Lead Tree Trimmer

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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: 6-17-2025

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 forth the duties necessary for the 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 Services, the Lead Tree Trimmer performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled tasks in general tree maintenance. The incumbent meets with campus customers to estimate and schedule jobs, inspects areas to develop tree work lists for the crew, and provides field oversight for task delegation, project organization, job safety, vehicle delegation, time management, and training of new tree staff. Additionally, as a working crew leader, the Lead Tree Trimmer performs all functions of a tree trimmer. The tree crew works in rigging at extreme heights, and work may take place over roads, paths, structures, and in areas of high pedestrian activity. Tree work involves climbing trees with proper climbing safety equipment in compliance with ANSI Z133 Safety Standards for Tree Care Operations, utilizing bucket trucks, ground support activities, brush chipping, clean up, and general tool maintenance. The UCSC campus is integrated into the local forest, which includes second and third-growth native redwoods and Douglas firs over 150 feet, California bays, madrones, mature oaks, and various planted landscape species. The Lead Tree Trimmer directs and participates in tree pruning, removal, 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.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $34.71 - $35.41/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, Service Unit

Job Code Classification: TREE TRIM LD (008084)

Travel: Never or Rarely

JOB DUTIES

70% - Tree Trimmer

• 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.
• Climbs trees, trims trees, operates from aerial lift truck, chips brush, cleans job sites, and performs all other activities with the Tree Crew.
• 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, installing cables or rods in trees to support weak or potentially dangerous limbs.
• Performs tree removals by topping, piecing out, or felling trees, ensuring safe conditions.
• Identifies and reports hazardous trees in the landscape.
• Uses hand and power tools, climbing and rigging equipment, traffic safety equipment, lift trucks, chippers, and chipper trucks.
• Enters trees and reaches working height by utilizing current climbing techniques, or by utilizing a boom truck.
• Responds to tree emergencies after hours as necessary.
• Drives a University vehicle to transport tree-trimming materials and tools between campus work areas.

15% - Field Direction

• Provides field oversight for the tree crew, including task delegation, project organization, job safety, vehicle delegation, time management, and new staff training.

10% - Equipment Maintenance

• Sharpens, cleans, and adjusts saws, lubricates aerial lifts and chippers with grease guns, oil cans, and aerosol applicators as required, changes chipper blades, cleans equipment radiators, checks fluids, and follows maintenance schedules, recording work.
• Inspects climbing and rigging equipment regularly and reports deficiencies.

5% - Recordkeeping

• Maintains records of time, tree work and equipment maintenance performed.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Uses time effectively, maintains focus on designated jobs, is able to prioritize, organize, and reorganize crew work in the field based on variable conditions or restrictions.
• Must be reliable, punctual, organized and methodical, with demonstrated ability to generate and maintain records of tree work, equipment maintenance, and time allocation.
• Knowledge of tree work operations such that proposed work can be effectively planned, scheduled and costs estimated.
• Must have good safety record in the course of tree work, as well as a low incidence of damage to equipment used during tree work operations and to facilities where tree work is taking place.
• 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.
• Knowledge of tree biology, growth patterns, decay organisms, proper pruning cuts and pruning wound closure.
• Ability to climb and maneuver within and amongst mature trees at extreme heights safely and with demonstrated tree-climbing skills conforming to current practice.
• Experience in the field of arboriculture, which include the care and management of tree resources.
• Skill in tree pruning and tree removal techniques at considerable heights including working over structures.
• Ability to use necessary equipment in a safe manner such as chain saws, blowers, hedge trimmers, chipper, climbing gear, etc.
• Skill and ability to perform preventive and routing mechanical maintenance on aerial lift truck, brush chipper, small equipment power tools and related tree care equipment.
• Ability to maintain proficiency at a professional level and continually update knowledge through appropriate courses, seminars and publications.
• Demonstrate a sensitivity and ability to work effectively with and an understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds of a campus community.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 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 campus arborist with written tree reports, evaluations, employee scheduling, preventive tree maintenance programs, and participate in employee safety programs.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Must be a International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist. Ability to maintain Certified Arborist status.
• Must possess a valid California Class B license to drive and participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) pull notice program.
• Must participate in the DOT Drug Testing Program.
• 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 100 pounds of tree care and related equipment safely or with assistance.
• Ability to perform work in a rugged physical environment and inclement weather with challenging infrastructure requirements.
• Poison Oak is present. Incumbent must be willing to take the measures required to work in contact with and cut/remove poison oak.
• Ability to work in conditions of variable temperature/weather with possible exposure to strong, unpleasant odors, high levels of noise and vibrations, and exposure to dust and allergens.
• Ability to successfully work with and around a variety of fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides.
• Ability to ascend/descend ladders with or without accommodation.
• Ability to sustain exposure to dusty, noisy environments and inclement weather as necessary to carry out assigned duties and responsibilities.
• Ability to safely perform the physical requirements necessary to move light to moderate objects up to 60 lbs., with or without accommodation.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• Ability to travel within a defined regional or service area.
• 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.

a. "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.