Equipment Operator

Distinctive Tree Care; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

PTO & holidays

Medical/dental/vision

Employer-paid life insurance

401k matching

Boot allowance

CDL bonus

Company vehicle

Overtime potential

Job summary

Distinctive Tree Care LLC is seeking an Equipment Operator to run heavy machinery including excavators, skid steers, cranes, and loaders to support tree removal, stump grinding, land clearing, and related tasks.

You will perform pre‑op inspections, follow safety and environmental guidelines, assist ground crews, and perform light maintenance while traveling to diverse outdoor job sites. CDL preferred but not required, strong teamwork and safety focus are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience operating heavy equipment in tree service or land clearing environments.
• Ability to read job-site plans and communicate effectively with team members.
• Strong safety focus and adherence to environmental guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Operate excavators, skid steers, cranes, and loaders to support tree removal and land clearing.
• Conduct pre-operation inspections and report mechanical issues.
• Follow all safety regulations and company policies to prevent accidents.
• Coordinate with ground crews and foremen to execute job plans efficiently.
• Perform routine maintenance and basic repairs on equipment.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Safety awareness

Team communication

Mechanical aptitude

Outdoor work

Education

Heavy equipment certification

CDL preferred

Job description

Distinctive Tree Care LLC has been providing the highest‑quality tree care and arboricultural services in Connecticut and Massachusetts since March 2004. Our passion for trees and our commitment to treating our customers the right way has helped the company grow from the ground up. We have expanded to provide services in multiple states, but the root of our company remains the same, treating each job as the most important one we will complete.

We Offer:

• Weekly Pay
• Competitive pay based on experience
• Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Disability Benefits
• Employer Paid Life Insurance
• 401k + employer match up to 4%
• Boot allowance on qualifying purchases
• CDL Bonus
• Company Vehicle / Fuel Card
• Overtime Potential

Equipment Operator Summary:

As a Equipment Operator, you will be responsible for operating heavy machinery including as sennebogens, albachs, payloaders, excavators, skid steers, chippers, and other various equipment, to assist with tree removal, stump grinding, land clearing, and other tree-related tasks. You will be responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient use of equipment while maintaining high standards of worksite safety and environmental protection. Experience in equipment operation, maintenance, and adherence to safety protocols is essential.

Responsibilities:

• Operate equipment such as excavators, skid steers, cranes, and loaders to support tree removal, stump grinding, land clearing, and other arborist operations.
• Safely maneuver machinery in tight and challenging environments, ensuring minimal disruption to surrounding areas.
• Assist tree crews with lifting, hauling, and positioning heavy logs, stumps, and debris.
• Conduct pre-operation inspections to ensure equipment is in safe working condition and report any mechanical issues.
• Follow all safety regulations, company policies, and environmental guidelines to prevent accidents and property damage.
• Work closely with ground crews, climbers, and foremen to execute job plans efficiently.
• Perform routine maintenance and basic repairs on equipment as needed.
• Adhere to proper rigging and hoisting techniques when assisting in tree removal operations.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, ensuring tools and equipment are properly stored.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 2 years' experience required, with proven expertise in operating heavy equipment, ideally in tree service, forestry, or land clearing, and specific experience with skid steers.
• Knowledge of safety protocols and best practices for operating machinery in hazardous environments.
• Ability to read and understand job site plans and communicate effectively with team members.
• Strong mechanical aptitude for troubleshooting minor equipment issues.
• Physical ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and lift/move heavy materials as needed.
• Valid driver’s license (CDL preferred but not required).
• Certification in heavy equipment operation is a plus.
• Must be flexible and available to travel as needed
• Outdoor job sites in various weather conditions.
• Physically demanding work requires lifting, bending, and climbing in some instances.
• Exposure to heavy machinery, loud noises, and potential hazards.