Tree Service Ground Technician

marianienterprises; Petoskey (MI); On-site; USD 28,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with company match

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

FSA/HSA

Paid time Off

Tuition Reimbursement (after one year)

Job summary

Marian Enterprises in Michigan (Petoskey area) is seeking a Ground Technician to support arbor care operations on outdoor projects. You will assist aerial crew members, operate arbor equipment, and help maintain safe, efficient job sites.

This role requires a positive attitude, physical stamina for long hours, and a valid Michigan driver’s license (CDL preferred). Competitive hourly pay ranges from $20 to $24.

Qualifications

• Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and commitment to teamwork.
• Ability to safely operate and maintain chainsaws, wood chippers, stump grinders, trucks and other arbor care equipment.
• Work long hours and respond to emergency situations, as needed
• Possess and maintain a valid Michigan Driver's License; CDL with class C endorsement preferred or obtained within one month of employment.

Responsibilities

• Support climbers and aerial crew members with rope, rigging, and ground operations during tree care projects.
• Participate in daily job site safety meetings and follow 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.
• Operate, inspect, and perform routine maintenance on arbor care equipment.
• Complete daily inspections of vehicles, trailers, equipment, and safety gear.
• Perform stump grinding and restoration following tree removals.
• Assist with tree planting, cabling, bracing, and rigging operations as assigned.
• 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.

Skills

Arbor equipment operation

Teamwork

Driver's license

Physical stamina

Safety awareness

Tools

Chainsaws

Wood chippers

Stump grinders

Trailers & trucks

Job description

Work With The Best

We 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 Overview

The 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/hour

Responsibilities and Duties

• Support 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 Requirements

• Positive 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 needed
• Ability 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 safety
• Aerial 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 mechanics
• Crew 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 skills

The Perks

• 401(k) plan with company match
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• FSA/HSA
• PerkSpot
• Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance
• Paid time Off
• Tuition 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 n