CDL Grapple Truck Driver Tree Service

Tri-State Tree Service; Pensacola (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Health/dental/vision insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Tri-State Tree Service is seeking a CDL Class A Grapple Truck Driver in the Pensacola area. This role blends heavy equipment operation with physical debris removal, requiring climbing, lifting, and active outdoor work.

You’ll back up our tree crews, perform load-and-go debris collection, and ensure site cleanliness after each job. Responsibilities include equipment inspections, safe operation near homes and utilities, and professional interaction with customers.

Qualifications

• CDL Class A license with clean driving record.
• Ability to meet DOT physical and medical requirements.
• Strong physical fitness for demanding outdoor work in all weather.
• Mechanical aptitude for equipment operation and basic maintenance.
• Excellent spatial awareness for maneuvering equipment in tight spaces.
• Self-motivated with strong work ethic and ability to work independently.
• Physical capability to climb ladders, lift heavy debris, work extended periods.
• Good communication skills for coordinating with crews and customers.
• Attention to detail for thorough site restoration.

Responsibilities

• Operate grapple trucks to collect and load tree debris from completed job sites.
• Drive bobcat and dump truck combinations when grapple access is limited.
• Conduct daily vehicle inspections and maintain equipment in good condition.
• Navigate tight residential areas and position equipment for efficient cleanup.
• Climb ladders to operate grapple controls from elevated positions.
• Use blowers and rakes for detailed cleanup of small limbs and debris.
• Manually handle brush and materials; load as needed.
• Perform thorough site cleanup to meet company quality standards.
• Follow behind tree crews to collect debris and restore job sites.
• Interact professionally with customers and collect payments when required.
• Ensure complete cleanup before leaving each location.
• Maintain organized, professional appearance of work areas.
• Follow all DOT regulations and company safety protocols.
• Report mechanical issues and perform routine maintenance.
• Be aware of overhead hazards and utility lines.

Skills

CDL Class A license

Clean driving record

DOT physical & medical

Strong physical fitness

Mechanical aptitude

Spatial awareness

Self-motivated, independent

Climb ladders & manual labor

Communication with crews & customers

Attention to detail

Job description

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

The CDL Grapple Truck Driver at Tri-State Tree Service operates specialized debris removal equipment following our tree crews. This hands-on position combines commercial driving with physical labor, operating grapple trucks to collect tree debris and maintaining clean job sites. You'll work independently, requiring strong work ethic and physical capability. This is NOT a "sit and drive" position - expect active work including climbing, lifting, and manual cleanup.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Equipment Operation

• Operate grapple trucks to collect and load tree debris from completed job sites
• Drive bobcat and dump truck combinations when grapple truck access is limited
• Conduct daily vehicle inspections and maintain equipment in excellent condition
• Navigate tight residential areas and position equipment for efficient cleanup

Physical Debris Removal

• Climb ladder to operate grapple controls from elevated position
• Use blowers and rakes for detailed cleanup of small limbs and debris
• Manually handle brush and materials that require hand-loading
• Perform thorough site cleanup to meet company quality standards

Site Management

• Follow behind tree crews to collect debris and restore job sites
• Interact professionally with customers and collect payments when required
• Ensure complete cleanup before leaving each location
• Maintain organized, professional appearance of work areas

Safety & Maintenance

• Follow all DOT regulations and company safety protocols
• Perform routine equipment maintenance and report mechanical issues
• Maintain awareness of overhead hazards and utility lines

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• CDL Class A license with clean driving record
• Ability to meet DOT physical and medical requirements
• Strong physical fitness for demanding outdoor work in all weather
• Mechanical aptitude for equipment operation and basic maintenance
• Excellent spatial awareness for maneuvering equipment in tight spaces
• Self-motivated with strong work ethic and ability to work independently
• Physical capability to climb ladders, lift heavy debris, work extended periods
• Good communication skills for coordinating with crews and customers
• Attention to detail for thorough site restoration

Physical Requirements

• Ability to climb equipment ladders and operate controls from height
• Strength to manually handle brush, limbs, and debris
• Stamina for full days of physical outdoor work
• Good vision and hearing for safe equipment operation

Training Provided

• Grapple truck operation training for qualified CDL holders
• Equipment-specific safety and maintenance procedures

Pre-Employment Requirements:

This position requires successful completion of pre-employment screening, including but not limited to: drug/alcohol testing, 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

Benefits: 401(k) matching, health/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, PTO

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Independent work following tree crews throughout Pensacola area. Outdoor work in all weather conditions with specialized equipment. Residential and commercial sites with varying access challenges.

ABOUT TRI-STATE TREE SERVICE

Join our TCIA-accredited team with 30+ years of excellence in tree care. We're committed to safety, quality, and professional growth while serving Pensacola, FL with industry-leading standards.

Job Type: Full-time | Physical Demands: High

*All offers of employment are conditional pending satisfactory completion of required pre-employment screenings in accordance with company policy and applicable law.