OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR - FORESTRY
Calling All Certified Arborists! The City of Modesto’s Forestry Division is growing — and we’re on the lookout for an experienced Operations Supervisor to help lead our amazing team! If you have a passion for trees, would love spending your time in an office setting and outdoors, and have experience supervising crews in Urban Forestry, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

Join us in shaping a greener, healthier city — one branch at a time! 

Upcoming Salary Increases and Incentives:
3% effective 7/1/2026
2.5% Education Incentive - Bachelor's Degree
5% Education Incentive - Master's Degree

The City of Modesto is seeking a skilled leader to join our Forestry Division! The Forestry Operations Supervisor plans, organizes, directs, and oversees a variety of activities related to maintaining and repairing streets, parks, and trees, while performing technical tasks in Urban Forestry.

This role requires Arborist Certification within one year of appointment—but if you’re already a certified arborist, even better! Bring your expertise and help us keep Modesto’s urban forest thriving. 

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants will be assessed on the application submitted. Due to the volume of applications received, resumes will not be screened for the purpose of determining who is most qualified to compete in the testing process. It is the applicant's responsibility to fill out the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application with complete information and adequate detail. Do not substitute any part of the application form with the words "see resume". The following information is provided for you to use as a reference and as a planning tool. Human Resources is unable to schedule make-up examinations.

Applicants considered to be the most qualified will be invited to continue in the testing process.

Tentative Testing Schedule
Online Exam
October 30, 2025 - November 5, 2025

Human Resources reserves the right to revise the testing process to best meet the needs of the City. We are an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience and Training Guidelines:  
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:  
Three years of increasingly responsible experience performing construction and maintenance work in the assigned area of responsibility, including one year providing technical and functional supervision over assigned personnel

Training:
Equivalent to an Associate’s degree from an accredited college with major course work in business administration, public administration, or a related field. 

License or Certificate:
Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license.  

Click Here to apply or for more information

Tree Worker/Arborist
The Presidio Trust is seeking a Tree Worker/Arborist who will support the Forestry Department. This is a journey level Tree Worker/Arborist position. The Presidio Trust is an innovative federal agency that stewards and shares the history, beauty, and wonder of the Presidio for everyone to enjoy forever. The ancestral homeland of the Ramaytush Ohlone, the Presidio was once a military post under three flags. Today, it is a surprising national park site spanning 1,500 acres at the Golden Gate. Its rare natural habits, inspiring views, and world-class trails are a local and global attraction. It is among the most biologically diverse parks in America and a popular destination with beaches, museums, restaurants, hotels, homes, and offices.

Reporting to the Tree Worker/Arborist Supervisor, the Tree Worker/Arborist performs routine and skilled duties involved in the maintenance, planting, pruning and removal of trees and other vegetation under the technical guidance and supervision of the Tree Worker III in Charge and Forester/Supervisor.

This is a full-time position with benefits and a starting at $56.59 per hour, based in the San Francisco Bay Area. This position is included in a bargaining unit, specifically the Laborers' International Union of North America, Local 792, United Public Employees of California. Applications received by November 4, 2025, will receive first consideration.

Click Here to Apply

Responsibilities

• Fells trees, clears land and prepares soil, plants, stakes and mulches with preparation, installation and maintenance for the establishment of new trees in reforestation sites
• Prunes or removes trees and stumps using chain saws, handsaws, pole saws, pole pruners, stump grinders, wheel loaders, track loaders and various other tools and equipment
• Climbs trees with ropes and harness both with and without the use of climbing gaffs and/or works from an aerial lift to remove dead, dying, diseased, damaged and hazardous limbs or trees
• Cuts, stacks, hauls, loads and chips brush, logs, stumps and other debris utilizing chipper, front end loader, trucks, trailers and other tools and equipment
• Drives vehicles requiring a Class B driver's license hauling forestry equipment materials and supplies
• Safely and proficiently applies the proper use of rigging for the removal of limbs and heavy wood utilizing slings, ropes, blocks, knots, lowering devices and other hardware and equipment
• Performs routine maintenance and repairs on tools and equipment and maintain the shop and work areas in a clean, orderly, and safe condition
• Monitors self and crew and public safety; verifies proper use of traffic control devices, sets out cones, barriers and warning signs and utilizes safe work practices for tree work as set out in both ANSI and OSHA standards
• Responds to tree related emergency calls occasionally after hours and or weekends
• Works with Volunteers on Forestry sponsored events
• Cuts grass and tall weeds by use of string trimmers, brush cutters and high weed mowers
• Responds as appropriate to questions from public, residents, tenants and Presidio staff using principles of good customer service; reports any problems or issues to the Forester
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• High School diploma or general education degree (GED)
• At least 5 years verifiable tree climbing experience as a qualified arborist as defined by ANSI Z133 (2107)
• Valid State of California Driver's License Class B or higher (Class A within 6 months)
• Ability to operate a variety of tree maintenance equipment and tools such as chain saws, block and tackle, chippers, stump grinders, aerial lifts
• Knowledge of ropes, knots, rigging and hitches and climbing trees to a height of 100 feet or more
• Knowledge of the qualities and characteristics of most trees found in the Presidio
• Advanced knowledge of tree pruning and removal in accordance with ISA pruning standards and BMP's
• Ability to work safely in compliance with ANSI and OSHA standards and established safety practices including aerial rescue
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers and other Trust employees
• International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Tree Worker Certification or Qualified Arborist as defined in ANSI Z133 (2017)
• Qualified Incidental Line Clearance Certification or possession of comparable education, training, and on-the-job-experience as defined in ASNI Z133 (2017) Section 4.2.4 (within first year)
• Proficient operation of heavy equipment including front end loader, skid steer, stump grinder, aerial lifts, and others as directed

Desired Qualifications

• A passion for the mission and values of the Presidio Trust.
• ISA Certified Arborist
• Verifiable Aerial Lift Certification
• Verifiable experience working with and around cranes for tree removal
• Utility Arborist Certification
• Municipal Arborist Certification
• Board Certified Master Arborist Certification
• TRAQ Certified

Skill & Knowledge

• Advanced knowledge of tree anatomy and biology to identify and treat tree diseases
• Advanced knowledge of soil and the relationship between tree root systems and soils they grow in, to manage tree health and performance; water requirements of trees, irrigation methods, water conservation practices, and drainage tree nutrition and fertilization essential for tree growth and development; insects, diseases, biotic and abiotic disorders associated with trees; tree identification to properly diagnosis tree related problems (e.g. diseases, pests, etc.) and make treatment recommendations;
• Advanced knowledge of personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, care, use, inspection, and replacement
• Advanced knowledge of construction preservation of trees including site protection, pre-construction/post-construction mitigation, etc.
• Advanced knowledge of arborist equipment including ropes and their tensile strengths, attachment hardware and their working load limits, etc.
• Advanced knowledge of climbing and rigging knots and their applications; rigging (i.e. vectors, force), equipment (i.e. ropes, slings, blocks), methods (i.e. establish rigging point, control friction) and techniques (i.e. rigging point above)
• Advanced knowledge of proper planting techniques and establishment procedures; tree climbing skills using a rope and work positioning saddle, climbing gaffs (spikes), etc.
• Advanced knowledge of chainsaw safety, maintenance, and operation; rigging techniques and methods
• Advanced knowledge of proper pruning techniques; tree support system components, design, and function; lightning protection system components, design, and function.
• Advanced knowledge and ability to teach and instruct others about tree components and their functions
• Advanced ability to ensure team compliance with OSHA 1910, General Industry Regulations and ANSI Z133.1
• Safety Standards for Arboricultural Operations; perform compound rigging techniques to execute advanced limb removal, heavy wood removal, and top removal to dismantle trees; perform and review condition assessment of trees.
• Equipment operation skills including aerial lift, bucket truck, woodchipper, stump grinder, skid steer, etc., as identified under optional functions.

Physical Effort

• Ability to work at heights up to more than 100 feet.
• Regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 75 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to more than 75 pounds.
• Long periods of physical exertion.
• Prolonged exposure to repetitive motion.
• When motor vehicle or tractor operator duties are performed, moderate effort is exerted to manipulate equipment controls.

Working Conditions

• This type of work is inherently dangerous and may result in serious injury from slips, trips, or falls and could, in the unlikely event, result in death when performed incorrectly.
• This work is performed outside and is subject to weather conditions ranging from high heat and humidity to sub-zero temperatures.
• Possible exposure to a variety of site hazards including extreme environmental conditions; poisonous plants, insects, and/or reptiles; electrical conductors; uneven terrain; pedestrian/vehicular traffic, etc.
• Possible prolonged exposure to noise more than 85 decibels (db) when working with or near chainsaws, woodchippers, etc. Will be required to wear protective clothing; as well as normal safety items such as boots, glasses, etc. When vehicles are operated there is additional exposure to risk due to traffic accidents, overturning or boom accidents aloft.

Background Check
This position is subject to an employment background check which shall consist of a review of applicable county, state and Federal criminal and civil records, state bankruptcy indexes, driver’s license, education, and employment history. An individual’s granting of a background check and resulting report is voluntary. However, employment is contingent upon the successful completion of an employment background check. The Presidio Trust may refuse to hire an individual, may rescind an offer of employment to an individual, or may review and terminate the employment of a current employee not successfully completing the background check.

The Presidio Trust is an equal opportunity employer, offering a competitive benefits package. To learn more, visit www.presidio.gov/about/presidio-trust/careers.

Click Here to Apply

Tree Trimmer
Salary:  $5,959.64 - $7,243.98 MONTHLY
Location: Richmond, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Opening Date: 10/13/2025
Closing Date: 11/03/2025
Position Description and Duties:
The Tree Trimmer performs the full range of tree maintenance duties as assigned and possesses knowledge of tree health, plant diseases, tree trimming techniques, and the safe operation of tree maintenance equipment.  Tree Trimmers may receive directions from the Tree Lead Worker.

Ideal Candidate Attributes:

• Strong understanding of tree physiology and species common to the Bay Area.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to safe work practices.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Able to assess risk and make sound decisions in the field.
• Willingness to respond to emergency call-outs

The following list is intended to be illustrative in nature and does not necessarily represent the entire range of work duties expected of employees within the job classification.

• Performs a variety of skilled tree trimming and pruning work to remove obstructions and hazards, and to improve the health and appearance of trees and other vegetation.
• Assesses the work site to identify hazards and ensure safe working conditions; sets up the scene for the crew, including positioning equipment, establishing safe zones, and implementing safety protocols.
• Climbs trees using specialized rigging devices, ropes, climbing harness, and/or uses aerial lift equipment to remove or prune dead, damaged, or unwanted limbs or entire trees.
• Performs tree maintenance, including selecting and planting trees; staking, tying, strapping, and installing tree guards and cages; cutting down trees; removing tree hazards; salvaging fallen timber; cutting and removing stumps, roots, trunks, and limbs; and cleaning work areas by raking and clearing debris.
• Drives trucks and may tow tree maintenance equipment to job sites, and operates equipment such as aerial lifts, bucket trucks, and chipper trucks. 
• Performs tree maintenance using chain and hand saws, chippers, pruners, and other tree maintenance equipment.
• Performs tool maintenance duties with equipment such as power saws, chainsaws, pruning hooks, and other specialized trimming tools; services and inspects tools and equipment for safety and mechanical defects; maintains and performs minor repairs to chainsaws.
• Follows all safety rules and protocols, including use of PPE and safe working practices near pedestrians and vehicle traffic or power lines. 
• Prepares basic records and work logs.
• Responds to emergency tree-related situations (e.g., storm damage, fallen or hazardous limbs).
• Observes and reports tree health issues. 
• Monitor and identify diseases and pest in trees; help develop and carry out treatment plans to resolve infestations and stop the spread of plant pathogens; use of  IPM Plan (Integrated Pest Management Plan) and BMP (Best Management Practices): apply and monitor the use of chemicals including, herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, and insecticides in accordance with City policy. Assists in traffic control measures – using cones, barricades – for safe operation near streets.
• Responds to requests and inquiries from the general public.
• Performs related work as required.

Please click here to view the complete job description.

Minimum Qualifications:
Required Education and Experience 

• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Two (2) years of experience in tree trimming and climbing, including use of ropes, harnesses, and climbing gear
• Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities

Required Licenses or Certifications 

• Possession of a valid California driver's license and satisfactory driving record is an ongoing requirement. Must maintain a satisfactory driving record throughout the duration of work in this class.

Desirable Certifications

•  Certifications demonstrating technical expertise, safety, and tree care knowledge from recognized organizations such as from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) are desirable but not required.
• Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC)

For More Information or to Apply for the position click here.