Urban Forestry Equipment Operator & Arborist

City of Elkhart, Indiana; Elkhart (IN); On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Elkhart seeks a Heavy Equipment Operator II - Arborist to assist in arboricultural tree care, planting and maintenance. The role requires operating diverse forestry equipment, removing trees, and supporting city tree management programs.

Must have a high school diploma or GED, 3–5 years in arboriculture or heavy equipment, and a CDL per Indiana BMV. ISA Arborist certification is preferred for advancement.

Qualifications

• High school education or GED equivalent.
• 3–5 years arboriculture or heavy equipment experience.
• CDL per Indiana BMV; ISA Arborist certification preferred.
• Ability to identify common trees/shrubs for inventory/work orders.
• Knowledge of pruning/felling techniques for urban forestry.

Responsibilities

• Supervise at work site as needed.
• Operate forestry equipment (aerial lift, loader, chipper, stump grinder, saws, pruners).
• Remove/trim trees and vegetation within rights-of-way.
• Use ropes/rigging to remove/trim trees safely.
• Transplant trees/shrubs from city nursery; transplanting equipment operation.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Safety awareness

Leadership

Education

High school diploma or GED

Commercial Driver’s License

ISA Arborist Certification preferred

Tools

Aerial lift

Front-end loader

Wood chipper

Stump grinder

Chainsaw

Pruners

Job description

City of Elkhart seeks a Heavy Equipment Operator II - Arborist to assist in arboricultural tree care, planting and maintenance. The role requires operating diverse forestry equipment, removing trees, and supporting city tree management programs.

Must have a high school diploma or GED, 3–5 years in arboriculture or heavy equipment, and a CDL per Indiana BMV. ISA Arborist certification is preferred for advancement.