Equipment Operator

Lewis Services | 100% Employee-Owned; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on Bonus

ESOP

Paid training

Health, dental, vision

401(k)+

Paid time off

Job summary

Lewis Tree Service in Durham, NC seeks an Equipment Operator to operate heavy equipment, perform safety checks, and support maintenance and site prep. Travel frequently, adhere to policy, and promote safety for crew and the public.

Responsibilities include operating chainsaws and other equipment after proficiency, loading/unloading, and following herbicide application rules. Lewis offers ESOP, paid training, and competitive compensation.

Qualifications

• Experience operating heavy equipment; drive and travel as needed.
• Valid CDL and medical certification.
• Herbicide applicator certification required/licensed.
• CPR and First Aid training provided by Lewis.
• Valid driver’s license and adherence to safety rules.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment per policy and manufacturer guidelines.
• Safeguard equipment and perform maintenance/inspection.
• Identify and mark hazards in the work area.
• Promote safety for colleagues and the public.
• Load/unload trucks and machinery.
• Hike difficult terrain while carrying tools and equipment.
• Travel frequently, including overnight stays.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

CDL

Herbicide applicator certification

CPR/First Aid

Driver's license

Tools

Aerial lift trucks

Dump trucks

ATVs

Chainsaws

Pole saws

Chipper

Job description

About Lewis

At Lewis, we’re not just trimming trees — we’re building a future. As the second‑largest utility vegetation management company in North America and a proud employee‑owned business, we believe every person on our team matters. When you join Lewis, you’re not just taking a job — you’re investing in your future.

Why You’ll Love It Here

• Experience the great outdoors while working in nature, not stuck behind a desk.
• Elevate your career with us — we prioritize training and internal promotions.
• Join a vibrant team that champions safety, values your feedback, and fosters a strong sense of camaraderie.
• Shape your future with us through our fantastic Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment per Lewis policy and manufacturer guidelines.
• Safeguard equipment and ensure proper maintenance and inspection.
• Identify and mark hazards in the work area.
• Promote safety for colleagues and the public.
• Maintain tools, equipment, and work vehicles.
• Report equipment issues and incidents immediately.
• Support customer and public relations.
• Drive and operate trucks and other assigned equipment.
• Participate in job briefings and site preparation.
• Remove vegetation and debris (e.g., lifting logs, dragging brush).
• Operate chainsaws and similar equipment after demonstrating proficiency.
• Load/unload trucks and machinery.
• Hike difficult terrain while carrying tools and equipment.
• Apply herbicide in compliance with regulations.
• Set up traffic control zones and direct traffic.
• Travel frequently, including overnight stays.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Understanding of policies and procedures for Equipment Operators.
• Relevant licenses/certifications to operate heavy equipment.
• General knowledge of trees and arboriculture techniques (if involved in tree work).
• Completion of Equipment Operator Technical Knowledge Certification.
• Basic knowledge of electrical circuits and ability to read circuit maps.
• Herbicide applicator certification and licensing.
• Valid driver’s license, CDL, and medical certification (as required).
• CPR and First Aid certification (provided by Lewis).
• Compliance with all applicable laws.

Physical Demands

• Lift up to 50 lbs. to shoulder height.
• Push or pull a minimum of 50 lbs.
• Walk or hike up to one mile on uneven terrain.
• Climb onto and off of equipment.
• Endure extreme climate conditions.
• Hear, speak, see, and communicate effectively.
• Operate two‑handed tools and equipment.

Environmental Conditions

• Continuous: Outdoor work, operate equipment, manipulate/grasp, repetitive movements.
• Frequent: Temperature extremes, sitting.
• Occasional: Noise levels, lifting/carrying, pushing/pulling, driving, climbing, stooping/kneeling, reaching, walking, standing.
• Rare: Hazardous materials, air quality issues.
• Never: Tree ascending/descending, confined spaces.

Tools & Equipment

• Aerial lift trucks, dump trucks, ATVs.
• Chainsaws, pole saws, handsaws, chipper.
• Blowers, pruners, rakes, winches, ropes.
• Herbicide applicators, fuel, cones, signs.
• Communication devices, tablet computers.
• Manual and hydraulic tools.

Benefits

• Competitive pay.
• Sign‑on Bonus.
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
• Paid training and certifications.
• Health, dental, vision & HSA options.
• 401(k)+.
• Paid time off and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

EEO Statement

Lewis Tree Service is an equal employment opportunity employer committed to providing equal opportunity for both applicants and employees. Lewis Tree Service prohibits unlawful discrimination or harassment of employees and applicants based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age (40+), religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic, all employment decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training, apprenticeship, promotion, demotion, transfer, lay‑off and termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment. Lewis Tree Service’s practices and policies are administered under applicable federal, state, and local laws.