Tree-MEK Operator (Crane Operator)

Alpine Tree Service; Morristown (NJ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Paid sick time

401(k) with company match

On-the-job training

Job summary

Alpine Tree Service is seeking an experienced Tree-MEK Operator in New Jersey. You will operate the Tree-MEK knuckle boom crane for technical removals, coordinate with climbers and crew leads, and own daily equipment readiness to ensure safe, compliant work on high-profile projects.

This production role requires attention to detail, strong communication, and a commitment to ANSI Z133 safety standards. You will read work orders, maintain DOT records, and advance with on-the-job training and

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of tree care industry operator experience (real production experience).
• CDL is required.
• Clean driving record (MVR).
• Strong communication skills — field and customer-facing.
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment.
• English proficiency.
• Authorized to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Operating the knuckle boom / Tree-MEK crane for technical tree removals.
• Working in coordination with climbers and crew leads on complex jobs.
• Owning your equipment: inspection, maintenance, and readiness daily.
• Executing jobs safely in alignment with ANSI Z133 standards and Alpine safety protocols.
• Preparing trucks and equipment for the next day.
• Reading and executing work orders via tablet / mobile systems.
• Communicating clearly with crew, sales team, office, and customers.
• Completing job reports accurately and on time.
• Maintaining DOT compliance and reporting standards.
• Identifying problems before they happen and adjusting in real time.

Skills

Crane operation

CDL

Communication skills

English proficiency

Work authorization USA

Tools

Tree-MEK crane

Job description

## Crane Operator# Tree-MEK Operator## Who We AreAlpine Tree Service is a high-growth, full-service tree care company serving residential and commercial clients across New Jersey. We operate with a focus on safety, professionalism, and execution — following ANSI standards and delivering a premium customer experience. We are building a team of professionals, not just workers.## The RoleThe **Tree-MEK Operator** is responsible for safe, efficient operation of Alpine's most powerful piece of equipment — a knuckle boom crane used for technical tree removals. You'll work alongside climbers and crew leads on complex jobs, own daily equipment readiness, and execute every job in alignment with ANSI Z133 standards.This is a production role for an experienced operator.## What You'll DoAs Alpine's Tree-MEK Operator, you'll be responsible for:* Operating the knuckle boom / Tree-MEK crane for technical tree removals* Working in coordination with climbers and crew leads on complex jobs* Owning your equipment: inspection, maintenance, and readiness daily* Executing jobs safely in alignment with ANSI Z133 standards and Alpine safety protocols* Preparing trucks and equipment for the next day* Reading and executing work orders via tablet / mobile systems* Communicating clearly with crew, sales team, office, and customers* Completing job reports accurately and on time* Maintaining DOT compliance and reporting standards* Identifying problems before they happen and adjusting in real time## How We OperateOperating the Tree-MEK at Alpine is a production craft. Here's what that looks like in practice:* ### **Actively Seek Knowledge:** You stay sharp on equipment changes, crane operation techniques, and safety standards. The best operators in this industry are the ones who never stop learning.* ### **Think Ahead to Solve Problems:** You don't wait to be told what's about to go wrong. You spot issues before they hit and adjust in real time. Mistakes on a crane come from poor planning, not bad luck.* ### **Be Adaptable:** No two jobs are the same. Site access changes, tree positions vary, weather shifts. You adjust the setup and keep production moving without compromising safety.* ### **Loyalty to the Team:** You support the climbers and crew leads on every job. No ego. No passengers. You communicate clearly with everyone on site, and you don't take shortcuts that put your crew at risk.* ### **Have the Motivation to Be the Best:** You push to improve your skills, efficiency, and professionalism. The Tree-MEK is the best piece of equipment in our fleet, and we expect the operator to match it.## QualificationsThis role is for an experienced operator who takes ownership of one of the most powerful pieces of equipment in tree care.**Required:*** ### Minimum 3 years of tree care industry operator experience (real production experience)* ### CDL* ### Clean driving record (MVR)* ### Strong communication skills — field and customer-facing* ### Ability to operate in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment* ### English proficiency* ### Authorized to work in the United States**Preferred:*** ### Articulating Boom Crane (ABC) Certification — (or must obtain — Alpine will support and pay for certification)## Why AlpineWe're growing — and we're looking for people who want to grow with us. That means real training, real equipment, and a real career path in one of New Jersey's top tree care companies.* **Real Training, High-Tech Equipment:** ISA Certified Arborists on staff, ANSI Z133 standards on every job, and the best gear in the industry — including the Tree-MEK, one of the most capable cranes in the region.* **Clear Advancement:** Ground crew become climbers. Climbers become operators. Operators become crew leads. We promote from within whenever we can, and we pay for the certifications that get you there.* **Team-First Culture:** No passengers, no ego. We hire people who want to be part of something — not people clocking in.## Compensation & Benefits* ### Pay + Competitive, based on experience and performance.### Every full-time Alpine employee gets:* ### Health & Wellness: + Health insurance + Dental insurance + Vision insurance* ### Time Off: + Paid time off + Paid holidays + Paid sick time (in line with NJ policy)* ### Financial: + Competitive pay based on performance, not just tenure + 401(k) with 3% company match* ### Growth & Development: + On-the-job training from day one + Ongoing professional development + Company-paid certifications — ISA Arborist and Pesticide Applicator licenses where applicable + Clear advancement path with internal promotion priority* ### Equipment & Tools: + Industry-leading equipment, including the Tree-MEK crane + Full safety equipment provided + Company phone## Who This Role Is ForThis role is for someone who:Takes ownership of crew safety and job executionThinks ahead and adjusts in real timeWants to operate one of the most capable cranes in the industry## ApplySubmit your application below. We'll be in touch within 5 business days.