Arborist & Heavy Equipment Operator II

City of Elkhart; Elkhart (IN); On-site; USD 36,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Elkhart is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator II - Arborist to join the Buildings & Grounds department in Elkhart, Indiana. The role involves operating forestry equipment, tree removal and planting, and related duties to support urban forestry efforts.

The ideal candidate has 3–5 years in arboriculture or heavy equipment operations, valid CDL, and familiarity with pruning techniques. Certification from ISA is preferred; position requires the ability to work at heights and in varying

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED or equivalent.
• Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in arboriculture or heavy equipment operations.
• Knowledge of pruning and felling techniques for urban forestry.
• Ability to identify common trees and shrubs for inventory.
• CDL required; ISA Arborist certification preferred.
• Experience with power lines is a plus.

Responsibilities

• May supervise at work site.
• Operates forestry equipment including aerial lift, loader, chipper, stump grinder, chainsaws, pruners, and related tools.
• Removes and trims trees and vegetation within right-of-way.
• Uses ropes and rigging for tree removal and trimming.
• Transplants trees, shrubs, and other plant material.
• Maintains and transplants trees from City nursery equipment.
• Directs traffic at job site.
• Loads dump trucks with logs, limbs, wood chips, mulch, and debris.
• Available 24/7 for emergency tree/limb removal.

Skills

Tree identification

Safety awareness

Communication skills

Site leadership

Mathematical ability

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or GED

CDL - Commercial Driver's License

ISA Arborist Certification (preferred)

Tools

Aerial lift

Front-end loader

Wood chipper

Stump grinder

Chain saws

Pole pruners

Pruners

Job description

City of Elkhart is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator II - Arborist to join the Buildings & Grounds department in Elkhart, Indiana. The role involves operating forestry equipment, tree removal and planting, and related duties to support urban forestry efforts.

The ideal candidate has 3–5 years in arboriculture or heavy equipment operations, valid CDL, and familiarity with pruning techniques. Certification from ISA is preferred; position requires the ability to work at heights and in varying