Equipment Operator

University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Tuition reduction for employee/family

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix seeks an Equipment Operator to support Arbor Care with CDL-required, medium-duty trucks, wood chippers, and related equipment. You will perform ground-based tree trimming, debris processing, and campus banner installation, contributing to campus grounds and tree maintenance.

The role involves outdoor work in hot conditions, exposure to noise and dust, and a strong safety focus. Open to full-time employment with benefits.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

Responsibilities

• Operate CDL-required medium-duty truck to transport personnel, equipment and debris following safety procedures.
• Tow and maneuver trailers and wood chippers for tree maintenance operations.
• Operate and maintain wood chippers, chainsaws, pole saws and related equipment.
• Load/unload equipment and debris, and assist with site cleanup.
• Trim and prune trees from ground using appropriate hand/power tools.

Skills

Basic tree care

Wood chipper operation

Chainsaw operation

Safety & awareness

Grounds maintenance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Arizona CDL with air brake endorsement

Tools

Wood chippers

Chainsaws

Pole saw

Boom truck

Job description

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!

Duties & Responsibilities

• 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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/Part Time

Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week

40

Job FTE

1.0

Work Calendar

Fiscal

Job Category

Facilities, Grounds and Infrastructure

Benefits Eligible

Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay

$18.15-$22.69

Compensation Type

hourly rate

Grade

4

Compensation Guidance

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 .

Career Stream and Level

OC1

Job Family

Skilled Crafts & Trades

Job Function

Fac, Grounds, & Infra

Type of criminal background check required:

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

Number of Vacancies

1

Target Hire Date

11/23/2026

Contact Information for Candidates

[e-mail]

Open Date

10/1/2026

Open Until Filled

Yes

Documents Needed to Apply

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].