Tree Trimmer

Description

The City of Santa Ana is looking for individuals who are results-oriented, possess great attitude, demonstrate creativity and innovation, work efficiently, show a record of success and have a passion for public service. Having highly talented employees provides the best service to our community.
Under direction and in a safe manner, performs routine duties in the care, surgery, maintenance, and removal of city trees and shrubbery to provide a safe environment for the public.
This position is open until further notice and can close at any time without advance notice. You are encouraged to apply immediately! First application review is scheduled for 03/27/2025.

Essential Functions Include But Are Not Limited To

Participates in the planting, transplanting, felling, trimming, pruning, spraying, and removal of trees. Climbs trees, uses an aerial lift, or uses ladders, including a 24-foot extension ladder, to work on trees of various heights. Trims trees for clearance of overhead utility facilities. Trims and digs out protruding tree roots. Uses axe and power saws for felling trees or cutting up felled trees; uses chipper. Collects debris and refuse from tree trimming and removal operations into piles, using shovels, rakes, or other tools. Clears sites, streets, and grounds of woody and herbaceous materials, such as tree stumps and fallen trees and limbs. Performs brush chipping, root pruning, and stump grinding. Uses hooks, ropes, belt, and cables. Removes dead, broken, misshapen, and undesired branches and tops of trees using awls, saws, chisels, mallets, axes, and other tools, and lowers portions removed to the ground with ropes. Removes overhanging branches and split or broken limbs after storms. Operates boom trucks, loaders, stump chippers, brush chippers, tractors, power saws, trucks, sprayers, and other equipment. Supervises care and maintenance of tools and equipment. Cleans, sharpens, lubricates, and cares for edged tools and equipment. Cares for ropes and safety equipment. Inspects trees to determine if they have disease or pest problems. May spray trees to treat diseased or unhealthy trees, including mixing of chemicals and calibrating equipment. Responds to emergency calls for fallen trees, limbs, and storm work, when needed. May provide information to the public regarding trees and tree care. Assists in the maintenance and care of the City’s tree nursery. May act as a lead worker in directing activities of others engaged in tree trimming work and train lower-level employees. May occasionally be assigned to other duties for training purposes or to meet technological changes or emergencies. Uses a computer to enter and complete information for time records, safety reports, and other basic reports. Requests supplies and materials as needed. Performs other functions as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

High school graduation or equivalent, and two years of tree trimming experience, which includes climbing, trimming and pruning trees, or a combination of training and experience which provides the desirable knowledge, skill, and abilities. DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE, SKILL, AND ABILITIES Knowledge of : tree trimming, identification, treatment, and removal methods and techniques; work methods, procedures, and techniques associated with the operation of aerial lifts, loaders, root cutters, stump grinders, and related hand and power tools and equipment; the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the work; rigging methods; the use and maintenance of the tools and equipment of the trade; traffic control including placement of cones and warning signs per the Work Area Traffic Control Handbook (WATCH) published by Building News, Inc., or recognized industry standard; some knowledge of insects, parasites, and diseases which attack trees, and of the proper methods of their control; some basic computer knowledge.
Skill in: the use and care of climber hooks, ropes, knots, and the tools and equipment commonly used in tree trimming and tree surgery operations.
Ability to : climb and to do work in high and hazardous locations; apply pesticides in a safe and effective manner; read and understand detailed written and oral instructions; use a computer to enter and complete information for basic records and reports. SPECIAL MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Possession and retention of a valid California Class C driver’s license is a condition of employment.
• Possession and retention of a valid California Commercial Class B driver’s license or higher with a Tanker Endorsement is required within one year of hire in order to successfully complete probation and is a condition of continued employment.
• Possession and retention of International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Tree Climber certification is required within one year of hire in order to successfully complete probation, and as a condition of continued employment.
• Must be willing to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed; must be willing and able to respond to after-hours emergency calls.
• Must be willing to work outside, under varying climatic conditions.

HIGHLY DESIRABLE

• Designation as a certified arborist from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) is highly desirable.
• State of California Qualified Applicator Certification (QAC) is highly desirable.
• Bilingual ability in English and Spanish, and/or English and Vietnamese is highly desirable.

SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS Due to the nature of the work, incumbents must have the ability to: use both hands, arms and legs; sit, walk, stoop, kneel, squat, bend, and reach above his/her head while moving, pushing, rolling, lowering, pulling, tilting, lifting, and carrying objects weighing up to 80 pounds without assistance; climb, twist, and turn on trees and ladders while moving objects without assistance. Work involves exposure to hazardous chemicals and potential exposure to physical harm.

Selection Process

The City communicates with candidates via e-mail. You are responsible for providing a valid e-mail address that you access regularly and checking your spam folder. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page. New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Online Employment Application Guide .

Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:

• Performance Examination (Weight of 50%): Tentative Thursday, 04/10/25 This will evaluate the candidates' knowledge, skills, abilities, climbing and trimming, training and experience in relation to those factors which are essential for successful performance on the job.
• Oral Interview Examination (Weight of 50%): Tentative Thursday, 04/10/25 This will evaluate the candidates' knowledge, skills, abilities, training and experience in relation to those factors which are essential for successful performance on the job.

The Human Resources Department may choose to waive the qualifying written examination or the performance examination. Candidates must receive a minimum passing score in all phases of the examination process in order to be placed on the eligible list.

The City of Santa Ana is an equal opportunity employer. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact us regarding providing reasonable accommodation.

Please visit the following website to view the summary of comprehensive benefits!

Summary of Benefits

(under SEIU)

NOTE: A more complete set of specifications for this classification may be found on the City's website or on file in the Human Resources Department. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contribution toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic contract settlements between recognized employee associations and the City of Santa Ana.

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

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• City of Santa Ana

• 714-647-5340

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