Working Title Tree Trimmer I
SF State University San Francisco State is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, National origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered veteran status, or any other protected status. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting the Senior Human Resources Manager.
Applicants may visit titleix.sfsu.edu for more information on SF State's policy prohibiting discrimination, and how to file an online report using the procedures under Executive Order 1096 Revised. Inquiries can be directed to the campus Title IX Coordinator and Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Administrator by calling (415) 338-2032 or emailing vpsaem@sfsu.edu.
San Francisco State is a 100% Smoke/Vapor-Free Campus. Smoking or Vaping of any tobacco/plant-based substance is not permitted on any University properties.
The person holding this position may be considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
This position may be a "designated position" in the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. The successful candidate accepting this position may be required to file Conflict of Interest forms subject to the regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission.
Department Facilities Services - Grounds Maintenance
Appointment Type This is a one-year probationary position.
Time Base Full-Time (1.0 FTE)
Work Schedule Monday - Friday, 6:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Anticipated Hiring Range $3,736.00 - $4,044.00 Monthly ($44,832.00 - $48,528.00 Annually)
Salary is commensurate with experience.
Position Summary This position provides tree maintenance, pruning and removal work. It will require work from ladders, aerial lifts and rigging systems as may be needed. In addition, this position provides vertebrate pest control services to the campus to control gopher populations using nonpoisonous means. This position will perform the duties of a Groundsworker when required and will help place bollards and small concrete pieces and signs and help perform excavations on campus as may be necessary.
Position Information - Tree Trimmer Duties
- Inspects campus trees and decides if pruning or maintenance work is necessary. Reports to the supervisor or manager what is recommended to mitigate hazards. Enters tree information into the campus tree database as needed.
- Prunes and trims hedges, shrubs, plants, and trees to control size and remove hazardous growth. Removes trash and other debris from campus as may be required.
- Participates and executes tree pruning plans using aerial lifts, ladders, and lift trucks. Collects and loads debris into tarps, debris boxes, and trucks as may be necessary. This position requires the employee to utilize all power tools and equipment in the Grounds Shop including but not limited to brush chipper, backhoe loader, dingo with trencher, backhoe, auger attachments, digging spade, jackhammer, and compacter.
- Operates tractor and attachments for applying amendments, fertilizer and aeration as may be directed by the supervisor or manager.
- Waters, fertilizes, and sprays plants and soil to provide nutrition, water, or pest control using buckets, hoses, fertilizer bags, hand and push spreaders, backpack, and hand power tank sprayers.
- Operates and maintains power equipment to achieve efficiency using trimmers, chainsaws, sprayers, spreaders, rototillers, blowers, and other gardening power equipment. Maintenance includes sharpening blades and replacing damaged or worn parts.
- Operates, cleans, and performs routine operator maintenance on vehicles while observing state and campus regulations to transport personnel, tools, and materials using autos, trucks, forklifts, tractors, and other utility vehicles. Operator maintenance activities include cleaning, checking, and adding fluids, fuels, and lubricants and reporting damage or defects.
- Be available for callbacks to campus during the work year as needed for tree emergency situations that may arise. Expected to return to campus if needed.
- Grounds Maintenance
- Examples include removing and replacing bollards, assisting with small concrete placement jobs and road repair tasks, performing excavation and trenching work, installing and removing temporary fencing, performing the duties of a Groundsworker when required, or performing athletics grounds activities such as lining athletic fields for play.
- Other Duties as Assigned
Minimum Qualifications - Knowledge:
Thorough knowledge of methods, materials, and tools used in trimming, pruning, cultivating, and caring for trees. General knowledge of different species of trees and their growing characteristics as related to pruning and shaping methods; and of safety procedures with tools and stationary and aerial climbing devices.
- Abilities:
Ability to trim trees according to accepted practices; work from hydraulic aerial lifts or from aerial ladders at considerable heights above the ground; read and write at a level appropriate to the duties of the position; and follow oral and written directions.
- Experience:
Two years of general experience in the care and maintenance of landscaped areas or general grounds which has provided a variety of basic knowledge and abilities in tree trimming and tree maintenance work.
- License:
Some positions may require possession of a valid California driver’s license.
Required/License/Certification - Possess a valid California Driver’s License; comply with the Defensive Drivers Training program requirements if a vehicle is used to travel on official business.
- The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment.
Pre-Employment Requirements This position requires the successful completion of a background check.
Eligibility to Work Applicants must be able to provide proof of US Citizenship or authorization to work in the United States, within three business days from their date of hire.
Benefits Threaded through our Total Compensation package is a commitment to Bridging Life's Transitions. SF State is committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive program that rewards efforts that are appreciated by your colleagues, students and the customers we serve.
We offer a competitive compensation package that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Pension, 401k, Healthcare Savings Account, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, Vacation and Sick Leave as well as State Holidays and a dynamic Fee Waiver program, all geared towards the University's commitment to attract, motivate and retain our employee.
CSUEU Position (For CSUEU Positions Only) Eligible and qualified on-campus applicants, currently in bargaining units 2, 5, 7, and 9 are given hiring preference.
Additional Information SF STATE IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (i.e. H1-B VISAS). Thank you for your interest in employment with California State University (CSU). CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California. Because of this, CSU prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside of California with very limited exception. While this position may be eligible for occasional telework, all work is expected to be performed in the state of California, and this position is assigned to on-campus operations.
CSU strongly encourages faculty, staff, and students who are accessing campus facilities to be immunized against COVID-19. The systemwide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/.
The Human Resources office is open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and can be reached at (415) 338-1872.
Please note that this position, position requirements, application deadline and/or any other component of this position is subject to change or cancellation at any time.
Advertised: Oct 15 2025 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:
