$25–$29/hr 

An entry-level/developing ground crew position focused on building the fundamental skills needed for professional tree and forestry operations.

Responsibilities

• Brush dragging, piling, cleanup, and feeding chippers 
• Assist tree trimmers, fallers, and equipment operators 
• Perform basic chainsaw work as trained and authorized 
• Fuel, grease, clean, and assist with routine equipment care 
• Learn equipment rigging using chains, chokers, straps, shackles, and attachments 
• Learn basic ropes, knots, tree-rigging concepts, and crew communication 
• Maintain tools, PPE, vehicles, and clean, organized jobsites 

Requirements

• Valid driver's license preferred 
• Ability to perform physically demanding outdoor work in varying terrain and weather 
• Ability to safely lift, carry, drag, and handle brush, logs, tools, and equipment 
• Dependable attendance and willingness to learn 
• Ability to follow instructions and established safety procedures 

 $29–$33/hr 

An experienced ground crew position requiring greater independence and proficiency while developing more advanced tree-work and climbing skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform all Groundsman I duties with minimal supervision 
• Operate chainsaws for limbing, bucking, and processing 
• Perform equipment rigging and assist with equipment attachments 
• Set up and assist with tree-rigging and controlled-lowering operations 
• Support climbers and fallers during pruning and tree removals 
• Anticipate crew needs and maintain efficient ground operations 
• Assist in training and guiding less-experienced groundsmen 
• Learn climbing techniques, climbing systems, aerial-work procedures, and advanced tree rigging

Requirements

• Demonstrated proficiency in ground operations and chainsaw safety 
• Working knowledge of ropes, knots, rigging, and equipment-rigging practices 
• Ability to recognize hazards associated with falling, climbing, rigging, and mechanized operations 
• Ability to work productively with limited supervision 
• Valid driver's license 
• Demonstrated reliability, safety, and care of company equipment 
• Willingness to continue developing climbing and technical tree-work skills

 $31–$36/hr 

A skilled tree worker performing climbing, timber falling, aerial work, pruning, removals, rigging, or related tree operations within their demonstrated qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Perform skilled chainsaw and tree-processing operations 
• Fall trees using appropriate directional-falling techniques 
• Perform climbing and aerial work within demonstrated qualifications 
• Prune and remove trees from the ground, climbing systems, or aerial lifts as qualified 
• Perform tree rigging and controlled-lowering operations 
• Inspect and maintain saws, climbing equipment, and rigging equipment 
• Coordinate tree operations with groundsmen and equipment operators 
• Continue developing climbing, falling, rigging, and technical-removal skills 

Requirements

• Demonstrated professional chainsaw and tree-work experience 
• Competency in one or more advanced disciplines such as timber falling, climbing, aerial tree work, or technical tree removal 
• Working knowledge of tree-felling, rigging, and jobsite safety practices 
• Ability to independently perform assigned tree work within demonstrated qualifications 
• Valid driver's license 
• Appropriate climbing qualifications/experience when assigned climbing work 
• Strong judgment, communication, productivity, and equipment care
   

 $37–$43/hr 

A journeyman-level tree climber/tree trimmer capable of independently performing advanced climbing and technical tree work with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced climbing and aerial tree work 
• Perform technical and sectional tree removals 
• Perform advanced pruning, chainsaw, and tree-rigging operations 
• Plan and execute controlled-lowering and complex removal operations 
• Evaluate tree condition, lean, loading, obstacles, and worksite hazards 
• Establish appropriate work plans, drop zones, and rigging strategies 
• Coordinate climbers, groundsmen, and equipment during tree operations 
• Assist with training and development of less-experienced tree workers 
• Maintain high standards of safety, productivity, and workmanship

Requirements

• Journeyman-level climbing and tree-trimming competency 
• Generally four or more years of professional climbing/tree-work experience 
• Demonstrated proficiency in advanced climbing, rigging, pruning, and technical removals 
• Advanced chainsaw skills and strong understanding of tree-felling principles 
• Ability to independently plan and safely execute complex tree work 
• Ability to identify hazards and modify work plans as conditions change 
• Valid driver's license 
• Strong judgment, communication, leadership, and safety record
   

 $29–$33/hr

A developing equipment operator and commercial driver responsible for safely operating designated company trucks, trailers, equipment, and attachments.

Responsibilities

• Operate designated trucks, trailers, and heavy equipment 
• Perform pre-trip and pre-operation inspections 
• Load, secure, transport, and unload equipment and materials 
• Connect, inspect, and operate trailers 
• Perform vegetation, material-handling, and production-equipment operations 
• Fuel, grease, clean, and perform routine operator maintenance 
• Communicate with spotters, groundsmen, tree trimmers, and other operators 
• Develop proficiency with additional equipment, trucks, trailers, and attachments 

Requirements

• Valid driver's license; CDL required for assignments involving commercial vehicles requiring one 
• Acceptable driving record 
• Demonstrated ability to safely operate assigned equipment and/or vehicles 
• Knowledge of load securement, equipment capacities, clearances, and operating hazards as applicable 
• Ability to perform required inspections and identify/report equipment defects 
• Ability to follow spotters and communicate effectively with ground personnel 
• Dependable, safety-conscious, and responsible with company equipment

 $34–$39/hr

An experienced equipment operator and commercial driver capable of independently handling transportation and production-equipment assignments.

Responsibilities

• Operate multiple company trucks, trailers, heavy equipment, and attachments 
• Independently load, secure, transport, and unload equipment and materials 
• Maneuver trucks and trailers in rural, restricted-access, and unimproved locations 
• Perform advanced tree, log, vegetation, and material-handling operations 
• Coordinate equipment with falling, tree removal, processing, and chipping operations 
• Recognize terrain, stability, clearance, overhead, and load hazards 
• Identify mechanical issues and communicate maintenance needs 
• Assist in developing less-experienced operators and drivers 
• Maintain efficient production while minimizing unnecessary equipment wear and damage 

Requirements

• Valid CDL with endorsements appropriate to assigned vehicles 
• Acceptable commercial driving record 
• Demonstrated proficiency operating multiple types of company equipment and trucks 
• Strong knowledge of equipment transport, load securement, and trailer operations 
• Ability to independently evaluate equipment capabilities and jobsite conditions 
• Ability to perform transportation and equipment assignments with minimal supervision 
• Strong mechanical awareness, judgment, safety, and equipment care