Arborist Heavy Equipment Operator — On-Call & CDL

The City of Elkhart; Elkhart (IN); On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Elkhart is seeking an Arborist-focused Heavy Equipment Operator II to assist in planting, pruning and maintaining trees and related vegetation in public spaces. The role requires operating a range of forestry equipment and working under the supervision of the City Forester or department head.

Applicants should have 3–5 years in arboriculture or heavy equipment operations, a valid CDL, and familiarity with urban tree care practices.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Minimum 3–5 years in arboriculture or heavy equipment operation.
• Commercial Driver’s License.
• ISA Arborist Certification preferred.
• Experience with high voltage electrical power lines preferred.

Responsibilities

• May supervise at work site.
• Operates forestry equipment including aerial lift, front-end loader, wood chipper, stump grinder, chain saws and related tools.
• Removes and trims trees and vegetation within the right-of-way.
• Uses ropes and rigging equipment to remove and trim trees.
• Transplants trees, shrubs and other plant material.
• Operates equipment to maintain and transplant trees from City tree nursery.
• Directs traffic at job site.
• Loads dump trucks with logs, limbs, wood chips, mulch and debris at job site.
• Must be available 24 hours a day 7 days a week to remove fallen trees and limbs in emergencies.
• May be assigned to plow snow.
• Maintain equipment and tools.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Arboriculture experience

Tree identification

Equipment operation safety

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma / GED

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

ISA Arborist Certification preferred

Job description

The City of Elkhart is seeking an Arborist-focused Heavy Equipment Operator II to assist in planting, pruning and maintaining trees and related vegetation in public spaces. The role requires operating a range of forestry equipment and working under the supervision of the City Forester or department head.

Applicants should have 3–5 years in arboriculture or heavy equipment operations, a valid CDL, and familiarity with urban tree care practices.