Ground Specialist/ Equipment Operator

Arbor Masters; Shawnee (KS); On-site; USD 34,440 - 41,328; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Plan

Dental Plan

401(k) with Company Match

Paid Time Off

Professional development training

Job summary

A family-owned tree care company in Shawnee, Kansas, seeks a Ground Specialist / Equipment Operator (CDL-A) to operate various equipment and support tree crews. Responsibilities include maintaining equipment, assisting with tree work, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. Candidates should have experience in operating heavy machinery, particularly grapple trucks and skid steers. The company offers comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, retirement plans, and paid holidays.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Valid driver's license with Class A CDL required.
• Minimum 2 years of heavy equipment operating experience.
• Tree field experience is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate equipment such as grapple trucks and skid steers.
• Assist with tree pruning and removals.
• Maintain trucks and equipment daily.
• Provide basic maintenance and troubleshooting on machinery.

Skills

Grapple truck operation

Skid steer operation

Chainsaw operation

Teamwork

Safe work practices

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Grapple trucks

Chainsaws

Skid steers

Chippers

Job description

Ground Specialist / Equipment Operator (CDL-A) Pay range $25 to $30 an hour

Arbor Masters is committed to nurturing a culturally inclusive environment that hires, trains, and promotes regardless of race, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, political beliefs, veteran status, and any other protected class. We will always cultivate an environment that celebrates differences in our teams at all Arbor Masters branches. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive workforce results in better decision‑making, faster and more innovative problem‑solving, and creates a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.

Arbor Masters is a third‑generation, family‑owned tree care company specializing in safe, high‑quality tree service and plant care. As we continue to grow, we are seeking a skilled Groundsman / Equipment Operator (CDL‑A) to join our team and support daily operations in the field.

Position Overview

The Groundsman / Equipment Operator (CDL‑A) plays a vital role in supporting our tree crews by performing ground operations, assisting with tree work, and safely operating equipment including grapple trucks, skid steers, chippers, and more. This position contributes to tree pruning, removals, stump grinding, land clearing, and equipment transport.

Key Responsibilities

• Safely operate and maintain equipment such as:
• Grapple trucks (preferred)
• Skid steers (preferred)
• Chainsaws, whole‑tree chippers, stump grinders
• Cranes, track hoes, front‑end loaders, small loaders
• Assist crewmembers with:
• Tree pruning
• Tree removals
• Rigging and controlling lowering ropes
• Follow all Arbor Masters safety procedures and PPE requirements
• Load, prepare, and secure tools/equipment before departing the shop
• Clean, fuel, and maintain trucks and equipment daily
• Participate in job briefings, work zone setup, and safety meetings
• Communicate with homeowners as needed regarding work to be performed
• Provide basic maintenance and troubleshooting on machinery
• Perform labor‑intensive outdoor work in various weather conditions
• Navigate uneven terrain, walk, stand, bend, crouch, and lift heavy materials as necessary

Minimum Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Valid driver's license with Class A CDL required
• Preferably 1+ year of grapple truck and/or skid steer experience
• Tree field experience strongly preferred (chainsaw operation, ground operations, rigging basics)
• Minimum 2 years of heavy equipment operating experience
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Strong teamwork ethic and positive attitude
• Ability to follow direction and maintain a safe work environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Tree care or forestry industry background
• Chainsaw certification or formal training
• Experience running skid steers, mini skid steers or grapple trucks

Benefits

• Medical Plan effective 60 days following start date
• Dental Plan
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) (50% Company Match up to 4%/2%)
• Short Term Disability
• Long Term Disability (100% Company Paid)
• $25k AD&D Insurance (100% Company Paid)
• Employee Assistance Program (100% Company Paid)
• Six (6) Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off (vacation, sick, bereavement)
• Professional certification and registration renewals
• Professional development training

Our core purpose is to love people and pursue excellence in the tree care industry. If this resonates with you, please apply here! www.arbormasters.com