Tree Service Ground Technician

Drost; Petoskey (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with company match

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

FSA/HSA

PTO (paid time off)

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Mariani Enterprises, LLC is hiring a Ground Technician in Michigan to support arbor care operations, assist aerial crews, and operate arbor equipment. The role involves tree pruning, removals, stump grinding, planting, and rigging, with emphasis on safety and professional job sites.

Expect long hours and physical work; compensation is $20–$24 per hour with company benefits and CDL endorsement preferred or obtainable within one month of employment.

Qualifications

• Must be able to lift, carry, climb uneven terrain and work in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to safely operate arbor care equipment and perform routine maintenance.
• Knowledge of safety policies and ANSI Z133 standards is expected or willing to learn.

Responsibilities

• Support climbers and aerial crew with rope, rigging, and ground operations.
• Assist with pruning, removals, felling, bucking, and brush management.
• Operate and inspect chainsaws, chippers, stump grinders, trailers, and trucks; perform daily safety checks.
• Perform stump grinding and restoration after removals; assist with planting, cabling, and bracing as needed.
• Load, secure, transport, and unload equipment and debris; maintain a clean, organized job site.
• Participate in site setup, traffic control, and safety meetings.

Skills

Teamwork

Safety compliance

Physical fitness

Clear communication

Education

Valid Michigan driver’s license

CDL Class C preferred

Tools

Chainsaws

Wood chippers

Stump grinders

Trailers

Truck operation

Job description

Work With The BestWe are building the premier outdoor living company in the country by creating a “family of family companies” across the nation. Now you can build your landscaping career with the best, working in one of our many company locations nationwide. Learn from the top experts in the field and work on some of the country’s largest and most complex landscape projects. Take advantage of opportunities to share and exchange best practices across our network. The opportunities are endless.Job OverviewThe Ground Technician is responsible for supporting arbor care operations by performing ground-based tree care, small equipment operation, and job site support activities. This position plays a critical role in ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality tree care services by assisting aerial crew members, operating arbor care equipment, maintaining vehicles and tools, and performing tree removal, pruning, planting, and stump grinding activities. The Ground Technician is expected to work safely in accordance with ANSI standards, maintain a professional job site, and continuously develop technical arboriculture skills.Compensation: $20-$24/hourResponsibilities and DutiesSupport climbers and aerial crew members with rope, rigging, and ground operations during tree care projects.Participate in daily job site safety meetings and consistently follow company safety policies and ANSI Z133 standards.Assist with tree pruning, removals, felling, bucking, and brush management.Drag brush, haul wood, and maintain clean, safe, and organized work areas throughout the job.Operate, inspect, and perform routine maintenance on chainsaws, wood chippers, stump grinders, trailers, trucks, and other arbor care equipment.Complete daily inspections of vehicles, trailers, equipment, and safety gear, reporting maintenance or repair needs.Perform stump grinding and restoration following tree removals.Assist with tree planting, cabling, bracing, and rigging operations as assigned.Properly load, secure, transport, and unload equipment, materials, and debris.Assist with job site setup, traffic control, and work zone organization.Support efficient project completion while maintaining high standards of quality, professionalism, and customer service.Communicate effectively with crew members to promote safe and productive operations.Participate in company training and continuously develop arboriculture knowledge and technical skills.Other duties as assigned.Job RequirementsPositive attitude, strong work ethic, and commitment to teamwork.Basic understanding of tree pruning, tree removal, felling, and bucking techniques, or the ability to learn and advance through training.Ability to safely operate and maintain chainsaws, wood chippers, stump grinders, trucks, trailers, and other arbor care equipment.Work long hours and respond to emergency situations, as neededAbility to perform physically demanding work, including lifting, carrying, climbing over uneven terrain, and working in various weather conditions.Strong communication skills and the ability to follow verbal and written instructions.Possess and maintain a valid Michigan Driver’s License. A CDL with class C endorsement or higher preferred or obtained within one month of employment.Career Path (including but not limited to):Advanced Ground Technician - $24-$30/hrAll of above functions and skillsProficiency operating trucks, trailers, and arbor care equipmentBasic tree pruning and felling skills; assist with rigging, cabling, and bracing operationsTake on increased responsibility for jobsite efficiency and safetyAerial Lift Operator/Climber - $30-$34/hrAll of above functions and skillsProficiency operating all aerial lifts including bucket trucks and spider liftsIntermediate pruning and rigging skillsKnowledge of compartmentalization and other concepts related to tree wounding/pruningPerform aerial pruning and tree removal to standardsCabling and bracing of trees with a clear understanding of tree mechanicsCrew Leader - $34-$38/hrAll of above functions and skillsClass A CDL preferred (company-sponsored training available)Advanced expertise in felling, rigging, aerial lift operation and arbor care equipmentDemonstrated productivity, safety record, and development of other team membersProven leadership and communication skillsThe Perks401(k) plan with company matchMedical insuranceDental insuranceVision insuranceFSA/HSAPerkSpotLong-Term Disability and Life InsurancePaid time OffTuition Reimbursement (after one year of service)Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. Employers can only E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.A part of the U.S. Immigration laws protects legally-authorized workers from discrimination based on their citizenship status and national origin. If you have the skills, experience, and legal right to work, your citizenship or immigration status shouldn’t get in the way.Mariani Enterprises, LLC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment with regard to race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service or any other characteristic protected by law.