Assistant Tree Trimmer - Carson

THE POSITION · The City of Carson is now accepting applications for the position of Assistant Tree Trimmer: · Overview Of The Position · The City of Carson is seeking a qualified and motivated individual for the position of Assistant Tree Trimmer. The primary responsibilities inc ...

Job description

THE POSITION
The City of Carson is now accepting applications for the position of Assistant Tree Trimmer:

Overview Of The Position

The City of Carson is seeking a qualified and motivated individual for the position of Assistant Tree Trimmer. The primary responsibilities include assisting with the trimming, pruning, and general maintenance of street and park trees.

Work is performed from the ground, ladders, or aerial equipment using appropriate tools, such as chainsaws, ropes, and climbing gear, under the supervision of experienced personnel.

This position offers an excellent opportunity to develop skills in tree care and horticulture while contributing to the beauty and safety of the City's urban forestry landscape.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is interested in learning and growing in the field of arboriculture and has a basic understanding of horticulture, safe work practices, and teamwork.

The candidate should value safety and be willing to work outdoors in different weather conditions. Experience using chainsaws or similar equipment for tree trimming is preferred. A Certified Arborist or Tree Worker Certification is a plus, but not required.

Vacancy Information

There is one (1) current full-time (


FLSA:
Non-Exempt) vacancy with a 4/10 schedule, working Monday through Thursday from 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (including a 1-hour unpaid lunch break). Work hours and/or the work schedule may be adjusted based on the operational needs of the City. This role requires schedule flexibility, as public safety events and community activities may occur during evenings, nights, and/or weekends.

Job Summary

Under supervision, performs a variety of unskilled and semi-skilled tree maintenance duties, including trimming and pruning trees and planting, transplanting and staking trees; operates and maintains equipment such as pole loppers and pole saws; trims or prunes trees from the ground, ladders or aerial equipment and with the aid of climbers, ropes and saddle, and belts.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is the entry, training level class in the Tree Trimmer Job Series which consists of Assistant Tree Trimmer, Tree Trimmer I and Tree Trimmer II.

Incumbents in the Assistant Tree Trimmer class perform unskilled and semi-skilled duties to assist other Tree Trimmers.

This class is distinguished from the Tree Trimmer I class by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within the series.

Since this class is typically used as a training class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience.

As experience is acquired, the employee performs with less immediate supervision and becomes proficient by demonstrating those skills necessary to perform as a Tree Trimmer I.

Incumbents in this classification must complete one year in this classification, must meet the minimum qualifications for Tree Trimmer I and must meet the Job Series guidelines to promote to Tree Trimmer I.

Essential Duties

(These functions are representative and may not be present in all positions in the class. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind related duties and work assignments.)

Assists in trimming, pruning and maintaining street and park trees, working from the ground, ladders or aerial equipment with the aid of climbers, ropes and saddle, and belts.

Assist in loading, transporting and unloading trees, equipment and supplies from vehicles.

Assists in operating a chipper machine for the disposal of debris; assists in sweeping work area to keep free from debris.

Assists in safely diverting traffic flow to gain access to parkways by applying principles in the Work Area Traffic Control Manual.

Assists in checking location of power lines, pedestrians, equipment and traffic before cutting limbs to protect from falling debris; assists in removing weeds from around the tree area.

Assists in digging holes using power auger to prepare area for tree planting.
Assists in planting, transplanting and staking trees, backfilling with soil and cleaning area after planting.
Assists in performing minor maintenance on power equipment such as lubricating and adding oil and water.
Assists in maintaining logs on mileage, equipment usage and types of tree serviced.
Assists in sharpening hand tools using a grinding stone or hand file.
Assists in watering and fertilizing trees using water truck.
Assists in performing tree surgery.
Performs related duties as required.

Qualifications

A typical way to obtain the requisite qualifications to perform the duties of this class is as follows:

Education And Experience

Completion of high school or GED which ensures the ability to read and write at a level necessary for successful job performance.

Some experience performing full-time, paid tree trimming work is desirable.

Knowledge Of

Basic methods, techniques and tools used in tree maintenance work.
Applicable sections of the California Vehicle Code and Work Area Traffic Control Manual.
Appropriate health and safety practices and procedures.
Characteristics of ornamental and shade trees common to the area.
Basic recordkeeping techniques.

Skill And Ability To

Learn to perform semi-skilled tree maintenance duties including light and heavy trimming pursuant to International Society of Arboriculture standards.
Learn to trim, spray, climb or remove trees.
Learn to operate a variety of tree maintenance tools and equipment safely and efficiently.
Learn to maintain tools, equipment and vehicles in clean and proper working condition.
Learn to identify and maintain ornamental and shade trees common to the area.
Learn to work from ladders, aerial equipment and in high places.
Learn to observe safety practices and procedures and set up proper cones, barricades and other safety protection.
Observe legal and defensive driving practices.
Learn to maintain routine records.
Lift objects weighting up to 75 pounds.
Perform heavy manual labor.
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
Respond to emergencies to perform tree maintenance, trimming or removal.

License Or Certificate

Possession of a California Class C driver's license upon appointment.

Must be able to obtain a valid California Class A or B driver's license within six (6) months of employment; employees in this classification will be enrolled in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Government Employer Pull Notice Program, which confirms possession of a valid driver's license and reflects driving record, and Department of Transportation (DOT) Drug Testing Program.

Special Requirements

Ability to pass a physical examination for strenuous/arduous labor.


WORKING CONDITIONS
Employee accommodations for physical disabilities will be considered on a case-by-case basis.


Positions in this class normally:
Require mobility to stand, stoop, reach, twist and bend.
Require mobility of arms to reach above shoulder level and dexterity of hands to grasp and manipulate small objects.
Require the ability to stand for long periods and walk long distances.
Require mental alertness to drive safely and operate equipment safely.

Perform work which involves the frequent lifting, pushing and/or pulling of objects which may approximate 75 pounds and may occasionally weigh up to 100 pounds.

May be required to work in inclement weather without effective protection from sun, cold and rain.

May be required to respond to tree-related emergencies, including removal of trees or branches in the public right-of-way, during normal hours or on emergency call back.

May be required to work with harsh and toxic substances.

May be required to wear a uniform, safety shoes, protective apparel including goggles, face protectors, aprons and oxygen breathing apparatus.

May be required to work within enclosed spaces or at heights above ground level.
May be required to work around loud noise or around moving mechanical parts.
May be required to work around electrical currents.
May be required to work overtime after regular work hours, including weekends.


Recruitment Process:
Required

This recruitment is open until February 20, 2026. To be considered, please submit an online application. Attaching a resume with your application is ideal but not required.

Applications submitted with only a resume, a blank application, or missing required documents will be deemed incomplete and will not be considered.

Applications will be reviewed for depth and breadth of experience, and for level and relatedness of education.

The most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the recruitment process, which will consist of the following sections:

Supplemental Questionnaire, no weight
Written exam, weighted at 100%

The Human Resources Department reserves the right to adjust, modify, delete and/or change the above exam types and/or weights. Supplemental questionnaires are used to evaluate applicant's indicated abilities with the ideal candidate profile.

The Human Resources Department reserves the right to invite those amongst the highest scoring to the next phase of the recruitment.

NOTE:

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and qualifying candidates will be interviewed and considered for employment on a "first come-first served" basis.

Candidates interested in these positions are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Appointment

Any offer of employment, or acceptance of an employment offer, is contingent upon passing live scan, background check and other required tests.

All new employees are required to take a loyalty oath.

Other Information

The City of Carson is an Equal Opportunity Employer, dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

We believe in the strength that comes from different perspectives and experiences, and we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the vibrant diversity of our community.

This commitment is embraced at all levels of our organization, from our management staff to our policymakers. We partner with our staff and community organizations to ensure our policies and practices remain transparent and equitable.

As part of this commitment, we regularly publish updated demographic information on our workforce, including data on diversity and pay equity by race and gender.

In accordance with the California Fair Chance Act, the City of Carson will consider all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history.

Applicants are not required to disclose their criminal history or undergo a background check until receiving a conditional job offer.

If any concerns arise from a background check, and the conviction is directly related to the role, applicants will have the opportunity to provide context, present mitigating evidence, or dispute the report's accuracy.

For more information about the Fair Chance Act, please visit

The City of Carson intends to provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you need a special accommodation during the recruitment process or would like this information in an alternative format, please contact Human Resources at


IMPORTANT NOTICE:
This recruitment is open.


CURRENT CITY OF CARSON EMPLOYEES:
Please do not use your City of Carson email address as part of this application.

You must indicate a personal email address in order to receive communication and/or notices from Human Resources throughout the recruitment process.

For more information, please click on the link below.

AFSCME 809 MOU

01

The following supplemental questions will be used to assist us in screening your application. You are required to answer each of the following questions truthfully and completely. This questionnaire will be used to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this job.

Your responses to this questionnaire may also be used to evaluate your qualifications beyond the minimum requirements, as part of the application screening process.

As such, please take the time necessary to answer the questions thoroughly. Applications submitted without a completed supplemental questionnaire, or those that say see resume or application, may not be considered. It is imperative that your responses to the questionnaire provide a true and accurate reflection of your background. Additionally, your answers MUST be supported by the information you have entered in your general application. Responses which cannot be substantiated by information contained in your application will be deemed invalid. Falsification, exaggeration and misrepresentation will result in your disqualification. Your responses will be evaluated as submitted. Do you agree to answer the following questions truthfully and completely AND understand that falsification or overstatement of your qualifications is grounds for disqualification of your application?

Yes
No

02

Do you possess a high school diploma or GED?

Yes
No

03

Do you possess a valid California state driver's license?

Yes
No

04

Which best describes your experience with tree trimming or related work? (Please note: (Note: Your selection must be supported by the work experience listed on your application.)

Two or more years of professional tree trimming or arboriculture work
One year or more of professional tree trimming or arboriculture work
Some experience assisting with tree trimming or landscaping
No experience but willing to learn

05

Which types of work have you performed? (Check all that apply)

Tree trimming
Tree pruning (structural, clearance, or maintenance pruning)
Shrub maintenance (trimming, shaping, and care)
Planting trees and flowers
Tree removal
Stump grinding or removal
Tree inspection or basic tree health assessment
None of the above

06

Do you possess any of the following? (Check all that apply)

ISA Certified Arborist
Tree Worker Certification
First Aid / CPR
Valid Commercial Driver's License (Class A)
Valid Commercial Driver's License (Class B)
None of the above

07

Check All Tools And Equipment You Have Experience Using

Chainsaws
Hand pruners / loppers
Hand saws
Pole saw / pole pruner
Wood chipper
Stump grinder
None of the above

08

Have you ever worked at heights using a ladder, lift, or while climbing?

Yes
No

09

Do you have experience working around traffic, pedestrians, or in public right-of-way areas?

Yes
No

10

Are you available to work early mornings, overtime, or emergency storm response, if needed?

Yes
No

11

This position requires heavy physical labor, including lifting, dragging brush, bending, and standing for long periods. Are you able to perform these duties with or without reasonable accommodation?

Yes
No
Required Question