree maintenance, which requires working safely at extreme heights.

The Tree Trimmer performs pruning practices and tree maintenance activities to reduce the risk of tree hazards to the campus community, promote campus tree health, and develop, preserve, and enhance the beauty, structural integrity, and functional value of campus trees.

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Superintendent of Grounds, the Tree Trimmer performs tree trimming, equipment maintenance, and recordkeeping/administrative duties.

• Tree Trimming:
  Prunes trees with proper techniques to improve structure, reduce hazard conditions, remove deadwood, provide building, road, and path clearance, enhance plant appearance, and improve health.
• Equipment Maintenance:
  Sharpens, cleans, and adjusts saws, lubricates aerial lift and chipper, changes chipper blades, cleans equipment radiators, and checks fluids.
• Recordkeeping/Administrative Duties:
  Maintains records of time, tree work, and equipment maintenance utilizing department tree inventory software, GIS, and department business systems for work order management and timekeeping.

Required Qualifications

• Prior experience and proficiency in modern tree climbing and rigging techniques.
• Skill in tree pruning and tree removal techniques at considerable heights.
• Skills in performing crown restoration, removing hazardous branches or trees, using rigging and related knots, and using tree trimming tools and equipment.
• Ability to use necessary equipment in a safe manner.
• Skill and knowledge in identifying desirable or problematic tree structural characteristics and making pruning decisions.
• Skill and ability to perform preventive and routine mechanical maintenance on aerial lift trucks, brush chippers, small equipment power tools, and related tree care equipment.
• Knowledge of tree biology, growth patterns, decay organisms, proper pruning cuts and pruning wound closure.
• Experience in the field of arboriculture, which includes the care and management of tree resources.
• Knowledge of basic computer systems and applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified arborist / certified tree worker or educational background in the field of arboriculture / horticulture.
• Ability to effectively diagnose and treat tree and general plant problems.
• Ability to effectively identify and select appropriate trees for landscape areas.
• Ability to effectively understand the soil and water relationships which affect plant health.
• Ability to effectively understand nutritional requirements and fertilization techniques to encourage healthy plants in the landscape.
• Ability to assist arborist supervisor with written tree reports, evaluations, employee scheduling, preventive tree maintenance programs, and participate in employee safety programs.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Must possess, or obtain within 6 months of hire, a valid California Class B license to drive and participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) pull notice program.
• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• Ability to climb and maneuver within and amongst mature trees at extreme heights safely and with demonstrated tree-climbing skills conforming to current practice.
• Ability to lift up to 100 pounds of tree care and related equipment safely with or without accommodation.
• Ability to maintain proficiency at a professional level and continually update knowledge through appropriate courses, seminars and publications.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter.

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.