Tree Trimmer Line Clearer and Tree Trimmer Line Clearer Assistant (Multiple Positions)

Job Description:

Tree Trimmer Line Clearer and Tree Trimmer Line Clearer Assistant (Multiple Positions)

Description

Description

Protect Our Power. Preserve Our Trees. | Join Palo Alto's Urban Forest Team

About the Opportunity
The City of Palo Alto's Urban Forestry team is looking for passionate tree care experts to join our elite municipal forestry program. We're filling two positions at either:

• Tree Trimmer Line Clearer: $84,302 - $103,480 annually ($40.53 - $49.75/hour)
• Tree Trimmer Line Clearer Assistant: $79,456 - $97,552 annually ($38.20 - $46.90/hour)

On our team, you'll make a direct impact by:

• Maintaining our urban forest and critical utility infrastructure
• Using advanced climbing techniques and aerial equipment
• Operating state-of-the-art equipment including aerial lift trucks
• Implementing industry-leading line clearance practices
• Contributing to community safety and environmental sustainability
• Collaborating with a team that sets the standard in urban forestry

About Urban Forestry
The City of Palo Alto's urban forestry program stands among the nation's finest:

• One of only 15 municipalities with Society of Municipal Arborists accreditation
• 35 years as a Tree City USA recipient
• 7-year Tree Line USA electric utility designation
• Stewardship of 66,000 trees that enhance property values and reduce urban heat
• Unique integration of technological innovation and environmental conservation

Operating within the Public Works Department, our Urban Forestry section maintains city-owned trees, ensures utility line clearance, and implements the Urban Forest Master Plan.

About the City
In the heart of Silicon Valley, Palo Alto offers:

• Innovation hub home to world-renowned tech companies
• Historic neighborhoods and vibrant shopping districts
• Extensive parks and open spaces
• Strong environmental focus
• AAA bond rating reflecting stable governance

Position Details
Tree Trimmer Line Clearer
Experience & Certifications:

• 3 years of tree trimming and line clearance experience
• OSHA-approved Qualified Line Clearance/Tree Trimmer certification
• ISA Certified Tree Worker or Certified Arborist status (or obtain within 6 months)
• Expert climbing and aerial lift operation skills

Tree Trimmer Line Clearer Assistant
Experience & Skills:

• 1 year of tree trimming and line clearance experience
• Strong climbing and aerial lift operation aptitude
• Commitment to learning and growth
• Ability to perform maintenance under guidance

Common Requirements

• Valid California Driver's License
• Commercial Class B with tanker endorsement (within 6 months)
• High school diploma or GED preferred
• DOT drug test clearance
• Dedication to safety and quality

Benefits & Growth Comprehensive Package

• Premium Healthcare: CalPERS medical with $0 employee cost
• Full Dental & Vision Coverage
• Retirement: CalPERS pension with lifetime benefits
• Family Care: Up to $10,000 yearly childcare assistance

Time Off

• Up to 200 hours of vacation annually
• 13 paid holidays
• 96 hours of sick leave
• 6 weeks paid parental leave

Career Development

• Clear advancement opportunities
• Paid certifications
• Cutting-edge equipment training
• Professional mentorship
• Skill development programs

Ready to grow your career with us? We're hiring for two positions that can be filled at either the Line Clearer or Assistant level based on qualifications. Candidates are welcome to apply for consideration at either or both levels. Apply today!

These positions are represented by the Service Employee International Union (SEIU).

Essential Duties

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Confers with supervisor to plan, review work projects and make suggestions to better implement the job.
• Climbs trees using ladders, climbing equipment or works from bucket of an aerial lift truck boom to perform tree maintenance tasks, pruning or line clearing.
• Sprays and treats trees for infestation or fertilizing.
• Establishes safe work zones and adhere to safe work practices including the use of personal protective equipment.
• Operates all types of tree maintenance equipment such as aerial lift trucks, chainsaws, brush chippers, sprayers, stump grinders or other tools and equipment.
• Waters newly planted trees using water truck.
• Responsible for a high quality of work and safety within the crew.

Related Functions:
Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Sufficient education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate possession of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities which would typically be acquired through:

For Tree Trimmer Line Clearer:

• High school graduate or GED preferred.
• Three years experience in trimming trees involving tree climbing and clearing trees from electrical power lines.
• Possession of OSHA approved Qualified Line Clearance/Tree Trimmer certificate.
• Possession of Certified Tree Worker or Certified Arborist status from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or must acquire within six months of employment.

Special Requirements:

• Possession of a valid California Driver's License with ability to obtain Commercial Class B license with tanker endorsement within six months of hire date.
• Ability to pass drug test as mandated by the Department of Transportation.

For Tree Trimmer Line Clearer Assistant:

• High school graduate or GED preferred;
• Two years in trimming trees involving tree climbing and clearing trees from electrical power lines.

Special Requirements:

• Possession of a valid California driver's license with ability to obtain Commercial Class B license with tanker endorsement within six months of hire date.
• Ability to pass drug test as mandated by the Department of Transportation.

Click here to view the complete Tree Trimmer Line Clearer job description
Click here to view the complete Tree Trimmer Line Clearer Assistant job description

Supplemental Information

The Selection Process:

• Applicants will receive recruitment status notifications via email. Governmentjobs.com account also has notification status updates.
  
• Applicants will be screened throughout the posting process and highly qualified candidates may be invited to interview at any time after the posting closes.
  
• The screening process for this position typically may include a virtual recorded interview and/or panel interviews preceding final interviews with the hiring manager or their designee.
  
  

Our online application system is provided by NeoGov . If you have problems while applying online, please contact NeoGov's Live Applicant Support at (855) 524-5627 between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific Time, Monday - Friday.

This position is represented by Service Employee International Union (SEIU).

Compensation (SEIU) : Comprehensive compensation plan, to learn more click HERE.

The City of Palo Alto is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

For more details visit our Careers Page, by clicking HERE.
Learn more about our Memorandum of Agreements (MOAs) between the City and its bargaining units, by clicking HERE.

Closing Date/Time: 2/24/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$84,302.40 - $103,480.00 Annually