Aerial Platform Operator Tree Care

Zohorecruit; Pensacola (FL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Health/dental/vision insurance

Life insurance

PTO

Professional development

Job summary

Tri-State Tree Service in Pensacola, FL is seeking an Equipment Operator to operate bucket trucks, aerial lifts, and other tree-care equipment while performing ground work and aerial tasks from elevated platforms.

The role blends hands-on tree care with equipment maintenance, rigging from bucket trucks, and coordination with ground crews to ensure safe debris management and high-quality workmanship; advancement opportunities toward crew leadership are available.

Qualifications

• 2+ years tree service experience with equipment operation background.
• Proficiency operating bucket trucks, aerial lifts, and tree care equipment.
• Experience with chainsaws, cutting techniques, and rigging operations.
• Valid driver's license with clean driving record.
• Ability to work confidently from aerial platforms at heights.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and equipment troubleshooting abilities.
• Knowledge of tree biology, pruning techniques, and cutting methods.
• Excellent hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness for aerial work.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Problem-solving abilities for equipment and operational challenges.

Responsibilities

• Operate bucket trucks, aerial lifts, chippers, and specialized equipment.
• Perform tree trimming, pruning, and removal from aerial platforms.
• Cut, rope, and rig branches from bucket truck and lift platforms.
• Conduct equipment inspections and routine maintenance.
• Coordinate with ground crew for safe debris management and rigging.
• Assist with ground-based tree care activities and debris handling.
• Operate chainsaws, pole saws, and hand tools for ground-level cutting.
• Support climbers with rigging, rope work, and material handling.
• Follow ANSI/OSHA safety protocols and company procedures.
• Report safety hazards and equipment issues immediately.
• Interact professionally with clients and address concerns.
• Maintain clean, organized job sites and professional appearance.
• Manage job site organization and thorough cleanup.
• Ensure customer satisfaction through quality workmanship.

Skills

Bucket truck operation

Aerial lift operation

Chainsaw use

Rigging operations

Valid driver's license

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Problem solving

Tree biology knowledge

Coordination at height

Tools

Chippers

Pole saws

Rigging hardware

Job description

Pensacola, United States | Posted on 08/28/2026

The Equipment Operator at Tri-State Tree Service operates specialized tree care equipment while performing ground work and aerial operations from bucket trucks and lifts. This skilled position combines equipment operation with hands‑on tree care, including cutting, roping, and rigging from aerial platforms. Support all tree care operations except traditional rope climbing, with excellent advancement opportunities toward crew leadership.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Equipment & Aerial Operations

• Operate bucket trucks, aerial lifts, chippers, and specialized equipment
• Perform tree trimming, pruning, and removal from aerial platforms
• Cut, rope, and rig branches from bucket truck and lift platforms
• Conduct equipment inspections and routine maintenance
• Coordinate with ground crew for safe debris management and rigging

Ground Operations & Safety

• Assist with ground-based tree care activities and debris handling
• Operate chainsaws, pole saws, and hand tools for ground-level cutting
• Support climbers with rigging, rope work, and material handling
• Follow ANSI/OSHA safety protocols and company procedures
• Report safety hazards and equipment issues immediately

Customer Relations & Site Management

• Interact professionally with clients and address concerns
• Maintain clean, organized job sites and professional appearance
• Manage job site organization and thorough cleanup
• Ensure customer satisfaction through quality workmanship

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• 2+ years tree service experience with equipment operation background
• Proficiency operating bucket trucks, aerial lifts, and tree care equipment
• Experience with chainsaws, cutting techniques, and rigging operations
• Valid driver's license with clean driving record
• Ability to work confidently from aerial platforms at heights
• Strong mechanical aptitude and equipment troubleshooting abilities
• Knowledge of tree biology, pruning techniques, and cutting methods
• Excellent hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness for aerial work
• Effective communication and teamwork skills
• Problem‑solving abilities for equipment and operational challenges

Physical Requirements

• Lift 30-50+ pounds regularly and work in aerial platforms
• Comfortable working at heights from bucket trucks and lifts
• Good vision, hearing, and coordination for safe equipment operation
• Stamina for full days of physical outdoor work in various weather
• Excellent balance and depth perception for aerial operations

Preferred

• Crane operation experience
• Basic mechanical repair and maintenance skills
• Bucket truck or aerial lift certification
• Advanced rigging and cutting technique knowledge

Pre-Employment Requirements: This position requires successful completion of pre‑employment screening, including but not limited to: background verification, and motor vehicle record review. Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results of all required screenings. Candidates unable to meet these requirements should not apply.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Schedule: M-F with occasional weekend emergency work Benefits: 401(k) matching, health/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, PTO, professional development

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Outdoor work across residential and commercial sites. Work from ground level and aerial platforms using specialized equipment. Physical demands include equipment operation, cutting, and debris management in various weather conditions.

ABOUT TRI-STATE TREE SERVICE

For 30+ years, Tri-State Tree Service has been excellence in tree care, serving Pensacola, FL. As a TCIA accredited company, we're among less than 1% with this prestigious certification. We invest in cutting‑edge equipment and provide professional growth opportunities.

Job Type: Full-time | Advancement: Crew Leader opportunities available