CDL LOG TRUCK OPERATOR

Alpine Tree Service; Morristown (NJ); On-site; USD 100,289,000 - 128,943,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with 3% company match

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Paid sick time

On-the-job training

Company-paid certifications

Job summary

Alpine Tree Service is seeking an experienced CDL Log Truck Operator to drive and support field crews in New Jersey. The role focuses on safe operation of log trucks, knuckle boom and grapple configurations, and on-site maintenance to keep equipment in top condition.

The ideal candidate has at least 2 years of log truck experience in tree care, strong DOT compliance knowledge, and the ability to work long hours in varying weather. Health, safety, and growth opportunities are offered.

Qualifications

• Class B CDL with a valid and insurable driver's license.
• Minimum 2 years' log truck operator experience in tree care.
• Experience with chainsaw operation.
• Ability to maintain DOT compliance.
• Physical ability to lift 50 lbs and work 8+ hours daily.
• English proficiency.
• Authorized to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Transporting wood products to and from job sites, mills, and the Alpine yard.
• Operating knuckle boom and grapple loader configurations.
• Using chainsaws to cut wood as needed.
• Assisting Tree Crews with operations as needed.
• Daily inspection, maintenance, and care of Alpine's log trucks.
• Maintaining DOT compliance and reporting standards.
• Communicating clearly with crews, the yard, and the office.

Skills

English proficiency

DOT compliance

Safety-focused

Communication

Team coordination

Education

CDL Class B license

Tools

Chainsaw operation

Knuckle boom operation

Grapple loader operation

Job description

CDL Log Truck Operator

Who We Are

Alpine Tree Service is a high-growth, full-service tree care company serving residential and commercial clients across New Jersey. We operate with a focus on safety, professionalism, and execution — following ANSI standards and delivering a premium customer experience. We are building a team of professionals, not just workers.

The Role

The CDL Log Truck Operator runs Alpine's log trucks — including knuckle boom and grapple loader configurations — transporting wood products between job sites, mills, and the yard. This is an experienced operator role that combines safe truck operation with hands‑on field support.

The right operator runs efficiently, safely, and keeps the equipment in shape.

What You'll Do

• Transporting wood products to and from job sites, mills, and the Alpine yard
• Operating knuckle boom and grapple loader configurations
• Using chainsaws to cut wood as needed
• Assisting Tree Crews with operations as needed
• Daily inspection, maintenance, and care of Alpine's log trucks
• Maintaining DOT compliance and reporting standards
• Communicating clearly with crews, the yard, and the office

How We Operate

• Actively Seek Knowledge: You stay sharp on truck operation techniques, DOT requirements, equipment changes, and safe loading practices. The operators who stay sharp on the details are the ones who avoid the costly mistakes.
• Think Ahead to Solve Problems: You plan loads efficiently, anticipate route challenges, and spot maintenance issues before they become breakdowns. A log truck running smoothly is the result of an operator thinking ahead.
• Be Adaptable: Different job sites, different log loads, varying mill and yard schedules. You adjust without losing momentum or compromising safety.
• Loyalty to the Team: When you're not driving, you're supporting the crew on the ground. You communicate clearly with field crews, the yard, and dispatch. The crew counts on you to be where you need to be, when you need to be there.
• Have the Motivation to Be the Best: A clean truck, on-time deliveries, and a professional presence reflect on Alpine every time you're on the road. The best log truck operators take ownership of all of it.

Required Qualifications

• Class B CDL with a valid and insurable driver's license
• Proven work experience as a log truck operator in the tree care industry (minimum 2 years tree care operations experience)
• Experience with chainsaw operation
• Ability to maintain DOT compliance
• Physical ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs and work 8+ hours a day in variable weather conditions
• English proficiency
• Authorized to work in the United States

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating knuckle boom and grapple loader configurations
• Familiarity with NJ mill and disposal sites (such as Castner's Sawmill)
• Additional CDL endorsements

Why Alpine

We're growing — and we're looking for people who want to grow with us. That means real training, real equipment, and a real career path in one of New Jersey's top tree care companies.

• Real Training, High-Tech Equipment: ISA Certified Arborists on staff, ANSI Z133 standards on every job, and the best gear in the industry — including the Tree-MEK, one of the most capable cranes in the region.
• Clear Advancement: Ground crew become climbers. Climbers become operators. Operators become crew leads. We promote from within whenever we can, and we pay for the certifications that get you there.
• Team-First Culture: No passengers, no ego. We hire people who want to be part of something — not people clocking in.

Compensation & Benefits

Pay

• Starting at $35/hour, based on experience and performance.

Every Full-time Alpine Employee Gets:

Health & Wellness

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance

Time Off

• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Paid sick time (in line with NJ policy)

Financial

• Competitive pay based on performance, not just tenure
• 401(k) with 3% company match

Growth & Development

• On-the-job training from day one
• Ongoing professional development
• Company-paid certifications — ISA Arborist and Pesticide Applicator licenses where applicable
• Clear advancement path with internal promotion priority

Equipment & Tools

• Industry-leading equipment, including the Tree-MEK crane
• Full safety equipment provided
• Company phone

Who This Role Is For

This Role Is For Someone Who

• Has real tree care log truck experience and takes pride in operating the equipment well
• Communicates clearly with crews, mills, and the office
• Wants to be part of an operation where the equipment, safety, and execution all matter

This May Not Be The Right Fit If You

• Prefer general trucking work outside the tree care industry
• Aren't comfortable assisting field crews when not behind the wheel
• Don't enjoy the equipment maintenance and care side of the job