Tree Trimmer

HOW TO APPLY

For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our website.

• How to Apply
• Troubleshooting
• Tips for Applicants
• FAQ's

INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.

The IRD for this job is:10-15-2025

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

Physical Planning, Development & Operations (PPDO) manages and oversees all University activities and services related to physical and environmental planning, design and construction, engineering, physical plant maintenance and operations, capital and space planning, space management, and the associated business services necessary to support these functions. The University's main campus is spread across more than 2,000 acres and includes over 500 buildings comprising more than 8 million square feet. The department includes operating budgets of over $60 million, manages a project portfolio of approximately $990 million, and employs over 400 full-time staff to carry out the duties necessary for campus development and operation.

More information can be found at: https://ppdo.ucsc.edu/physical-plant/grounds-services/

JOB SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Superintendent of Grounds, 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. Maintenance of trees includes climbing trees at considerable heights, utilizing proper climbing safety equipment in compliance with ANSI Z133 Safety Standards for Tree Care Operations. Tree operations also include work at considerable heights using a bucket truck. Tree pruning and removals will require rigging skills in the trees as well as ground support activities. Work may take place over roads, paths, or structures, and requires chipping of brush, clean up, and general tool maintenance. The UCSC campus is integrated into the local forest containing second or third-growth native redwoods and Douglas firs over 150 feet, California bays, madrones, mature oaks, and various planted landscape species.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $31.11/hour - $32.40/hour. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: Career appointment

Job End Date: None

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Union Representation: SX Union

Job Code Classification: 008083 (TREE TRIM)

Travel: Up to 25% of the time

JOB DUTIES

80% - 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.
• Trains young trees.
• Performs tree crown cleaning, crown thinning, and crown reduction techniques by removing and lowering branches and limbs with load lines and tag lines.
• Performs tree management care, including installation of cables or rods in trees to provide support to weak or potentially dangerous limbs.
• Performs tree removals by topping, piecing out, or felling trees, ensuring safe conditions are maintained.
• Identifies and report hazardous trees in the landscape.
• Uses hand and power tools, climbing and rigging equipment, traffic safety equipment, lift truck, chipper and chipper truck.
• Enters trees and reach working height by climbing using current techniques and using a boom truck.
• Responds to tree emergencies after hours as necessary.

15% - Equipment Maintenance

• Sharpens, cleans, and adjusts saws.
• Lubricates aerial lift and chipper with grease gun, oil cans, and aerosol applicators as required.
• Changes chipper blades.
• Cleans equipment radiators.
• Checks fluids.
• Follows maintenance schedules and keeps maintenance records.
• Inspects climbing and rigging equipment regularly and reports deficiencies.

5% - 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, using climbing saddles and ropes, and safely climbing and maneuvering within and among mature trees at extreme heights using tree-climbing skills conforming to current practice.
• Skill in tree pruning and tree removal techniques at considerable heights, including working over structures.
• 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 such as chainsaws, blowers, hedge trimmers, chippers, climbing gear, etc.
• Skill and knowledge in identifying desirable or problematic tree structural characteristics and making pruning decisions to retain and enhance desirable tree structural and aesthetic conditions while eliminating or mitigating undesirable tree structural conditions.
• 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 such as Word, Excel, and email, with the ability to read, write, and follow oral and written directions and perform basic arithmetic calculations.

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.
• 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. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.

MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
  • Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

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.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.