Employer: Stanford University
Location: Stanford, CA, United States
Category: Bargaining Unit -TMS
Job function: Tree Specialist
Workplace type: On-site
Contract type: Regular
Grade: A26 - Bargaining Unit Role
Posted: 2026-10-26T15:17:10+00:00
This position is represented by SEIU Local 2007 and the collective bargaining agreement between the university and SEIU Local 2007 governs the terms and conditions of employment.
Welcome to Land, Buildings & Real Estate
Land, Buildings & Real Estate (LBRE) is the operational core of Stanford University’s physical campus. LBRE constructs and maintains the Stanford campus, where advancements across the academic spectrum are made possible. Our work is founded upon the collective value of dedication, innovation, expertise, teamwork, and continuous improvement. We are committed to serving the university’s academic mission, as well as preserving and enhancing Stanford’s 8,180 acres, and pride ourselves on supporting the teaching and research of the university as "Caretakers of a Legacy."
The Mission of the Stanford University Grounds Services Department is to provide a beautiful and safe outdoor experience for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
We pride ourselves in being the in-house service of choice since the University began. We provide a stewardship role in the proper care of all outdoor facilities. We are prompt, efficient, and professional in appearance and duties. We "tailor make" our services and are immediately responsive to our diverse clientele.
What you will do in this role:
You will be responsible for (but not limited to):
- Under the direction of a lead or supervisor or the oversight of a Tree Specialist II, you will perform a variety of duties related to maintenance and care of trees; some duties are performed in training capacity.
- Under the direction of a lead or supervisor, employees in this classification perform complex Tree Specialist duties.
- Employees in this classification maintain and care of trees on campus for acceptable physical appearance and healthy condition. Most work is performed independently following consultation with the supervisor. The supervisor determines the priorities of jobs.
- Tree Specialist IIs instruct and provide close guidance to a team throughout an operation. They promote learning and following all necessary safety procedures.
- Diagnose common diseases, pests and other problems in trees; recommends care and treatment.
- Prune or remove whole trees.
- Perform or oversee spray treatment for diseased or pest-infested trees; prepare and use sprays and advise and instruct others in spraying.
- Suggest replacement of trees.
- Is alert for early indications of tree problems and communicates concern to lead or supervisor.
- May oversee the work of other employees assigned to assist; may guide employees.
- Oversee or perform limb and stump chipping.
- May perform any of the duties described in the Tree Specialist I specification or other duties as assigned which are:
- Remove parts of trees, or assist in the removal of whole trees.
- Prune and perform other operations as directed to maintain good physical appearance and healthy conditions of trees for continued growth.
- May spray or power wash trees. Under direction, set up and use high-work safety equipment, such as rope and saddle apparatus.
- Follow safety procedures as specified for all equipment.
- Adhere to safety rules.
Other duties may also be assigned
The successful candidate will embrace the following:
LBRE Core Values of Leadership, Exploration, Gratitude, Accountability, Community and You, in their management style and help to build an organization where these qualities serve as the foundation for successful and rewarding careers for all employees.
LBRE views a strong culture where everyone can thrive. It is a culture of trust and respect, where staff can be their authentic selves, feel safe and work in a place that they feel they belong.
This series of job classifications includes positions in which the major duties involve maintaining good health and appearance in mature trees on the campus. This involves climbing, pruning, removing dead limbs, treating for diseases and pests, as well as additional similar duties as required. There are three levels in the series, Tree Specialist I, II, and Tree Specialist Lead. They are differentiated on the basis of degree of independence and complexity of duties
Under the direction of a lead or supervisor, employees in this classification perform complex Tree Specialist duties.
Employees in this classification maintain and care of trees on campus for acceptable physical appearance and healthy condition. Most work is performed independently following consultation with the supervisor. The supervisor determines the priorities of jobs.
Tree Specialist IIs instruct and provide close guidance to a team throughout an operation. They promote learning and following all necessary safety procedures.
Additional Information
Physical Requirements*:
- Ability to drive day or night.
- Ability to climb and work as high as 120 feet.
- Constantly stand/walk, climb (ladders, scaffolds, or other), twist/bend/stoop/squat, each/work above shoulders, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 20 lbs.
- Frequently use a telephone, perform work which requires light/fine/forceful grasping, operate hand/or foot controls, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh 20-40lbs unassisted and up to 100 pounds with assistance.
- Occasionally perform seated work, desk-based computer tasks, write by hand, kneel/crawl, shovel/rake/sweep/chop, and lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh greater than 40lbs unassisted and up to 100 pounds with assistance.
- Rarely sort/file paperwork or parts.
Working Conditions
- Required to wear appropriate issued uniform.
- May be required to work overtime, evenings, and weekends, including holidays, sometimes in inclement weather conditions.
- Required to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- May be exposed to poison oak, pollen, dust and/or other allergens, and/or insects including ticks.
Work Standards
- When conducting university business, must comply with the California Vehicle Code and Stanford University driving requirements.
- Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
- Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
- Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu/ and the appropriate collective bargaining agreement at https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/workplace-essentials/employee-labor-relations/labor-relations-collective-bargaining/seiu-higher.
Core Duties
- Diagnose common diseases, pests and other problems in trees; recommends care and treatment.
- Prune or remove whole trees.
- Perform or oversee spray treatment for diseased or pest-infested trees; prepare and use sprays and advise and instruct others in spraying.
- Suggest replacement of trees.
- Is alert for early indications of tree problems and communicates concern to lead or supervisor.
- May oversee the work of other employees assigned to assist; may guide employees.
- Oversee or perform limb and stump chipping.
- May perform any of the duties described in the Tree Specialist I specification or other duties as assigned.
- Adhere to safety rules.
Minimum Education and Experience
High School diploma or GED and three years’ experience in the Arboriculture trade, grounds work, grounds keeping, tree equipment operation, and/or related work, or a combination of education and relevant experience
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Tree Specialist II has all of the qualifications described in the Tree Specialist I specification plus the following qualifications:
- Must be proficient in all the skills of tree working, such as pruning, limb removing, and similar typical duties.
- Strong plant identification knowledge.
- Must be proficient in the use of all hand and power tools required, including when working at heights up to approximately 120 feet and from a variety of apparatus, such as ropes and saddles, and boom lift trucks.
- Ability to choose appropriate tools and equipment for each job.
- Ability to recognize and diagnose common tree diseases.
- Must have a practical knowledge of the growth characteristics and requirements of the trees.
- Knowledge of the safety procedures required in the work, including what particular apparatus and methods should be used for a given job.
Certificates and Licenses Required
Valid California Non-commercial Class C Driver's license.
Must have Tree Worker Certification. Certified Arborist preferred
