Tree Care Technician - Facilities Services - UTK

University of Tennessee Athletic Marketing Department

University of Tennessee Athletic Marketing Department

Operations

Knoxville, TN, USA

Posted on May 21, 2026

Facilities Services Department is responsible for the maintenance and operations of all campus facilities, which includes buildings, grounds, and utility systems. The Arboriculture Group is responsible for the inventory, care and maintenance of all UT Knoxville campus trees.

The Tree Care Technician I performs tree maintenance and tree removal work under the direction of the UTK Campus Arborist and in support of the Arboricultural mission of the UT Facilities Services Landscape Services Division.


The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!

Facilities Services Department is responsible for the maintenance and operations of all campus facilities, which includes buildings, grounds, and utility systems. The Arboriculture Group is responsible for the inventory, care and maintenance of all UT Knoxville campus trees. The Tree Care Technician I performs tree maintenance and tree removal work under the direction of the UTK Campus Arborist and in support of the Arboricultural mission of the UT Facilities Services Landscape Services Division.
  • Required Education:
    • High School Diploma or GED

  • Required Experience:

    • 1 year experience working on a tree crew

  • Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

    • Knowledge of standard tree care practices.

    • Knowledge of OSHA and ANSI Standards for tree care operations.

    • The ability to perform hard, physical work for long periods in all types of weather

    • The ability to read and follow instructions.

    • The ability to learn how to operate all types of power equipment, including aerial lifts, skid steer loaders, commercial chippers, leaf blowers, chain saws, and etc.

  • Other Conditions: Valid Driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Vocational or technical training preferred
  • International Society of Arboriculture Certified Tree Worker credentials preferred
  • Experience as a supervisor or crew leader preferred.

Work Location

  • University of Tennessee – Knoxville, TN Campus
  • This is an on-site position

Compensation and Benefits

  • UT market range: MR05
  • Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
  • Find more information on UT Benefits here

About The College/Department/Division

UT Facilities Services is responsible for the care and keeping of more than 300 facilities and utilities systems in and around Knoxville. As the University of Tennessee Knoxville’s largest non-academic department, team members are responsible for facilities maintenance and repair, custodial needs, landscaping and lawncare, utility work, in-house and capital construction projects, facilities planning and design, environmental initiatives, pest control, campus event services, and facilities administration functions for both the flagship campus and the agricultural institute. The Facilities Services staff provides around-the-clock coverage to ensure students, staff, faculty, and fans have a consistent and positive experience every time they step foot on Rocky Top.


  • Performs supervised general tree care work: including assisting with pruning and removal of trees, cleaning up debris, operating equipment including chippers and chainsaws.
  • Supervised use of various specialized tools necessary for the performance of tree care work such as ropes, saddles, pole saws, pole pruners handsaws, and advanced rigging equipment.
  • Blowing, raking, and cleanup of work-sites.
  • Assists with overall campus-wide special event (football)and storm clean up to include snow/ice removal and debris removal as needed.
  • Works in a smart, safe, and efficient manner.
  • Drives trucks and operates various equipment such as aerial lifts, brush chippers, skid loaders, and stump grinders.
  • Applies pesticides under supervision for control of diseases and insects of trees and shrubs and weed control.
  • Mixes pesticides under supervision
  • Loads pesticide tanks under supervision
  • Plants trees according to established standard methods.