Job Opportunity: Arborist

Help maintain the campus urban forest! Apply to be an arborist at the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden, where every career employee receives extremely competitive health and retirement benefits including:

• Three weeks vacation at start, holidays and paid sick leave
• One of our state's best pension benefits and a retirement savings program
• An impressive selection of medical, dental, vision and life insurance
• Plus, much more...

LEARN MORE and APPLY by May 19, 2026

EXPLORE UC Davis' Competitive HEALTH and RETIREMENT Benefits

Job Summary

Under the direction of a tree trimming supervisor, provides maintenance service to the campus urban forest by performing work in trimming, shaping, cultivating, removing and planting trees.

Department Purpose

The Grounds Division provides outdoor maintenance and care of the campus landscape and hardscape. The Grounds Division is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of outdoor space including landscape, roadways, walkways and signage throughout campus.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• CPR/First Aid Certificate within the first 90 days of employment.
• Required to hold a valid California driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program
• High school diploma, or GED equivalent education.
• Practical experience in arboriculture, with a strong emphasis on proficiency in tree climbing operations including aerial rescue techniques.
• Knowledge of industry standards and specifications to perform pruning tasks according to Tree Care Industry Association.
• Skill using tree maintenance tools. Basic math skills to calculate rope strength to select the necessary rigging and materials to lower various sizes of limbs of wood.
• Skill to identify plants based on both botanical and common name; and the ability to plant, stake, and maintain trees in a healthy manner.
• Computer skills to enter and retrieve data.

Preferred Qualifications

• Writing skills to produce reports and recommendations to campus management and contractors.
• Skills to train personnel in tree trimming related duties.
• Able to provide customer service; manage client expectations with an emphasis on quality, quantity and timeliness of work.

Job Expectations

Essential Responsibilities

• 35% - Tree Removal
• 35% - Pruning Duties
• 20% - Safety
• 5% - Equipment Operations
• 5% - Training

Mental Demands

• Continuous (6 to 8+ hours daily) communication skills, numerical skills, constant interaction, and multiple concurrent tasks
• Frequent (3 to 6 hours daily) sustained attention and concentration, complex problem solving/reasoning, and ability to organize and prioritize
• Occasional (up to 3 hours) customer contact

Physical Demands

• Continuous (6 to 8+ hours daily) standing, walking, sitting, lifting/carrying 0 to 25 pounds, and pushing/pulling 0 to 25 pounds
• Frequent (3 to 6 Hours) lifting/carrying 26 to 50 pounds, pushing/pulling 26 to 50 pounds, bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, climbing (e.g., stair or ladders), and keyboard use/repetitive motion
• Occasional (up to 3 hours) lifting/carrying over 50 pounds, pushing/pulling over 50 pounds, and reaching overhead

Environmental Demands

• Frequent (3 to 6 hours daily) exposure to chemical, dust, gases, fumes, loud noise levels, marked changes in humidity or temperature, uneven surfaces or elevations, and operation of motor vehicles and/or equipment
• Occasional (up to 3 hours) exposure to microwave/radiation and extreme temperatures

Special requirements

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
• UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space. 
• Employment contingent upon successful completion of the Department of Transportation (DOT) Drug and Alcohol Testing program. Employee will be placed on the random testing pool list for drug and alcohol testing. 
• This position is subject to completion of a Pre-Placement Medical Exam provided by Employee Health Services. 
• This position is subject to Medical Surveillance procedures and review in accordance with Federal and State Laws and Regulations and University Policy. 
• Work a flexible schedule including evenings, nights, weekends and overtime, as needed. 
• Position may, at times, require employee to work with or be in areas where hazardous materials and/or infectious diseases are present. 
• Work outside in extreme weather conditions. 
• Employee is personally responsible for following safety procedures/guidelines. 
• Position will participate in Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Pull Notice System.

LEARN MORE and APPLY by May 19, 2026

EXPLORE UC Davis' Competitive HEALTH and RETIREMENT Benefits