CDL Equipment Operator

Gray's Roofing Company; Birmingham (AL); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

PTO & holidays

OT opportunities

Disability insurance

Life & AD&D insurance

401(k) match

Health/dental/vision

HSA/FSA

Commuter benefits

Legal assistance

Training & licensing

Career progression

Team environment

Heavy equipment training

Company gear

Job summary

Gray’s Tree Service is seeking a CDL Equipment Operator to join our outdoor-focused team in Central Alabama. You will safely drive and operate grapple trucks, knuckle booms, cranes, and other heavy equipment between sites while supporting tree care crews.

This role requires a valid CDL and comfort with manual transmissions, plus a strong safety mindset. We offer training, career advancement, and a team-oriented environment with storm cleanup and weekend opportunities.

Qualifications

• CDL licensure with air brake endorsement.
• Experience operating commercial trucks or heavy equipment.
• Ability to operate manual-transmission vehicles.
• Background in tree care, landscaping, construction, or outdoor equipment is a plus.
• Willing to load/unload and assist with material handling.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate CDL vehicles and equipment between job sites.
• Assist with loading, unloading logs and materials.
• Support ground crews with ropes, tools, and equipment.
• Operate chippers, stump grinders, skid steers, knuckle booms as trained.
• Perform basic inspections and maintenance.
• Follow safety procedures and ANSI standards.
• Collaborate with crews to ensure safe operations.
• Assist with traffic control as needed.
• Maintain a clean, organized site.
• Work outdoors in varying weather, sometimes weekends.
• Participate in storm cleanup and emergency response.
• Engage in company-provided training.

Skills

CDL Class A/B

Air brake endorsement

Heavy equipment operation

Manual transmission operation

Outdoor work

Teamwork

Safety conscious

Tools

Grapple trucks

Knuckle booms

Cranes

Dump trucks

Job description

Gray’s Tree Service, a trusted leader in professional tree care for over 25 years, is seeking a skilled CDL Equipment Operator to join our dedicated team. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated CDL professional who enjoys working outdoors, operating a variety of heavy equipment, and supporting tree care operations. At Gray’s, employees benefit from a supportive, team-oriented environment, ongoing training, and opportunities for career advancement. Join a company that values safety, reliability, and professional growth while serving communities throughout Central Alabama and the southeastern United States.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate CDL vehicles and equipment, including manual-transmission trucks, grapple trucks, cranes, and other commercial vehicles between job sites
• Assist with the loading, unloading, and transportation of logs, branches, wood waste, and related materials
• Support tree care crews with ground operations, debris handling, ropes, tools, and equipment
• Operate specialized tree-care equipment such as chippers, stump grinders, skid steers, and knuckle booms as trained
• Perform routine inspections and basic maintenance of assigned trucks and equipment, reporting any issues promptly
• Follow all company safety procedures and applicable ANSI tree care safety standards
• Work collaboratively with climbers, ground crew members, foremen, and other equipment operators to ensure safe and efficient operations
• Assist with traffic and pedestrian control as needed
• Maintain a clean, organized, and professional job site
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Participate in storm cleanup, emergency response, and occasional weekend work as required
• Engage in company-provided training to develop additional equipment and operational skills

Qualifications

• Valid Class A or Class B CDL
• Air brake endorsement
• Experience operating commercial trucks and/or heavy equipment preferred
• Experience with grapple trucks, knuckle booms, cranes, dump trucks, or similar equipment is highly preferred
• Ability to operate manual-transmission equipment
• Background in tree care, landscaping, construction, waste management, or similar outdoor equipment operation is a plus
• Ability and willingness to assist with loading and unloading trucks and materials
• Physically able to perform demanding work outdoors in various weather conditions
• Reliable transportation to and from job sites
• Strong safety awareness and commitment to following established procedures
• Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Availability to work Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM, with every other Saturday as needed
• Willingness to learn new equipment and pursue additional training or licensing

Benefits

• Competitive pay with opportunities for 40+ hours per week
• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays
• Overtime opportunities during storm cleanup and peak seasons
• Employer-paid long-term and short-term disability insurance
• Employer-paid basic life & AD&D insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with up to 4% company match
• Flexible health, dental, and vision insurance options through Cigna
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contribution or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options
• Pre-tax commuter benefits
• Legal assistance plan
• Supplemental insurance options, including critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity coverage
• Company gear and swag
• Employer-funded training and licensing opportunities
• Career progression and leadership opportunities
• Team-oriented work environment
• Opportunity to learn and operate cranes, grapple trucks, and other heavy machinery
• Stable, long-term employment with an established company