Equipment Operator

Arizona International; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits

Job summary

The University of Arizona is seeking an Equipment Operator to support Arbor Care and campus grounds maintenance. You will operate a CDL‑required medium‑duty boom truck, wood chippers, and related equipment to trim trees, load debris, and assist with site cleanup and banners installation across campus.

Applicants should have a strong safety mindset and the ability to work outdoors in varied conditions. A valid AZ CDL with air brake endorsement is required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency is required.
• Valid driver's license and ability to drive according to safety policy.
• Valid Arizona CDL with air brake endorsement.

Responsibilities

• Operate CDL-required medium-duty truck to transport personnel and materials following safety procedures.
• Safely tow and maneuver trailers, wood chippers, and related equipment for tree maintenance.
• Operate and maintain wood chippers, chainsaws, pole saws, and related gear.
• Load/unload equipment and debris, and assist with site cleanup and banner installation.

Skills

CDL operation

Grounds maintenance

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Wood chippers

Chainsaws

Pole saws

Boom trucks

Job description

Equipment Operator

Posting Number: req27218

Department: Facilities Mgmt-Operation Svcs

Department Website Link: FM Services

Location: Tucson Campus

Address: Tucson, AZ USA

The Equipment Operator position is in the Arbor Care Department. The successful candidate will operate CDL-required, medium-duty boom trucks, wood chippers, and other specialized equipment in support of campus tree care and maintenance operations. The incumbent performs ground-based tree trimming, assists with loading and processing tree debris through wood chippers, and conducts general cleanup of work sites. Responsibilities also include the installation and maintenance of campus banners and support overall grounds and tree maintenance activities.

The Equipment Operator works regularly in challenging outdoor environments, including extreme summer temperatures, dusty conditions, high noise levels, vibration, and exposure to moving mechanical equipment. The Equipment Operator requires a strong commitment to safety, situational awareness, and adherence to established procedures when operating and working around equipment with potentially hazardous moving parts.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs.

• Operates and drives a CDL-required medium-duty truck to transport personnel, equipment, tree debris, and materials to and from work sites while following applicable safety procedures, departmental guidelines, and equipment operating standards.
• Safely tows and maneuvers trailers, wood chippers, and related equipment as required for tree maintenance operations.
• Operates, inspects, and performs routine maintenance on wood chippers, chainsaws, pole saws, and other tree care equipment including checking oil, grease points, air filters, and general equipment cleanup.
• Loads, unloads, and transports equipment, tools, and materials to and from work sites.
• Loads limbs, brush, logs, and other debris into wood chippers and assists with debris removal and site cleanup.
• Trims and prunes trees, shrubs, and vegetation from the ground using hand and power tools including chainsaws, pole chainsaws, hand pruners, pole saws, loppers, and hand saws in accordance with established procedures.
• Performs general tree care activities, including removing and installing tree stakes and tie wire.
• Installs and removes banners, flags, and related display materials throughout campus locations utilizing an 8-foot ladder and a 30-foot bucket truck basket.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of basic tree care, pruning, and urban forestry practices.
• Knowledge of the safe operation of wood chippers, chainsaws, and landscaping equipment.
• Knowledge of proper tree staking, guying, and tree establishment practices.
• Skilled in operating hand and power tools used in grounds and tree maintenance.
• Skilled in safely handling and processing tree debris and vegetation.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to bend and pick up branches and lift, carry, and move 20 lbs. repeatedly.
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in hot and varying weather conditions and in environments with elevated noise, dust, and other outdoor elements.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• High school diploma or high school diploma equivalency is required.
• Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.
• Must have a valid state of Arizona CDL with air brake endorsement.

• Experience supporting arborist or tree maintenance crews.
• Experience operating wood chippers, chainsaws, or other tree care equipment.
• Experience working around boom trucks, aerial lift operations, or tree removal activities.
• Experience with tree staking, guying, and tree establishment practices.

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Full Time

40

1.0

Fiscal

Facilities, Grounds and Infrastructure

Yes - Full Benefits

$18.15-$22.69

hourly rate

4

The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.

OC1

Skilled Crafts & Trades

Facil, Grounds, & Infra

Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

1

11/23/2026

[e-mail]

10/1/2026

Yes

Resume

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at [e-mail].