Tree Crew Operator

University of Georgia; Athens, Northern (GA, KY); Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Georgia in Athens is seeking a Tree Crew Operator to join the Grounds Maintenance team. The role focuses on safe operation of tree care equipment, maintenance of campus trees, and assisting with pruning and removal tasks.

The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent and 2 years of related experience, with duties that may include working in varied weather and lifting heavy loads. Standard schedule is Monday–Friday, 6am–2:30pm.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of grounds maintenance practices.
• Ability to operate equipment including manual transmission tractors, skid steers, dump trucks, and chainsaws.

Responsibilities

• Operate chainsaws and equipment for tree work on campus.
• Assist Grounds Department tree surgeons on tree work.
• Respond to after-hours emergencies and storm-related issues.
• Applications of fertilizers and pesticides related to tree maintenance.
• Drive dump trucks to haul debris and support campus cleanup.

Skills

Grounds maintenance

Operate equipment

Education

High school diploma or equivalent; 2 years related experience

Job description

Tree Crew Operator

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.

Posting Details

Posting Number S15730P Working Title Tree Crew Operator Department FMD-Grounds-Maintenance About the University of Georgia Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/) . The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine. About the College/Unit/Department College/Unit/Department website Posting Type External Retirement Plan TRS Employment Type Employee Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible Full/Part time Full Time Work Schedule Additional Schedule Information M-F 6am – 2:30pm Advertised Salary 40,000 Posting Date 09/10/2026 Open until filled Yes Closing Date Proposed Starting Date 10/12/2026 Special Instructions to Applicants Location of Vacancy Athens Area

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]).

USG Core Values Statement The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Position Information Classification Title Groundskeeper II FLSA Non-Exempt FTE 1.00 Minimum Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent and 2 years of related experience Preferred Qualifications Position Summary This is a manual labor position on a tree crew that will involve safe operation of equipment used in tree care/maintenance to include but not limited to, mini skid steer, skid steers, manual transmission tractors, dump trucks, bucket trucks and chainsaws. This position will operate both CDL and non- CDL equipment. This position will assist with the maintenance, care, pruning, removal and cleanup of trees on campus. May work in any aspect of grounds maintenance or horticulture as deemed necessary to meet departmental goals. This employee will report directly to the Urban Forester.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Knowledge of grounds maintenance
• Ability to operate equipment including but not limited to manual transmission tractor, skid steer, mini skid steer, chipper, chainsaws, and dump trucks

Physical Demands

• Work a manual laboring job for an 8 hour shift/ 5 days a week.
• Work in adverse weather conditions (cold, heat, rain)
• Lift 75lbs frequently throughout the day
• Stand, stoop, bend, lift, squat and work with hands above head
• Work from a standard and extended ladder
• Ability to control lowering ropes for tree climbers and bucket truck workers
• Work from heights

Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes Is this a Position of Trust? Yes Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No Does this position require a P-Card? No Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) Yes

Credit and P-Card policy Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Operate chainsaws and equipment associated with tree work performed on campus.
• Work with and assist Grounds Department tree surgeons on tree work needing to be completed.
• Assist with any aspect of tree work deem necessary to complete needed tree work on campus.
• Respond to after hour tree emergencies and storm related issues.
• Applications of fertilizers and pesticides associated to tree maintenance.
• Drive dump trucks to pick up debris and dump the debris in another location.

Percentage of time 70

Duties/Responsibilities

• Assist with scouting campus for issues of tree health, clearance and safety.

Percentage of time 10

Duties/Responsibilities

• Assist with work orders requesting tree work around campus.

Percentage of time 10

Duties/Responsibilities

• Emergency response for trees or inclement weather.

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact Contact Details For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name Shelly M Prescott

Recruitment Contact Email [e-mail]

Recruitment Contact Phone [phone]

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents