Tree Trimmer I

Parks & Recreation Tree Trimmer I Posting: November 20, 2026 Salary: $46,000/annually General Description and Classification Standards: Trims, fells, and cares for trees; operates a variety of vehicles and other equipment. This is the entry level for this job family. Individuals entering this level must already possess the basic knowledge of the work and the required motor skills and physical capabilities to carry out basic tasks.

Typically performs the simplest pertinent tasks, assists higher level workers in more complex jobs, prepares or puts away tools. Position is distinguished from a semi-skilled laborer in that this position routinely uses tools appropriate to higher level skilled positions. Supervision Received: Works under direct supervision typically as part of a work crew and follows standard procedures and written instructions to accomplish assigned tasks.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. Maintains trees; inspects for tree quality, defects, hazards; locates planting sites; and determines proper felling, pruning, bracing, chemical application and tree removal needs as required. Performs appropriate post-tree trimming clean-up of job site including raking, sweeping, etc.

Plants and maintains new trees and other plants. Cuts grass, trims shrubs, plants flowers and performs other grounds maintenance work. Sprays, paints and disinfects plant material and trees for insects, pests, and other diseases. Maintains and operates equipment and tools. Operates a variety of vehicles and equipment such as pickup trucks, aerial boom trucks, tractors, tree spades, augers, stump grinders, brush chippers, chainsaws, pruners, and sprayers.

Cares for equipment and tools through proper maintenance; services and makes minor repairs to assigned equipment. Reads forms, instructions, labels and other information regarding tree evaluation and job sheets, equipment operation, and product application. Loads, unloads, and maneuvers a variety of materials and equipment such as brush, limbs, chemicals, mulch, wire, rope, and other items.

Attends conferences, workshops, seminars, and other training for professional development purposes. Maintains records and logs of work activities and DOT inspections. Serves as emergency on-call responder. Ensures that proper safety procedures and equipment are used for the protection of pedestrians, traffic and workers.

May oversee temporary or contract workers as needed. May perform other duties as assigned. The above statements reflect the general duties, responsibilities and competencies considered necessary to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the job and should not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements of the position.

COA may change the specific job duties with or without prior notice based on the needs of the organization. Knowledge Skills and Abilities: This is a partial listing of necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job successfully, it is not an exhaustive list. Knowledge of principles, procedures, and methods of arboriculture.

Knowledge of materials and equipment utilized in arboriculture operations. Knowledge of appropriate safety principles and procedures applicable to arboriculture operations. Skill in the use of appropriate tools and equipment in a manner consistent with safety principles. Skill in the effective execution of arboriculture principles and techniques.

Skill in effective verbal communication. Skill in performing the essential functions of the job without posing a direct threat to the health and safety of others. Ability to determine procedures or equipment needed to accomplish task. Ability to work effectively in precarious positions at considerable heights above ground to accomplish tasks.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

– One (1) to two (2) years of experience in performing arboriculture care and maintenance duties. Licensures and Certifications – Valid Driver's License. Preferred Requirements – Three (3) to five (5) years of experience in performing arboriculture care and maintenance duties. ISA Certified Arborist or EHAP Certification.

Work Environment: Required physical, lifting, and sensory capabilities are requirements to perform the job successfully. Typical environmental conditions associated with job. Lifting Requirements: Heavy work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

It is the policy of the City of Atlanta (“COA”) that qualified individuals with disabilities are not discriminated against because of their disabilities regarding job application procedures, hiring, and other terms and conditions of employment. It is further the policy of the COA to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the employment process.

The COA is prepared to modify or adjust the job application process or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of the applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee to be considered for the position he or she desires, to perform the essential functions of the position in question, or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation will impose an undue hardship.

If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Resources Director for your department. The City of Atlanta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, ender identity, marital status, veteran’s status or national origin, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.

We value and encourage diversity in our workforce.