Tree Trimmer (8083C), Facilities Services #87880 About Berkeley
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Departmental Overview
Facilities Services works to continuously improve the campus in partnership with all members of the University community to ensure that classrooms, laboratories, and offices support teaching, learning and research. With over 500 dedicated staff members serving over 10M building square feet and 1100 acres, Facilities Services includes the asset management program, custodial services, maintenance operations, engineering and technical services, environmental services, grounds operations, the Cal Zero Waste program.
Position Summary
The Tree Trimmer performs campus tree work, work cooperatively with other members of the tree crew and with other Facilities Services units, CP staff, with campus customers, and outside agencies such as PG&E and the City of Berkeley.
Application Review Date
The First Review Date for this job is August 19, 2026. For full consideration, please apply on or before the first review date.
Responsibilities
FIELD DUTIES - 80%
Work primarily outdoors under the supervision of the Lead Arborist.
Follows ISA standards, proper safety procedures using appropriate PPE, PP-CS Code of Conduct, and Grounds Services operating procedures. Inspects, climbs, cables, braces, prunes, and removes, trees and shrubs. Performs all clean-up activities associated with tree work.
Operates trucks and other tree industry equipment in the course of work.
Uses basic/advanced tree climbing techniques such as up and down, foot locking, aerial rescue, lateral/side-by-side; climbs trees using climbing aids and safety devices in the process of trimming trees.
Works primarily with hand saw, pruning shears, chainsaw wood chipper, Bobcat® with grapple and stump grinder attachments, aerial lift, Hobs lowering device, and climbing and rigging ropes.
Maintains power tools, hand tools, ropes, rigging devices, and saddles.
Cleans and sharpens tools and power saws.
Cleans and systemizes trucks.
Inspects and diagnoses trees for various plant pathologies including bacterial and fungal diseases, insect problems, and nutritional deficiencies.
Inspects for construction damage, hazardous trees. Takes corrective action as required, and/or as assigned.
Responsibilities also include ensuring that proper pedestrian or vehicular traffic controls are in place when appropriate and that all safety measures and practices are in place and followed at all times.
Works cooperatively with other PP-CS units, Capital Project staff, and other campus units.
ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES - 10%
Annually recommends equipment and supplies required by the tree crew.
Attends ISA or WCISA sponsored events or reads articles/study guides to accumulate the appropriate amount of CEUs to maintain ISA Arborist certification.
Conducts and maintains inventory for equipment and tools.
Fills out their time cards each day and prior to scheduled time off.
May train or assist in the training of personnel as assigned.
Ensures that operating procedures are followed such as ensuring that job-related injuries and illnesses are reported promptly.
Ensures employees fill out their time cards each day and prior to scheduled time off.
SAFETY - 5%
Adhere to all university and departmental safety guidelines.
Attend job-related and safety training as required.
Use required or appropriate PPE.
Follow appropriate safety procedures, and the proper use and care of equipment such as the chainsaw, wood chipper.
OTHER - 5%
Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
Must be able to communicate effectively with co-workers, subordinates, supervisors, and the general public.
Must be able to work cooperatively in a group setting.
Must know and follow the ANSI A300-Tree, Shrub, and other Woody Maintenance Standard and Pruning Practices, Part 1-Pruning and Part 3-Support Systems.
Must know the state and proper use of a hand saw, pruning shear, chainsaw wood chipper, Bobcat® with grapple and stump grinder attachments, aerial lift, Hobs lowering device, and climbing and rigging ropes.
Must be able to drive one-ton trucks the Hi-Ranger aerial lift, and proficiently position the wood chipper while driving in reverse.
Knowledge and ability to properly operate, and provide daily/weekly basic maintenance of landscape maintenance equipment such as: chainsaw, and wood chipper.
Must have two (2) years of experience in climbing trees, performing crown restoration, removing hazardous branches or trees, using rigging and related knots, and using tree trimming tools and equipment.
Must have the ability to work with and/or ability to learn CMMS system organization, management, and maintenance; general work order/ workflow management and asset maintenance (using CMMS software) Maximo Work Order System.
Must be proficient in tree climbing using climbing saddle and ropes, and also proficient in rigging.
Education / Training
Two years of experience in the care of trees, including at least one year of tree trimming experience involving climbing. (Required)
Licenses / Certifications
Must be a Certified Arborist obtain certification within one (1) year of employment. (Required)
Salary & Benefits
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.
Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.
The budgeted hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $39.78 (Step 13) - $45.69 (Step 20).
This is a non-exempt, bi-weekly paid position.
This is a full-time (40 hours/week) Career position eligible for UC benefits.
